Firefighter

Purpose Responsibility of protecting life and property from the hazards of fire and other types of emergencies/disasters that may occur in the community. This protection is offered by applying fire suppression methods to control and stop property damage, by saving lives through rescue from fire or other hazardous environments, and public fire safety education to prevent fires.

Organizational Relationships

Communicates with: Internally – Fire Chief, Fire Department staff and other firefighters Externally – Public and other agencies. Must be able to accept authority and work as team member under stress caused by emergencies, danger, or criticism.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Respond to fire alarm and other emergency calls, extinguishes or controls fires as a member of a team under the supervision of an officer. Maintain fire apparatus and equipment as part of a team under the supervision of an officer. Attend regular and assigned training sessions to maintain and upgrade firefighting skills. Perform as driver/operator of fire apparatus under supervision of a fire officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB TASKS: Lifting, both from overhead and dead-weight positions, variety of equipment (e.g. hoses, ladders, fans fans, rescue saws, portable lights). When assistance is available, one person’s share of weight load would commonly be 35-40 pounds; however, it’s not uncommon for firefighter to carry 75 or more pounds of equipment without assistance. Climb ladders while lifting/carrying the above equipment; and climbing several flights of stairs carrying any of the same equipment. Wielding an ax, shovel burned debris, moving furniture, bending, twisting, pushing and pulling, frequently from awkward positions. Upward thrusting of “pike poles” into ceilings to open up access to attic spaces. Crawl through and perform tasks in confined places. Walk on roofs and other (often wet) surfaces where footing is precarious. Lift patients from dead-weight positions under emergency response condition; may be required to lift 75 pounds or more, possibly while working in confined space. Capable of wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Able to apply a leg lock with either leg upon a ground ladder to provide a safe anchor when operating hose lines or performing rescue work. Feeling by perceiving attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by means of receptors in skin, particularly those of the fingertips.

ESSENTIAL EXPOSURE RISK While performing job duties, firefighter is exposed to disease and environmental risks as follows: Communicable diseases through airborne, droplet and skin break exposures, including, but not limited to, meningococcal infections, tuberculosis, measles, syphilis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), viral hepatitis (Non-A, Non-B[B] and B). Toxic gases contained in smoke produced by fire including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon dioxide, acrolein, hydrogen chloride and atmospheres containing insufficient oxygen. Excessive heat which becomes more harmful in moisture-filled atmosphere of a fire to which water is applied. In excessively hot environments the body is less able to rid itself of heat burden and core temperature can elevate to over 101 degrees. Variety of physical hazards such as proximity to moving vehicles, moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, working on high places, exposure to burns and radiant energy; and explosives, toxic chemicals and biological agents. Possible exposure to materials identified by Department of Transportation as volatile, flammable liquids/gases or detonating materials. Frequently encounter noise and/or vibration exceeding 80 decibels, constant or intermittent, to cause marked distraction or possible hearing loss. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Perform routine mathematical calculations: multiply, divide, use fractions and read graphs. Read fire protection text books and otherwise communicating in writing in English, and verbally communicate in English in an effective, tactful manner. Interpret instructions and use logic to solve concrete problems and able to work fast while concentrating intensely. Perform essential job tasks in all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold while wearing approximately 50 pounds of required protective clothing; and perform duties for at least 30 minutes followed by short break and time sequence may be repeated for several hours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED. Pass pre-appointment physical examination and job task test. Have vision corrected to 20-20 and pass hearing test. Possess valid Minnesota Driver's License without restricted driving privileges. Must pass criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications -Training or technical college courses in firefighting.

Training/Certification Requirements - Willmar Fire Department will provide training. In order to maintain membership as paid on-call firefighter and to actively participate as a firefighter, successful completion of the following training/requirements must be fulfilled within one year of appointment: Basic Firefighting Course NFPA 1001 and Hazardous Material Operations Training.

All candidates must live within 8 minutes of Willmar Fire Station.

Apply online at the City of Willmar's website: www.willmarmn.gov.