Fire Engineer

Firefighter

Safely drives and operates all forms of emergency response apparatus; performs a wide variety of technical tasks and functions in support of fire suppression, fire prevention, basic and/or advanced emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials operations; may serve as the company officer in the absence of the Fire Captain.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drive assigned emergency response apparatus to emergency calls; operate apparatus, including fire pumps, water supply operations, and deployment of aerial ladders, on emergency calls or at incident scenes; ensure apparatus have a continuous water supply at working fire scenes; drive and operate all apparatus safely and efficiently in accordance with State laws for emergency and nonemergency driving situations; provide appropriate services as required including fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials operations.

• Maintain a constant state of readiness for emergency response; operate, inspect, repair, order, and perform all related tasks to apparatus and emergency operations equipment; ensure that all equipment and supplies on assigned apparatus are ready for emergency use; replenish disposable supplies as needed following each incident response on assigned apparatus.

• Participate in cleaning and maintaining station facilities, grounds, equipment, and apparatus; ensure that appropriate conditions are maintained at assigned station.

• Conduct a daily thorough test of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); conduct daily check of apparatus and equipment; perform minor maintenance on apparatus and equipment.

• Participate in a variety of activities, and programs including training, fire investigations, fire code enforcement, and equipment operation and maintenance.

• Participate in activities and operations in response to natural disasters, major accidents, incidents involving hazardous materials, and other emergency situations.

• Prepare reports as necessary following emergency incidents; complete reports regarding activities and functions of the department as assigned.

• Perform testing of fire hydrants and fire hoses; conduct residential and commercial fire safety inspections; perform pre-fire planning of commercial occupancies.

• Maintain constant training and education in all areas of fire prevention and suppression, and emergency medical response with emphasis on fire apparatus driving and scene operation; maintain a working knowledge of all street maps, road closings, construction changes, and fire suppression system connections on all target hazards with the City.

• Perform a variety of technical duties as assigned by Command personnel.

• Serves as second in command of shift; may act in the capacity of the Fire Captain during his/her absence.

• May be utilized to familiarize new personnel with fire apparatus and equipment as necessary and coordinated through the assigned Lieutenant.

• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

• Operation, maintenance and use of modern firefighting apparatus, pumps, aerial devices, and various emergency equipment carried on each apparatus

• Proper apparatus scene placement and operation for optimal scene effectiveness.

• Fundamentals of fire hydraulics

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of comprehensive fire suppression and prevention programs

• Procedures and techniques for the provision of emergency medical care at a basic and/or advanced level in accordance with State and Medical Control guidelines

• Uniform and International Building Codes

• Geography of the city and surrounding area

• Specialized communications equipment

• Various aspects of building construction techniques and their potential effects on fire suppression and prevention activities

• Safe work practices and procedures

• Procedures for the mitigation of hazardous material operations

• Safely use and operate all types of emergency apparatus and equipment including those used in fire suppression, rescue, and advanced emergency medical care

• Prepare clear and concise reports

• Supervise others in the absence of the shift officer

• Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations

• Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public

• Oversee and assist in resolving a variety of situations characterized by conflict or danger

• Operate specialized emergency communications equipment

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

• Complete and pass a defensive driving course every other year

• Maintain current level of EMS certification issued by the State

• Maintain mental capacity that permits making sound judgments regarding work

• Demonstrate intrinsic motivation, high ethical and moral standards

• Work a 48/96 hour shift and maintaining regular, reliable attendance

• Clear a post-offer medical physical examination, drug test, psychological, criminal background and other appropriate testing as required by the Fire Department

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or GED required. Three years of firefighting experience required. Four years of emergency medical (EMS) experience required.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid Texas class "B" exempt or higher driver's license.
• Possession of a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Intermediate Firefighter Certification, or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment.
• Possession of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, or Licensed Paramedic Certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Possession of Texas Commission on Fire Protection Hazardous Materials Technician Certification, ability to obtain within 1 year of appointment.
• Possession of Texas Commission on Fire Protection Driver/Operator Certification.
• Possession of Texas Commission on Fire Protection Instructor I Certification.
• Possession of Texas Commission on Fire Protection Fire Officer I Certification.

Receives general supervision from assigned Fire Captain.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over other Fire/EMS personnel in the absence of the Fire Captain.

Emergency firefighting and public safety environment; travel from site to site; exposure to fire surroundings; exposure to intense heat, structural collapse, falls and possible electrocution at emergency scenes; animal and human blood and other bodily fluids; hazards of emergency driving; hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic; working in and near natural and man-made disasters; exposure to inclement weather conditions; work in and with water; work at heights on scaffolding and ladders; work in confined spaces; work underground when necessary; work on slippery and uneven surfaces; work in and around heavy vehicles and equipment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes and gases; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, explosives, high voltage and toxic materials; exposure to waste and infectious diseases; possible exposure to electrical or radiant energy; work closely with others.

Essential and other important duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for adequate physical performance abilities including moderate and heavy lifting; bending stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing; the use of fingers, both hands and both arms; the use of both legs; the ability to operate motorized equipment and assigned vehicles; adequate speech, hearing and eyesight required; carrying, pushing, pulling, dragging or holding moderate to heavy weight objects.

The City reserves the right to change or revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.