Firefighter

Civil Service Exam Information

All individuals interested in employment as a firefighter with the City of Pocatello are required to take and score a minimum of 70% on the Civil Service Exam. The exam, held annually, establishes an eligible register in rank order of exam scores. The eligible register is then used to hire new firefighters for the next year (unless the list is exhausted prior to that date).

The exam window is January 21–January 28, 2025. Invitations to take the exam will be sent in January.

If you plan on taking the exam in the future, we suggest you review the Entry Level Fire Candidate Study Guide. The City of Pocatello Fire Department utilizes the services of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) for its entry-level Firefighter Civil Service examination. Since 1953, IPMA-HR has been providing high-quality, reliable test products and services to police, fire, corrections, dispatch, and administrative departments throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Purchase of the guide is completely voluntary. You may order the guide through Public Safety Compass.

Job Description

This position is accountable for the protection of life and property through the timely and effective response to fire and medical emergencies using the more basic equipment and procedures and under direct supervision of company officers and more experienced firefighters.

Principal Accountabilities

• Extinguish fires by using suppression and extinguishing agents such as water, foam, and chemicals.
• Maintain necessary levels of physical stamina and endurance through the completion of prescribed physical fitness programs and evaluations.
• Maintain knowledge of fire suppression and life-saving procedures by participating in on-the-job training sessions and completing self-study courses including Pocatello Firefighter Level I requirements.
• Assure the fire prevention codes and regulations are adhered to by the general public by completing standardized fire inspections and maintaining pre-fire plans.
• Contribute to the overall effective operation of plant and equipment by performing periodic maintenance of equipment and station house as assigned.
• Contribute to the availability of required personnel by standing-by during periods of non-emergency activity.
• Provide emergency medical assistance to the injured through the use of EMT skills and completion of EMS reports.
• Produce and present public education information dealing with both fire and medical topics under a variety of circumstances as necessary.
• Complete and maintain necessary skills and training to be certified as EMT with the State of Idaho.
• Complete all training requirements to be advanced to FF II status by the end of first year.
• Must maintain a current and valid driver’s license.
• Performs related work as assigned by Captain.
  
  

NATURE AND SCOPE

• The Probationary Firefighter is assigned to a platoon within the respective fire station, reporting to a captain, along with paramedics, driver operators, and other firefighters.
• This is a probationary, entry level position. The primary function of this position is to provide basic life support to victims of accident or illness and the suppression and/or extinguishment of fires using the fundamental firefighting equipment, techniques and apparatus.
• Challenges include some working knowledge of fire pumpers, ladder trucks, brush trucks, and rescue truck ; firefighting equipment such as: nozzles, hoses, ventilation fans, hand tools, extrication equipment, ladders, water vacuums, personal safety gear, air compressors, communication equipment, air monitors, and protective breathing apparatus. In emergency medical situations a working knowledge of the ambulance, including basic life-support systems is necessary.
• Response challenges encountered by this position include rescues, patient assessment of emergency scenes, extinguishing fires and avoiding hazardous materials and the safe extrication of people from accident situations.
• The conditions under which this position performs its basic function include all types of weather, exposure to toxic atmospheres, lifting equipment, and/or victims in cramped or awkward positions, exposure to electrical shock, building collapse and other similar hazards.
• Emergency situations usually have standard operating procedures that outline a course of action. Within these procedures this position would have a minor range of authority unless closely and directly supervised. Situations not covered by procedure or standing work orders would be referred to a ranking officer for resolution.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 20 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 75 pounds of force, and occasional exertion in excess of 100 pounds of force. Work can occur while wearing PPE and SCBA; this work can include searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 200lbs to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility. Additional physical efforts include:

• Performing firefighting operations while wearing heavy (about 50 lbs.) protective clothing and gear in extremely hot and toxic environments
• Climbing ladders up to 100 feet
• Work in enclosed and confined spaces with limited visibility, fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.
• Workers are frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, vibration, fumes, bloodborne pathogens, or airborne particles, and may be required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus or specialized personal protective equipment.
• Performance of essential functions may be performed in high, precarious places, and may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature, noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, explosives, disease, or pathogenic substances.
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision, and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, pushing or pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arm’s length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior while responding to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Unconventional working hours. During prolonged emergency operations, may be required to work without sleep for extended periods, including shift rotations. May be required to respond to fire station or scene during evolving or prolonged incident outside of scheduled shift.
  
  

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.