Classification Title: Firefighter

Department: Fire
Wage Category: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Fire Captain

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

Under immediate through general supervision performs fire suppression and prevention work of average difficulty and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK

An employee in this position performs standard suppression, prevention activities and acts as a medical first responder in the protection of life and property. This position will perform all functions of their job at a proficient level and become certified by the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs fire suppression duties including driving fire apparatus to site of fire, setting up hoses, operating pumpers and related equipment, fighting and containing fires; performs primary and secondary search and rescue; assists in stabilizing physical condition of victims and in giving assistance needed according to standard operating procedures; does salvage work at site of fire; responds to calls relating to vehicle wrecks and hazardous materials.
• Performs general maintenance and clean up of equipment and fire house including washing and cleaning fire apparatus and equipment, cleaning fire house and mowing grass and grounds keeping.
• Assists in developing plans and response relating to specific buildings and eventualities, emergency preparedness, handling of hazardous materials; participates in continuing training in fire prevention and suppression and related subjects.
• Keeps standard records and prepares standard reports; prepares standard training and safety programs and gives instruction on same to staff and to the public as assigned.
• Performs prevention work such as code inspection of building and facilities, inspection and routine service to fire hydrants; gives talks intended to educate the public on fire prevention and suppression.
• Operates and/or utilizes a variety of tools and equipment including: fire apparatus, fire pumpers, pumps, fans, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, personal computer, radio, pager, and telephone.
• Provides emergency and other care to those who have succumbed to illness or injury; provides scene control; executes rapid initial patient survey and triage to define the most serious problems and apply appropriate and immediate lifesaving procedures (e.g., clear airway, assist in breathing, promote circulation, control major bleeding, applying defibrillation techniques); accomplished secondary survey including use of diagnostic equipment, head-to- toe physical examination; initiates appropriate treatment modalities including advances airway, oxygen therapy, removal of patients from structures and automobiles using immobilization devices to prevent disability, splinting fractures, dislocations, and sprains; may utilize vertical rappel rescue techniques.
• Operates and utilizes various equipment, devices and supplies including airway, BVM, oxygen equipment, portable suction equipment, various bandages, aluminum foil, burn sheets, poison kit, OB kit, long spine board, LSB straps; stretchers, fracture, splints, rappelling equipment, and other medical supplies and equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Ability to establish and maintain good public relations; personal integrity. Good overall knowledge of Fire Department principles, practices, methods, techniques, tools, and equipment used in fire suppression and prevention work; knowledge of first aid sufficient to act as “First Responder.”

Skill in the operation and use of tools and equipment to safely operate same and effect their intended proper use.

Ability to properly apply fire suppression and prevention techniques to a variety of situations according to standard operating procedure; ability to learn and apply new and changing technology, tools and equipment to work; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with others; ability to express oneself, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements: Ability to pass reasonable fitness and physical standards to safely perform work as determined by city physician; vision and hearing, normal or corrected sufficient to read, write, and safely operate tools and equipment used in work; dexterity and fitness sufficient to safely operate, utilize and maintain tools and equipment used in work; ability to lift and carry average sized individuals and objects of about 75 pounds, through greater weights may at times be lifted, carried, and/or placed; dexterity and fitness sufficient to grasp, crawl, crouch, bend, stoop, climb, stretch, walk, run and otherwise perform physical functions of the assignment.

Work Environment: Work environment may be somewhat disagreeable due to exposure to several disagreeable elements or to one very disagreeable element; work environment demands frequent confinement with restrictions on movement or awkward working positions and protective equipment is required to safely perform work; generally physical and working conditions are such that moderately serious cuts, bruises, burns, sprains, or illness causing confinement may occur despite provision of safety and health precautions (some lost time is usually involved).

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Training and Experience: High school diploma or GED and valid Driver’s License required. A valid State of Tennessee Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) license or higher preferred.

Necessary Special Conditions: Must be 18 years of age. New hires that already possess a valid State of Tennessee EMR, EMT, A-EMT, or Paramedic license must maintain said license as a condition of employment. Demonstrate having met the minimum job performance requirements of firefighters as described in the current edition of NFPA 1001 “Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications”.

Successfully complete the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting, “Firefighter I” Certification within 8 months of employment; OR Must show proof of a reciprocity issued by TCFF for Firefighter I within 8 months of employment. Successfully complete the Tennessee Commission on Firefighting, “Firefighter II” Certification within 12 months of employment; OR Must show proof of a reciprocity issued by TCFF for Firefighter II certification prior to 12 months of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.80 - $26.86 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person