Performs work of moderate complexity in the operation of a fire engine, ladder truck, and heavy rescue apparatus in the protection of life and property from fire and other hazards, safely navigating the apparatus to fires, motor vehicle, or hazardous materials incidents, and medical or other emergency situations. Maintains all equipment, tools, and apparatus to ensure safe and efficient operation. Performs as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and firefighter as needed. Fills in as fire captain and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
Works under general supervision of a fire captain, according to policy and procedures; decides how and when to complete tasks. Participates in the operations of fire suppression, fire education and prevention, technical rescue, emergency medical, and other incident response operations at the fire station. Participate as part of a team in the maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus. Also participate in pre-incident planning, maintenance of records, inspections, and training programs. Stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment, and requires me to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training. I'm subject to the hazards associated with incident response work, including working inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters. I am also subject to OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.
- Operates fire pumps, aerial apparatus, hydraulic ladders, to and from fires and other emergencies. Calculates friction loss, reads, and adjusts gauges as appropriate. Safely and efficiently places and secures apparatus and equipment at emergency scenes, including the ability to back up all apparatus.
- Cleans, tests, inspects, and maintains a variety of specialized equipment, tools, apparatus, quarters, and communication devices during each shift and/or after use. Reports any necessary repairs to a supervisor to maintain the apparatus, equipment, and tools in efficient operating condition.
- Responds to alarms and participates in incident response, including firefighting operations, operation of fire apparatus, and other equipment as required. Responds and participates in remediation activities for chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents. Responds to emergency medical incidents and provides EMT services. Responds and provides technical rescue services.
- Drives apparatus to incident scene, properly places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs, ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses, issues equipment, and monitors radio traffic for necessary response, and returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.
- Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition.
- Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, hydrants, hose lines, and related facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Assists with the preparation of fire reports and participates in special projects, as required. Participates in in-service training programs.
- Participates in fire prevention and public education programming, inspections, and pre-incident surveys.
- Participates in mechanical maintenance and repair of apparatus, and other equipment.
- May perform special assignments or projects requiring the leadership or coordination of others, such as SCBA maintenance and repair, radio equipment maintenance and repair, building maintenance, hydrant maintenance, hose line testing, and maintenance, etc. Coordinates emergency and non-emergency response activities with other departments, outside agencies, and organizations.
- Works a 24-hour shift and always maintains complete response readiness.
- Acts as a liaison with the public and may make presentations to community organizations, schools, civic groups, and other entities.
- Fills in as fire captain in the absence of the captain, overseeing personnel and emergency response of the assigned company.