Reserve Firefighter - Bay County

Volunteer Firefighter

Salary/Hourly wages are determined by verifiable experience.

Nature of Job

This is a skilled and technical position. This is a volunteer level class within the firefighting series. Volunteer Firefighters within this class engage directly in all aspects of firefighting, fire prevention, hazardous materials handling functions, the operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment. Volunteer firefighters in this class work under the immediate supervision of a Captain.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Responds to fire alarms and other emergencies and forwards information to the proper authorities.
• Performs basic firefighting operations such as hose connecting, rescue service, and other operations to combat fires.
• Performs general fire station household duties including hose and apparatus cleaning, drying, and minor maintenance and repair work.
• Participates in practice drills in classroom and field training programs to maintain the knowledge, skills and abilities required to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002.
• Studies hydrant, fire alarm, street and business district maps, and formulates pre-emergency plans, including tactical surveys of buildings.
• Assists in identifying Fire Services Division capital improvement needs.
• On occasion may have to assume full command of an emergency incident responsibility in directing fire scene operations.
• Participates in public education programs.
• Assists in training programs for volunteer and probationary firefighters.
• Abides by all departmental rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, in performance of volunteer duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent. Must meet and maintain the requirements of Firefighter I, and Emergency Medical Responder under Florida Statutes before operating in a IDLH environment.
• Florida Hazardous Material Technician certification required within two year from the date of employment, reclassification or promotion.
• Florida Emergency Medical Technician certification within two (2) years of appointment.
• Supplemental classes and certifications in advanced firefighting procedures desired.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and read the English language.
• Must have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public.
• A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for the Firefighter I and EMR requirement.
• Maintain physical standards as indicated in NFPA 1582.
• Obtain and maintain emergency vehicle driver training certification.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Bay County Department of Emergency Services.
• Knowledge of CPR and First Aid procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and uses of modern firefighting apparatus and equipment including aerial and pumping apparatus.
• Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to get along with co-workers.
• Ability to conduct and participate in all phases of firefighting operations
• Ability to show proficiency in all phases of operations as outlined in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1002.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to fill out reports and keep accurate records of daily activities.
• Ability to plan and conduct routine work assignments and carry out orders without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities including successful completion of yearly medical evaluation.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. The employee may be required to perform in high humidity and in elevated temperatures as well as limited access, enclosed spaces. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with County staff, other organizations and the public. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and includes completing and successfully passing medical evaluations and/or clearances. Stooping, sitting, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pulling, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient or themselves. Lifts people and equipment of 100+ pounds; extensive, or considerable standing/walking; Lifts positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; lifts supplies/equipment; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments.