Firefighter

Department: Fire Department

Position: Firefighter                                      

FLSA Status: Special 7(k) Work Periods

Job Summary:

Protects citizens during emergencies by extinguishing fires; fire prevention; executing rescues; mitigating chemical spills; responding to medical emergencies; maintain fire hydrants; and general daily maintenance around the fire station.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties of a full-time firefighter are to help protect the public in emergency situations. They respond to a wide variety of calls, such as house fires, vehicle fires, car crashes, chemical spills, flooding, water rescues and general rescue situations. With all firefighters being trained as first responders they will provide first aid until the arrival of ambulance personnel. In addition to attending emergency call outs and rescuing people and animals from life-threatening situations, the job entails:

• Using sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Promoting fire safety via talks, advice and training sessions.
• Inspecting and enforcing safety standards in commercial and residential properties.
• Demonstrating the use of firefighting equipment.
• Performing practice drills.
• Working with police and ambulance service personnel.
• Undertaking physical and academic training.
• Checking and maintaining vehicles, equipment, hydrants and water supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of Mexico Beach Fire Rescue.
• Knowledge of CPR and First Aid procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and uses of modern firefighting
• apparatus and equipment including.
• Ability to get along with co-workers.
• Ability to conduct and participate in all phases of firefighting operations.
• Ability to show proficiency in all phases of operations as outlined in NFPA 1001
• and NFPA 1002.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to fill out reports and keep accurate records of daily activities.
• Ability to plan and conduct routine work assignments and carry out orders without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities including successful completion of yearly medical evaluation.

Education and/or Training:

• High school education or equivalency
• Florida Firefighter II Certification
• First Responder or EMT Certification
• EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course)
• CPR and AED card

Community Relations Functions:

• Fire station tours and open houses.
• Blood pressure checks at fire department facilities, health fairs, and other events.
• Child safety seat inspections (automobiles).
• A full range of Fire Prevention Week activities.
• Active EMS Week activities.
• Public education efforts that include targeting specific high-risk groups.
• Explorer or cadet opportunities for youths.

Work Environment:

Firefighters often work in IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) environments and wear protective equipment such as, firefighter turnout out gear and SCBA’s (self-contained breathing apparatus).

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift and carry 150 lbs.
• Ability to bend, kneel and stoop.
• Ability to work in confined and elevated spaces.

Tools and Equipment:

• Ability to operate and drive fire apparatus.
• Ability to operate hydraulic rescue equipment.
• Ability to operate chain saws, rescue saws, axes, and hose lines of up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Ability to deploy and operate from a ground ladder of up to 35 feet.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Firefighters report directly to the fire chief or his/her designee. Firefighters will have to be able to operate on emergency scenes without supervision including: establishing command, making critical decisions, and requesting more resources.

Pay Grade: 105 ($12.75-$22.25 per hour)

Disclaimer:

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the city and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change. Examples of duties listed in the position description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similarly related or a logical assignment to the position. Each employee’s position description is maintained as part of his/her personnel file. Additional copies of position descriptions may be requested through the department head.