Volunteer Firefighter

Firefighter Volunteer

A volunteer in this class is responsible for general firefighting, rescue, and driving vehicles to the fire scene. Work also includes preparing the fire vehicle, lines and equipment for use by other firefighters. Work is often performed under stressful emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards. Work standards and procedures are generally established and understood; however considerable independence and judgment is required during fire calls and emergency calls. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Lieutenant, Fire Captains, and Chiefs through observation and reports.

Illustrative examples of work include:

• Receives and responds to fires and emergency calls
• Participates in hazardous material response and prevention programs
• Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fire including rescue, entry, and ventilation and salvage work
• Rides fire apparatus to fire scene; connects hoses to hydrants and uses hoses to apply water or chemicals to fire, forces entry into burning structures and searches for and rescues occupants.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus and loads to ensure the presence, cleanliness, and serviceability of necessary firefighting and emergency equipment, tools and supplies
• Performs testing and routine maintenance on vehicles, tests fire hydrants, Maintains, performs minor repairs and cleans assigned fire station quarters and grounds
• Presents programs and classes in schools
• Participates in training to assure proficiency in all firefighting techniques, trains for knowledge of all equipment and apparatus as well as their operations; conducts residential and business fire prevention inspections, inspects and prepares scale drawings and pre-plan firefighting strategies, maintains knowledge of sprinkled buildings and hydrants locations.
• Participates in routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including checking and filling self- contained breathing apparatus, washing and waxing trucks, checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hose and inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear, sweeps, mops, paints, and washing windows of fire station.
• Checks and flushes city fire hydrants for flow and pressure
• Performs related work as needed

Volunteers are utilized on an on-call basis for fire and emergency calls. Volunteers can also ride along with career staff during normal shifts.

Physical requirements include:

• Heavy manual work requiring exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Visual acuity to be the operator of a truck and other equipment.
• Subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold.
• Subject to noise, vibration, and hazards and physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, chemicals, subject to oils and greases, and may be exposed to blood when providing emergency medical services.
• Required to wear a respirator.
• Frequently in close quarters and areas which could cause claustrophobia.
• Subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin.

Qualifications include:

• Knowledge of city geography, street locations, and hydrant locations
• Knowledge of current firefighting practices and procedures
• Knowledge of the operation of and maintenance requirements of fire equipment, pumps, hose pressure and other aspects of operating one or more variations of fire trucks
• Knowledge of firefighting hazards and related safety precautions
• Ability to navigate to a fire scene with the shortest and most expedient route possible using knowledge of the streets and GPS equipment
• Ability to operate and maintain various motorized fire equipment; ability to determine hose size, pump pressures, and water flow rates required to use in specific firefighting situations.
• Completion of high school or GED equivalency
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must pass physical, background check, and drug screening

Benefits:

Part Time employees are not eligible for full time benefits such as no cost medical, dental, vision, life, or short term disability nor do they receive paid leave, holiday pay, or employer retirement contributions. However, part time employees may still invest in their future by choosing to participate in the NC 401(k) plan through voluntary employee contributions.