Firefighter

The purpose of this position is to perform firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations in a manner consistent with organizational values. This position responds to service calls; provides fire suppression operations and basic life support care under standard protocols and statutes; and maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations. Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.

Compensation Notice

Candidates will be placed within the approved salary range based on relevant experience, education, certifications, and overall qualifications.

Recruitment Notice, Testing Dates & Information

The Sterling Fire Department is preparing for organizational growth and transition as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. As part of this effort, we are seeking dedicated and motivated individuals to join a team that values service, professionalism, and readiness. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a department committed to excellence while supporting future staffing and operational needs within the organization.

Testing will be held June 26-27 at the City of Sterling. Additional details will be provided to candidates selected to advance to the testing stage.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this position. Responds to fire, emergency medical, and other emergency services calls as needed. Controls and extinguishes fires by selection of appropriate diameter hoses and nozzles, advancing these appliances to the seat of the blaze, and directing extinguishing agents thereto. Removes people from dangerous or hazardous situations through an approved means, administering basic life support functions, and performing key fire suppression responsibilities. While wearing a personal protective ensemble (PPE), including SCBA, performs aggressive search and rescue operations in heated and smoke-filled environments, usually with minimal to no visibility. Utilizes various forms of firefighting equipment in fire suppression and/or rescue operations. Examples include the use of halyards on extension ladders to reach widows, balconies, and roofs of fire structures and heavy hydraulic actuated tools and hand tools in vehicle extrication. Removes victims of hazardous environments from structures, sometimes requiring climbing and use of ladders. Reduces fire loss by the removal of personal property and by overhaul and complete extinguishment of all flaming materials.

Locates, stabilizes, rescues and removes injured and trapped occupants from water, confined spaces, or high angle spaces with the aid of power and hand tools, ropes, or other appliances. Performs fire hazard inspections and pre-incident surveys of residential, commercial and industrial structures. Further assists with public education efforts as needed to include giving station tours, car seat checkpoints and representing the District in meetings with the public. Provides emergency medical care including, but not limited to, all aspects of pre-hospital basic life support. Rescues trapped civilians or fellow firefighters by breaching wood or masonry through the use of sledgehammers, fire axes or other appropriate methods. In certain situations, crawls through reduced diameter openings and works within confined spaces to complete emergency searches or to free victims or other firefighters from a spreading fire. May perform water or swift water rescues. Drags or carries victims (or other firefighters) within a hazardous atmosphere to safety in the most efficient and expedient manner. Searches concealed spaces in ceilings and walls by penetrating, both with pike poles and other tools. Performs salvage and clean-up operations during emergency and non-emergency situations.

Maintains logs of activities and completes reports of emergency responses, equipment used, and other fire and medical records. Cleans, performs basic repairs, and maintains equipment and apparatus in the field and at an assigned station. Performs and assists with maintenance of fire station and surrounding grounds. Attends continuing training to maintain certifications, to learn new techniques and protocols, and to become proficient in new equipment, tools, and apparatus. Studies fire prevention, fire protection, firefighting, emergency medical and rescue techniques, and other subjects that may be required or deemed necessary. Maintains a current level of knowledge at all times related to the provision of basic emergency medical care. Learns how to operate and drive apparatus in routine and emergency situations and how to properly care for equipment, tools, and vehicles. Communicates with the established command structure via two-way radio, voice, hand signals, or other verbal or visual cues. Performs physical training exercise as to maintain physical fitness and readiness. Due to the nature of emergency services, it is imperative that all essential personnel be available via phone or pager during off duty hours in order for SFD to adequately and consistently staff its various facilities and functions for not only routine work situations, but also for emergency occurrences. Performs other firefighting and appropriate duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying, as approved by the Fire Chief.)

Entry Level Firefighter Recruit:

• Must be 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• Possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SFD's driving records policy.
• Must be able to successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluations, and drug screen.
• Must be currently EMT-B certified and in good standing with Colorado OATH
• Must obtain Firefighter I certification prior to completion of first year.
• Must obtain Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations Certificate prior to completion of first year.
• ICS-100/IS-100, ICS-200/IS200, IS-700, IS-800
• Must obtain Firefighter II Certification within the first 2 years of employment.
• Meet the continuing education requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education (CDPH&E), physician advisor, and the Department.
• Successfully complete the SFD annual Physical requirements
• Firefighters that are EMT certified, must also obtain:
• EMT-Basic Intravenous Therapy Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of firefighter and rescue techniques and strategies including pump operation and driver's safety techniques. Knowledge of Public Education practices, the Uniform Fire Code including fire hazard prevention and sprinkler operation and testing. Knowledge of current trends in fire and EMS. Knowledge of the SFD mission, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of fire protection systems and their connection locations, Knox box locations, equipment and supply locations on the apparatus, and other required emergency response information. Basic knowledge of hydraulics and mechanisms, and basic knowledge of the SFD geography. Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical activities during emergency, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke. Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to utilize basic office equipment including calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook. Skills in the operation of fire apparatus and equipment. Skills in the operation of EMT apparatus and related equipment. Skill in fire, Hazardous Materials and EMS practice. Skill in rescue and extrication procedures. Skill in filling out forms for documentation. Skill in performing physically strenuous activities in high stress environments. Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Station Lieutenant/Captain.

Supervision Exercised

This is a non-supervisory position.

What We Offer

• Retirement you can count on - Membership in the Fire & Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA) , a defined benefit pension plan that provides:
  • Guaranteed monthly retirement benefits based on years of service and highest average salary
  • Disability and survivor benefits for you and your family
  • Optional DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program once eligible
  • Portability options if you leave FPPA-covered employment
  • City of Sterling contributes 11% of pay annually (increasing by 0.5% each year until reaching a full 12% match in 2028). Employees contribute 12%.
  • FPPA membership replaces Social Security (FICA) contributions.
• Additional retirement savings - Access to 457(b) deferred compensation plans through Empower and MissionSquare, with both pre-tax and Roth (post-tax) contribution options.
• Health coverage you can trust - Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Peace of mind - City-paid life and AD&D insurance, with options to add supplemental coverage.
• Time to recharge - Paid time off starting at 9.78 hours per pay period (and growing with service), plus paid holidays.
• Wellness perks - Free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range, plus wellness incentives.
• Support when you need it - Short- and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

View our full employee benefits package here.

Apply Now - Position Open Until Filled

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are committed to protecting and serving our community.