Firefighter

FirefighterUnder the supervision of the Captain and Lieutenant, the Firefighter is responsible for completing orders and directives to assist in mitigating emergencies and preventing fires and other unsafe conditions. The primary areas of responsibility include operating fire apparatus, suppressing fires, and performing emergency and rescue procedures. This position also involves performing routine maintenance and upkeep to fire stations, vehicles, equipment, and apparatus. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Captain and Lieutenant based on the effectiveness of emergency response, proficiency in operating equipment, and the condition and readiness of maintained assets.Essential DutiesThe essential duties of the Firefighter include:Responds to emergency calls for fire, medical, and other emergency situations; removes individuals from dangerous and/or hazardous situations; performs all activities necessary to suppress and/or extinguish fires; uses chemical extinguishers, axes, hooks, lines, power driven tools, and other equipment.Assesses emergency medical situations and performs the appropriate prescribed treatment as outlined and authorized under Tennessee First Responder guidelines.Performs pre-fire surveys; maintains hydrants; provides education to the public on fire safety and prevention; provides tours of the fire station facilitates.Cleans and maintains fire station, grounds, apparatus, and other equipment and light motor vehicles.May operate specialized fire vehicles (fire engines, ladder trucks, pumps, etc.) with sufficient experience and training.Receives and/or prepares various documentation (forms, checklists, reports, correspondence, etc.); processes, completes, and/or forwards as appropriate.Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or individuals.Completes training as required to meet county, state, and federal standards which may include classroom instruction, creating lesson plans, practical and hands-on instruction, evaluations of assigned individuals and groups, examinations and certification in a variety of areas and physical fitness training; remains current on fire service principles and practices.Follows county policies and procedures; projects a professional public image.Participates in public education and relations activities; positively interacts with a diverse population including children.May serve on a specialty team including but not limited to Technical Rescue or Hazardous Materials.Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.Position QualificationsRequired:High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Possession of the follow credentials and licensures:Firefighter IHazardous Material OperationsAbility to obtain certification as a Tennessee Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) within one year of hire.Ability to pass a physical and drug screen by licensed physician.Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class D Tennessee driver's license that has not been revoked for any cause within the past five years.Preferred:Possession of the follow credentials and licensures:Firefighter IISupplemental InformationSupervisory Requirements: This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Competencies:Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and fire prevention including the purpose, operation, and maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatusUnderstanding of principles and practices of first aid including EMT training.Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinance, and regulations involving equipment operation and the principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance.Familiarity with district policies, rules, and instructions for firefighting and rescue activities including local fire code, district fire hazards, and other emergency resources.Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.Proficiency in writing routine reports and correspondence.Effectiveness in speaking before groups including coworkers, other employees, and the public.Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine the proper course(s) of action and to make independent judgements regarding safety and life issues.Strong organization and communication skills including verbal and written communication.Ability to effectively plan and direct the work of others.Capability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.Proficiency in operating the basic functions of a computer including accessing the Internet, uploading and downloading documents, and working with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office programs including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.Capability to approach others in a polite and tactful manner, maintain composure and react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration, follow through on commitments, and uphold the reputation of the institution through ethical business practices and responsible behavior both on and off the job.Demonstrated expression of professional judgement when applying guidelines, policies and procedures, and in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude, while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity.Considerable skill in diplomacy, cooperative problem solving, leadership management and working relationships.Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.This position requires participation in physical fitness programs and compliance with established fitness-for-duty policy requirements.This is a heavy work position requiring the exertion of up to 100 pounds or more occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 30 pounds constantly.This position may require the employee to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time, while performing some or all of the following:Wearing a respirator (SCBA)Climbing six (6) or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighting at least 50 pounds or more while carrying equipment/tools, typically weighting an additional 20 to 40 pounds.Performing expected duties while wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated and will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration which can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.Searching, locating, rescue-dragging, and carrying victims ranging from newborn to adult weighting over 200 pounds to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.Working in unpredictable emergency situations for prolonged periods of physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medications(s), or hydration.Working in dark, confined, disorienting spaces; working in overheated environments; working under adverse and stressful conditions.Work requires periods of sitting, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, and grasping.Work requires considerable static, explosive, dynamic, and trunk strength.Work requires considerable flexibility, mobility, speed of limb movement, effort, stamina, and arm/hand steadiness.Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word.Hearing is required to perceive information in both quiet and noisy environments and to determine the direction of sounds.Visual acuity is required for visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at/or within arm's length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, color differentiation, and observing general surroundings and activities.Work Environment:Operates in dangerous or loud environments where the worker is subject to various environmental conditions, temperature extremes, oils and lubricants, vibrations, noise, and slippery surfaces.Regular exposure to outside weather conditions and emergency locations above or underground, in and/or around water, hazardous traffic areas and under unfavorable and unsanitary conditions including burning debris, falling structures, biohazards, air and blood-borne pathogens is expected.