Firefighter

This position is responsible for performing fire operations and prevention duties. Work involves activities including fire suppression, rescue, first aid, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, inspection activities, public education, training, engine company and/or ladder truck duties and hazardous materials response. (Firefighters may be trained in areas of pump and ladder truck operations to make them competent to operate as a Driver/Engineer.) The incumbent may work individually or as a fire suppression team member and works under the regular supervision of a Fire Lieutenant, Captain, and/or Chief Officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to fire and emergency calls as a member of an engine company, truck company or specialty unit.
• Performs a variety of technical and manual labor duties required to locate, control and extinguish fires, including catching fire hydrants; connecting hoses and nozzles; laying supply and attack lines; using visual, sensory, technical and judgmental criteria to locate fire sources; using fire streams (including portable fire extinguishers); carrying, positioning, raising and climbing portable and aerial ladders; using a variety of hand held and powered equipment necessary to locate, control and extinguish fires.
• Performs a variety of technical and manual labor tasks to ventilate structures involved in fire, smoke and odor calls including placing of fans and/or hose streams; mechanically opening of roofs, floors, walls, doors, windows and vents.
• Performs forcible entry operations to gain access into structures using a variety of tools.
• Performs salvage operations to prevent undue damage to property not involved in fire and/or emergency situations including the placement of salvage covers; removing of property, removing water, smoke and heat from structures, etc.
• Perform tasks to extricate individuals safely from wrecked vehicles, structures, earth cave ins, etc. using a variety of tools, equipment and knowledge.
• Performs search and rescue operations to locate and remove individuals and victims from fire and emergency situations.
• Performs water rescue functions using specialized equipment such as ropes, harnesses, boats and exposure suits.
• Performs emergency first aid and/or CPR to fire and/or other emergency victims.
• Maintains, cleans, services, inspects, and loads firefighting and/or emergency equipment, tools, etc. on company apparatus.
• Participates in Company fire inspections of public places of assembly to ensure compliance with local and state codes, and nationally recognized good practices and standards; to become familiar with structures; to inform persons of the benefits of sound fire prevention practices; completes inspection reports.
• Participates in training classes and drills to maintain and enhance firefighting and emergency techniques and responses; may participate in and/or instruct in station training activities.
• Performs at the hazardous materials operations level.
• May perform at HAZMAT Technician or incident commander level, as required.
• May serve at any level of the National Fire Academy Incident Command System.
• May serve as a driver/engineer of an engine or truck company after being certified as a relief driver.
• May perform in an Acting Officer position provided minimum qualifications of the position are met.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Delivers public fire education programs, tours, lectures, etc. as may be necessary to ensure public fire safety.
• Maintains, performs repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters, apparatus rooms, grounds, etc.
• Writes reports and completes all related paperwork relative to tasks assigned.
• Assists public when locked out of their home.
• Uses Fire Dept. equipment for non departmental purposes such as replacing light bulbs in the City's parks.
• Inspects and flow tests fire hydrants, completes related paperwork.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors.

A minimum of 60 credits of post-secondary education at an approved college, university, or technical school is required by the date of hire.

• Thorough knowledge of all firefighting and emergency techniques and procedures authorized by the Appleton Fire Department.
• Thorough knowledge of the uses, maintenance requirements and locations of all firefighting and emergency equipment, tools and apparatus used by the Department.
• Thorough knowledge of the instruments used for monitoring the atmosphere in fire, HAZMAT and confined space situations.
• Working knowledge of fire chemistry, building construction, fire and building codes, and the ability to apply this knowledge to specific fire and emergency situations, inspection activities, etc.
• Working knowledge of the operation of major apparatus including pumpers and aerial truck(s), including knowledge of basic hydraulics and aerial ladder placement and operations.
• Knowledge of fire prevention methods, laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of policies, rules and regulations, Standard Operating Procedures of the Department and the City.
• Knowledge of the physical layout of the City streets, major buildings, city water supply, hydrant locations, etc.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize the skills of Advanced First Aid and CPR.
• Ability to swim.
• Ability to work from elevated positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to recognize and identify fire and life safety issues that need to be addressed and to take the appropriate actions.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision.
• Ability to keep accurate records and use state of the art technology.
• Ability to use complex instruments and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical written materials, codes, ordinances and standards.
• Ability to enforce codes in a firm, unbiased and tactful manner.
• Ability to establish effective working relations with supervisors, co workers, the public, and police personnel.
• Ability to resolve conflict situations at their lowest levels and to adapt to conflict situations that will result in a positive outcome.
• Skill in the use of firefighting hand and power tools, equipment and supplies.
• Physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful situations.
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications as may be required by the position, including certification at or above technician level within a specialty response area of the Department.
• EMT Basic and Firefighter I certifications preferred by date of hire.
• Licensed, or the ability to be licensed, as a paramedic in the State of Wisconsin by the end of probation.
• No tobacco usage.

COMPETENCIES

Communication
Customer Focus
Handling Difficult People
Problem Solving
Adaptability/Flexibility

To learn more about these competencies click here

Additional information on the position and department can be found in this brochure.