Firefighter/EMT

SUMMARY

The firefighter/EMT's duties are to engage in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention activities in order to protect life and property; to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus; to provide emergency medical services; to maintain fire facilities; to perform related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: (Other duties may be assigned as needed)

1.    Respond to all fire alarms with designated equipment

2.    Connect and appropriately place fire hose lines

3.    Enter burning buildings with hose lines

4.    Operate nozzles to direct the stream of water on fire surfaces

5.    Raise, lower, and climb ladders

6.    Assist in overall salvage operations

7.    Carry and operate chemical fire extinguishers

8.    Render emergency medical treatment

9.    Drive and maintain fire apparatus

10.    Clean and test equipment

11.    Perform basic maintenance of vehicles

12.    Operate radio-telephone equipment as required

13.    Clean and maintain station facilities and quarters

14.    Explain Fire Department rules, regulations, and procedures

15.    Explain fire hazards, firefighting techniques, fire codes and related subjects

16.    Conduct fire prevention inspections and programs

17.    Participate in fire drills and training exercises

18.    May be required to act as apparatus operator and driver when assigned

19.    Assist in identifying hazardous materials and mitigating such emergencies

20.    Subject to emergency recall during non-duty hours

21.    Operate fire station computers

22.    Performs related duties as necessary

23.    Assists in training new employees as assigned

24.    Presents public information classes or programs

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of: Basic principles, practices and purposes of fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services at the emergency medical technician level. Employee must maintain state-mandated continuing education requirements to maintain state EMT certification and working knowledge of fire suppression and prevention principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.

Ability to: Understand and act in accordance with Fire Department rules and instructions; demonstrate physical endurance, agility and strength in accordance with established standards; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude in the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment; learn firefighting techniques and the operation of fire apparatus; learn emergency medical and rescue techniques; obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Technician certification; learn layout of City streets, buildings, hydrants and fire hazards; analyze fire and driving situations and employ effective courses of action; think and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations; apply emergency medical treatment; drive and operate fire equipment as necessary; understand and follow oral and written instructions; deal effectively and courteously with the general public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Tools and equipment used: Various fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting, hazardous materials response and rescue equipment, emergency medical equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, personal protection equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED equivalent No specific work experience level required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be able to read and write the English language.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (if required)

Certified EMT

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1.    Must be 18 years or older

2.    Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid state driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any state

3.    No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years

4.    Must be a US citizen

5.    Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habit

6.    Must be able to meet departmental physical standards (Substitute any local or state requirements for those listed here)

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

A Firefighter/EMT is required to become a Paramedic within 2 years of hire date, pending on program availability and must maintain paramedic status. This is a condition of continued employment. The time limit will be at the Fire Chiefs discretion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or larger with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close, distant and color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is/may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

* Safety sensitive position includes, but is not limited to, any job, assignment, rank, or title where any of the following apply:

Subject to drug and alcohol testing or restrictions promulgated by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation; involves carrying, repairing, transporting, or keeping of firearms or ammunition; includes performing any medical or life-saving procedures, or responsibility for procuring, storing, transporting, dispensing or administering any drugs or medical supplies or equipment; involves working with confidential information, documents or material pertaining to criminal investigations; procuring, storing, transporting, or otherwise working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food or electricity; involves operating, repairing, maintaining or driving heavy equipment, machinery, aircraft, motorized watercraft or motor vehicles, or working in close proximity thereto; a momentary lapse of attention may result in grave and immediate danger to the public, self or fellow employees; requires engaging in any other activity in which the employee is responsible for his or her own or other people’s safety.

*Weather Essential position includes employees are declared to be all sworn police officers, all sworn firefighters, dispatchers, emergency road crew employees in the Street Department, and electrical personnel in the Electric Department.

*Civility and Professionalism- The City of Siloam Springs is a team-based service organization.  Maintenance of good internal morale is essential to the City’s success.  An employee is required to maintain professional and ethical behavior and act with integrity in all matters.  The City of Siloam is committed to providing a work environment that is free from bullying, harassment, intimidation, abusive language, gossip, employees spreading discontent or exhibiting any behavior that is disruptive to the workplace and contrary to the City’s mission.

*Regular Attendance- Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at the City of Siloam Springs. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours, that are not pre-approved or are excessive are disruptive and are to be avoided