Firefighter

Firefighter Position

The purpose of this classification is to perform as a team member 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.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Ensures all safety equipment is functional; recognizes that safety is the first priority.

Maintains knowledge of and is familiar with all city fire codes and ordinances and state fire and emergency medical service laws and regulations in order to protect life and property; complies with all rules, orders, and instructions issued by superior officer.

Establishes and maintains good working relations with the public; meets with merchants, community/civic organizations, citizens, elected officials, officers, employees, and individuals and responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information; makes presentations and public speeches; promotes and teaches fire prevention and safety.

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

Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels; exchanges information with dispatchers, medical professionals, and other department employees.

Selects and properly operates fire service tools and equipment to include fire hoses, nozzles, appliances, and the components of sprinkler and standpipe systems.

Provides or assists with emergency medical care as a first responder, E.M.T., or paramedic, as licensed/certified; provides rehabilitation support during emergency scene activities.

Provides control of fire situation to include suppression and extinguishment, forcible entry, ventilation, search and rescue of victims, salvage and overhaul; recognizes and preserves evidence of arson.

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; takes/applies appropriate precautions and procedures; informs and/or evacuates individuals and implements appropriate medical protocols.

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.

Assists in the conduction of familiarization surveys building inspections and notifies concerned parties of fire hazards; prepares pre-fire plans including layout of building and hydrant locations; checks fire hydrants for proper function.

Performs rescue operations as assigned to include extrications of individuals from structures or vehicles, search for possible drowning victims, and/or search and rescue of fallen victims in high angle rescue situations where rappelling is necessary; maintains knowledge of rope rescue equipment and latest techniques.

Assists with emergencies or incidents involving aircraft as assigned; performs tasks associated with aircraft crises to include rescue, fire extinguishment, first responder medical assistance, spilled fuel containment, runway preparation, and wreckage removal.

Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations including current manuals, policy and procedures manuals, employee handbooks, and area maps.

Attends meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of departmental and city operations and abreast of current medical and rescue techniques and to promote improved job performance.

Composes and prepares forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position.

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

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

Performs the following duties: conducting fire station tours, securing station facilities, preparing meals, general housekeeping and station cleaning, and grounds maintenance.

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

Recommends and supports policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in daily activities.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

May be required to be on twenty-four hour call and/or work rotating twenty-four hour shifts including weekends and/or holidays.

Substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same as requested by the assigned Battalion Chief.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner. Performs other related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IF ASSIGNED TO TRAINING DIVISION:

Develops, plans, conducts, and/or supervises in-service training activities and fire education programs to ensure compliance with accepted firefighting standards, Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service policies and procedures, and other established guidelines; identifies training needs, defines training objectives, and identifies resources and activities necessary for training completion; writes and distributes training information and correspondence.

Compiles, submits, and maintains training records for annual certification of personnel; assists with the registration of personnel for training.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IF ASSIGNED TO FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION:

Conducts fire prevention inspections; examines interiors and exteriors of buildings to detect hazardous conditions or violations of fire ordinances and laws; conducts investigations and examinations of structure fires and fire scenes; submits reports and findings as necessary.

Performs building plans reviews, attends meetings as needed; maintains knowledge and familiarity with codes, laws, and regulations related to fire prevention and mitigation of life safety hazards.

Provides customer service and technical assistance through knowledge and application of fire code and regulations.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IF ASSIGNED AS A TACTICAL PARAMEDIC OR EMT: Performs emergency medical technician and/or paramedic duties providing medical services, contingency planning, and operational weapon support in direct support of a tactical law enforcement unit.

High school diploma or GED required; no previous experience required. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Alabama Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification within the first year of employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) certification within one (1) year of receipt of Firefighter I certification or within one (1) year of employment with the City of Tuscaloosa as a Firefighter. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

Special Requirement: All applicants must have successfully completed the Certified Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the past twelve months to be eligible to apply for Firefighter. Before your application is considered complete, you must submit by attachment to application, by fax, or in person copies of your high school diploma/GED AND your Successful Completion of the CPAT form. If these forms are not submitted by the closing date, your application is considered incomplete and will be declined.

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of firefighting, rescue, and medical equipment, office equipment, and grounds maintenance equipment including extinguisher, pumper, hand/power tools, chain saw, generator, fans, ladders, hoses, breathing apparatus, protective clothing, emergency medical supplies, ropes, forcible entry and rescue tools, two-way radio, computer, printer, copy and facsimile machines, telephone, lawn mower, weedeater, and motor vehicles. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work.

DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include standard operating procedures, maps, safety bulletins, log books, guidelines, and manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange medical, emergency, safety, and fire related information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with educators, law enforcement personnel