FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC RECRUIT

JOB DESCRIPTION

FIREFIGHTER/MEDIC RECRUIT
FIRE DEPARTMENT

Human Resources

Newport News, Virginia
Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under close supervision, this position serves as the entry level trainee where employees are required
to acquire knowledge in technical protective service work in the fields of fire suppression, prevention,
and emergency medical services. Reports to a Staff Lieutenant(s) assigned to Training. Employees will
remain Recruit status until they successfully complete the National Registry Testing for EMT-
Paramedic; however, upon completion of basic EMT training and the department’s fire academy,
employees in recruit status will report to their assigned station officers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Acquires a basic knowledge and skill level in the areas of emergency response, basic and advanced life
support, fire prevention, rescue, fire suppression, and a variety of other assigned duties associated with
fire and rescue; learns how to perform basic life support and advanced emergency care in order to
become a member of the Fire Department.

Practices continuous learning through individual study and classroom training; attends Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) training and a fire academy approved by Newport News Fire Administration;
participates in the Newport News Fire Department Preceptor Program.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Fire Suppression – Basic knowledge of practices pertaining to fire suppression to include safety and

infection control procedures pertaining to the use and operation of fire apparatus, equipment, tools,

and protective gear. Basic knowledge of the proper use and basic maintenance of a Self Contained

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Basic knowledge of incident command procedures, emergency

vehicle operations, and basic maintenance needs including fire engine, aerial, and medical

apparatus.

• Emergency Medical Services – Basic knowledge of emergency medical care including trauma and

advanced cardiac life support principles and practices.

• Safety/Security – Basic knowledge of safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices as outlined

in department directives as they relate to apparatus, equipment, tools, and protective gear.

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• Customer Service – Basic knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services.

This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer
satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares
knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.

• Judgement/Decision Making – Anticipates, identifies and evaluates potentially dangerous,

unusual or deviating situations and exercises appropriate judgement to establish priorities and take
prompt action for problem resolution.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication - Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and

logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in

writing.

• Geography - Ability to reads maps, basic plans and diagrams such as evacuation or building floor

plans.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Candidate must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the conclusion of the application period. Note:
Candidates will be required to complete a written entrance test prior to employment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal
history check and sex offender registry check.

Requires satisfactory results from a medical evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing
and is subject to random controlled substance testing. Employees are required to refrain from the use
of tobacco.

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record with no more than 3 negative points on
current driving record.

Must successfully pass the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) within 10 weeks of employment
in the position. Requires completion of the Peninsula Regional Fire Academy (PRFA), Hampton Roads
Recruit Fire Academy (HRRFA), or any similar fire academy approved by the Assistant Fire Chief –
Professional Development.

Employees must successfully complete all required training and be released to function in a full
Firefighter/Paramedic capacity.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on

climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders.

• Some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling, and the lifting to include

overhead lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects and materials (up to 100
pounds) and occasionally heavier items (100 pounds or over).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odors,

depth, textures, and visual cues or signals.

• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such
as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise
extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery,
vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, explosives, firearms,
disease, or pathogenic substances.

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