Firefighter

Firefighter

Under direct supervision, directly participates in a City sponsored program of fire safety, protection, prevention, and emergency medical services; could be assigned to the fire prevention division almost exclusively. Assists in the maintenance of apparatus, vehicles, buildings, and other physical facilities of the Fire Department; participates in a program of commercial and residential fire safety inspections; participates in the administration of advanced life support services; and participates in training programs to increase job knowledge and proficiency.

Examples Of Duties

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of high school. Candidate must be a US Citizen and have a valid driver's license. Candidate must be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire and under the age of 35 before the written examination (Refer to Public Act 098-0760). Must possess an IL and/or National Paramedic certification at time employment is offered.

Requires possession of an EMT/Paramedic certification upon appointment. Applicants must also successfully complete and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with ladder climb annually, pass a written examination, background security investigation, oral examination, medical examination, and drug screening in order to be placed on the eligibility list for the position of Firefighter.

Requires ability to tolerate extremes of weather as well as perform continuous standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, reaching, squatting, and heavy lifting (as defined by OSHA Work Practice Guide). Specific requirements for lifting and frequencies are stated in terms of the maximum expectations of the positions. Awkward postural demands may include transporting individuals from basements, up/down stairwells or pulling them out of cars or confined spaces. Must be able to perform requirements of the job wearing 68 lbs. of equipment.

Responds to fire calls, emergency medical calls and other emergencies; drives and operates various firefighting equipment and ambulance units; performs rescues and renders medical care; conducts salvage and clean up operation.

Conducts inspections of commercial and residential properties; makes recommendation for fire and life safety; writes correction orders for violations of fire codes; draws layout sketches of buildings; may give testimony in court involving arson cases.

Attends training classes and activities in firefighting and emergency medical services techniques; receives training in methods of fire prevention inspection and rules and regulations.

Performs maintenance of ambulance equipment, firefighting equipment and facilities; may perform semi-skilled work on complex firefighting equipment apparatus.

Participates in public information programs such as demonstrations and safety lectures for schools and organizations.

Serves as a designated watch officer, manning telephones and fire alarms; completes activity reports.

May be assigned to the fire prevention division or emergency medical services on a full-time basis to assist in all fire prevention, inspection, investigation and educational activities, or emergency medical services conducted by the division.

As the senior firefighter at the station, may serve as acting Fire Lieutenant.

Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four (4) years of high school.

Requires ability to render emergency medical care.

Requires ability to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and property.

Requires ability to render emergency medical services and provide mobile intensive care.

Requires ability to function effectively under emergency stress situations.

Requires ability to establish and maintain effective living and working relationships with other firefighters.

Requires ability to meet the requirements of the Board of Fire and Police commissioners.

Requires willingness to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day.

Supplemental Information

Must obtain Basic Operations FF certification within probationary period.

Employees must live within the states of Illinois or Iowa.

Requires possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class "B" Vehicle Operator's License.

Employees who have left work and who accept an overtime call back assignment shall maintain a 45 minute or less response time from their domicile (irrespective of weather or road condition) or they shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Applicants must have completed a Firefighter application by required deadline to be eligible to take the written test.