Fire Intern

JOB SUMMARY:
Under immediate supervision, the Fire Intern serves the department, community, visitors, business owners, and other City employees competently and compassionately. This class is designed to expose the incumbent to all facets of the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department. In a training capacity, the Fire Intern assists with training activities, apparatus maintenance, administrative duties, fire prevention inspections, and  public education.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This classification receives training in simulated emergency and non-emergency response environments. The Fire Intern is distinguished from Firefighter in that the Firefighter carries the responsibility of operating in emergencies.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Works under the immediate supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief but may receive direction from the Fire Training Captain or an assigned Firefighter, Fire Engineer, or Fire Captain, or other Fire Department staff.EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
(Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class. Duties are performed in a learning capacity under close supervision.)

• Provides customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, and respectful, and actively participates in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Works as a member of a team in non-emergency training environment and simulated emergency situations.
• May observe but not participate in emergency operations.
• In a training capacity, performs the following:
  1. Raises, extends, climbs, and lowers ladders.
  2. Carries and uses heavy rescue tools and equipment.
  3. Connects and lays hose lines.
  4. Operates nozzles. 
  5. Operates and maintains fire extinguishers.
• Keeps abreast of latest fire safety developments.
• Participates in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) continuing education training.
• Gains knowledge and skills through education and training.
• Assists in the maintenance of clean and orderly conditions in and about fire stations.  
• May assist in station tours and public education presentations for adults and children's groups; participates in a variety of public education programs.
• Studies and adheres to Fire Department rules and procedures.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required. 

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following suppression duties:

• Assists with training administrative duties, the creation of training videos, and tracking certificates and records.
• Assists crews with station and apparatus maintenance. 
• Assists crews with suppression training drills and simulations. 

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following shop duties: 

• Assists with fabrication and installation of equipment on suppression and staff vehicles.
• Assists with engine maintenance and servicing. 
• Assists with cleaning and organization of shop materials. 
• Assists with cleaning and upkeep of all staff vehicles. 

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following prevention/community risk reduction duties: 

• Supports business and self-inspection program by tracking inspections and recordkeeping.

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) duties: 

• Assists MCU case manager with tracking contacts with community members in need of social services.
• Operates the MCU vehicle and/or provides map reading support to minimize call response time.

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following fuel crew duties: 

• Assists with fuel mitigation and risk reduction throughout the city. 
• Works with maintenance crews to accomplish project work in the open space and city wildland interface.
• Operates hand tools and chainsaws to remove vegetation from areas in the city. 

In addition to the above, interns may perform the following emergency management duties: 

• Participates in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) training.
• Assists with EOC preparation and readiness.
• Assists with emergency plan development.
• Assists with community preparedness and education events.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Effective interpersonal communication skills within a work team and with the general public.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate strength, agility, and endurance to perform strenuous, physically demanding work under all types of weather conditions. 
• Climb ladders and work at heights.
• Function effectively in stressful conditions and react in an emotionally appropriate manner.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, coworkers, supervisors, and the general public. 
• Work as part of a team, contributing to the overall effort.
• Understand and carry out work assignments and written and oral directions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form.
• Speak effectively in public to diverse individuals and groups.
• Accept constructive criticism.
• Maintain oneself in a state of physical and mental readiness.
• Attend department trainings and/or meetings.
• Continue personal and professional development, including learning basic firefighting skills.
• Learn fire prevention and inspection principles.
• Learn out-of-hospital Advanced and/or Basic Life Support procedures.
• Learn, understand, and adhere to Fire Department and City policies and procedures.
• Learn to perform basic maintenance of equipment.
• Perform routine station house maintenance work. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Equivalent to graduation from high school.
 
Must comply with department policies and standards.
Must be 18 years of age on date of appointment.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Salary : $20 - $24