Firefighter Trainee

Firefighter

The purpose of this classification is to perform technical and specialized work functions associated with preparing for and responding to fire, rescue, and disaster emergency calls, with protecting life and property, and with supporting fire safety, prevention, and equipment maintenance activities.

Enforces all city fire codes, ordinances as well as fire laws and regulations of the state in order to protect life and property; complies with all rules, orders, and instructions issued by superior officer.

Responds to emergency calls involving fires, hazardous materials, and vehicle accidents with a company; evaluates scene upon arrival; may direct traffic and control crowds.

Provides control of fire situation including suppression and extinguishment, forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue of victims, salvage and overhaul.

Operates or utilizes various emergency vehicles and emergency/medical equipment, tools and supplies, which may include fire apparatus, pumps, generator, air compressor, hose, hydrant, ladder, extinguisher, self-contained breathing apparatus, extrication tools, hydraulic tools, chain saw, cutting torch, mechanic tools, reciprocating saw, axe, gas detector, smoke ejector, ventilation fan, defibrillator, medical/first aid supplies, or radio communications equipment; operates a computer to retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, data base or other software programs. Selects and properly operates fire service tools and equipment including fire hoses, nozzles, appliances, and the components of sprinkler and standpipe systems.

Locates water source; lays and connects hose, acts as nozzle or backup person in the direction of water streams, uses chemical fire extinguishers, and raises and climbs ladders.

Identifies dangerous building conditions, electrical emergencies, hazardous materials, and ancillary health hazards; applies appropriate precautions and procedures; informs and/or evacuates individuals and implements appropriate medical protocols.

Provides rehydration and first aid support during fire ground activities; may provide emergency medical care as a first responder including basic first aid, basic life support, manage obstructed airway, and/or other treatment.

Performs various types of rescue operations as assigned, such as extrications of individuals from structures, trenches, machinery, or vehicles, water rescues, searches for possible drowning victims, searches and rescues of fallen victims in high angle rescue situations in which rappelling is necessary, and/or animal rescue.

Assists with fire cause and determination; recognizes and preserves evidence of arson.

Maintains knowledge of rope rescue equipment and techniques. Implements emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented; assists fellow firefighters and guides new recruits; maintains and wears protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus as designed.

Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications; performs regular radio tests.

Prepares, inspects, inventories, repairs, and/or maintains fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, first aid equipment, and vehicles for safe operation; performs post-fire clean up; tests equipment on a regular basis.

Conducts company surveys and inspections; notifies concerned parties of fire hazards; tests fire hydrants for proper function.

Establishes and maintains positive public relations; performs invalid watches; attends community meetings; promotes and teaches fire safety and prevention; responds to questions and requests for information.

Maintains current field and code manuals, policies and procedures, employee handbooks, various maps, addresses, and related material for reference and/or review.

Attends shift meetings, seminars, drills, and training sessions as required to maintain knowledge of departmental and city operations, to promote improved job performance, and to maintain knowledge of medical and rescue techniques.

Completes/prepares a variety of forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and other documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; maintains administrative records and files.

Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement/investigating agencies and their officers or representatives when activities are related to investigations within city jurisdiction.

Performs miscellaneous duties which may include conducting fire station tours, raising and lowering the flag, securing station facilities, preparing meals, ordering supplies, laundering clothing, cleaning assigned station area, painting, and maintaining grounds.

Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same. Performs other related duties as required.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

High school diploma or (GED) required. No previous experience required. During the recruit school program, one must attain and maintain State of Georgia Certified Firefighter certification, N.P.Q. Hazardous Material Awareness certification, N.P.Q. Hazardous Material Operation certification, N.P.Q. Firefighter I & II certification, N.P.Q. Hazardous Materials Technician, Heart Saver First-Aid/CPR and A.E.D. certification. State of Georgia Certified Firefighters are highly desirable.

Job Knowledge

Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.

Use of Technology

Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.

Continuous Learning

Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.

Problem Solving

Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Customer Service

Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance.

Cooperation

Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts.

Oral Communication

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

Teamwork

Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Written Communication

Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information.

Ethics

Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support

Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Personal Appearance

Dresses appropriately for the position; keeps self well-groomed.

Achievement Focus

Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; recognizes and acts on opportunities; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Adaptability

Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality

Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability

Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Quality

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity

Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.

Safety and Security

Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.