Firefighter Trainee 40 - Fire Rescue

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

Responsible technical and skilled work/apprenticeship in the Fire Rescue field, working and studying to complete the required training program(s) and gain practical experience necessary to become a State of Florida certified Firefighter.

Provide support and assistance to Fire Rescue personnel and other BoCC personnel as assigned. Assist with BoCC recruiting events; promoting BoCC job opportunities and programs, including the Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program. Represent Polk County BoCC at Polk County Community events as directed. Employees in this class are also required to learn and participate in the operation of firefighting equipment and apparatus. Work involves attending classes, studying, learning, and performing firefighting and emergency rescue, including the administration of emergency medical treatment, under close supervision. Study and perform conducive safety and comfort manners and methods in the handling and treatment of patients and fire victims.

Learn Florida safety requirements and privileges when responding to non-emergency and emergency calls, including both fire and emergency medical calls. Work may involve an element of personal danger and require working on extended shifts. Perform work in accordance with explicit instructions and well defined procedures. Study and perform skills in defensive driving methods. Learn and become familiar with the roadway/highway systems within Polk County.

Learn and perform general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of Fire Rescue equipment, vehicles, furnishings and structures. Assist Fire Rescue personnel with maintaining the fire truck and other Fire Rescue vehicles in an efficient, operational condition, including checking gas, oil, water, belts, and tires.

Participate in specialized training and learn to perform Fire Rescue work, including work which involves an element of personal danger and requires working on extended shifts. Study and practice the principles of fire rescue and emergency medical techniques in a wide variety of emergencies, under close supervision. May perform work assisting Fire Rescue personnel in enclosed areas and maybe required to wear personal protective equipment. Study and learn how to assist Fire Rescue personnel in responding to alarms of fire and/or medical emergencies in commercial, residential and multiple story structures, and at automobile accident scenes. Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical techniques and related subjects.

Learn to assist Fire Rescue personnel and operate fire rescue apparatus to and from a fire or rescue scene over the optimal route in the safest and most efficient manner in accordance with the Division’s policy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action. Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions. Ability to learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and emergency medical care duties, methods and techniques.

Ability to climb stairs in multiple story buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment. Ability to learn and perform physically demanding duties, such as carrying victims and/or heavy equipment. Work may require lifting very heavy weight occasionally, heavy weight frequently and moderate weight constantly.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the job. Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions quickly. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to work as a part of a team, supporting and assisting Fire Rescue personnel and other BoCC personnel as instructed. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment as required. Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and must successfully pass the adult basic education level exam (CASAS), certifying minimum 10 th grade level reading and math comprehension ability.

• Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.

• Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.

• Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.

• No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.