Firefighter

Firefighter

** Must have a MINIMUM of 2 years service and EM T-I to apply ** Starting salary is based on the Public Safety New Hire Pay Matrix Under the general supervision of a Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant, the Firefighter performs a full range of operational and non-supervisory duties related to fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and community risk reduction. Duties include responding to emergency calls; operating and maintaining fire apparatus, tools, and equipment; performing fire attack, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul activities; providing medical care in accordance with certification level; and assisting with search and rescue operations in a variety of environments. Firefighters are also responsible for maintaining station facilities, equipment, and grounds; participating in training drills and continuing education to maintain operational readiness; engaging in community outreach and fire prevention education efforts; and supporting the overall mission, values, and goals of the department. Members must maintain satisfactory physical fitness and adhere to established safety practices and professional standards at all times. This position works a rotating shift schedule and may be assigned to various fire stations and apparatus based on operational needs.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Respond promptly and safely to fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency incidents as assigned.
• Performs all fire suppression tasks, including size-up assistance, hose deployment, nozzle operation, ladder placement, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul.
• Conducts primary and secondary search operations to locate and rescue trapped or endangered individuals.
• Provides emergency medical care in accordance with certification level and departmental medical protocols, including patient assessment, treatment, stabilization, and documentation.
• Operates and assists in the operation of fire apparatus, pumps, aerial devices, and related equipment; connects and disconnects hose lines, nozzles, valves, and other fireground tools.
• Uses a variety of rescue tools and equipment, including hydraulic extrication tools, ropes, saws, and stabilization devices during vehicle, technical, and other rescue incidents.
• Participates in pre-plan activities for buildings, collects and updates site information, and provides general fire prevention education to the public; completes required documentation as needed.
• Conducts routine cleaning, inspection, servicing, and inventory of apparatus, equipment, tools, turnout gear, and SCBA to ensure readiness.
• Performs daily station maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds upkeep to maintain a safe, clean, and functional working/living environment.
• Participates in scheduled training, drills, and exercises to maintain required certifications and operational proficiency.
• Maintains required levels of physical fitness to safely and effectively perform job duties, including wearing heavy personal protective equipment in hazardous environments.
• Follows department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety practices, and chain of command in all operations.
• Provides courteous and professional service in all interactions with the public, coworkers, partner agencies, and medical personnel.
• Completes reports, forms, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner using department software and reporting systems.
• Supports the mission, values, and goals of the department and contributes to a positive and team-oriented work environment.
• Performs related duties assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required Knowledge of: Firefighting principles, practices, and procedures, including fire behavior, suppression techniques, and rescue operations. Emergency medical care, basic life support (BLS), and advanced life support (ALS) practices depending on certification level. Fire apparatus operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. Use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hand tools, and hydraulic rescue tools. Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and chain-of-command protocols. Fire prevention techniques, public education methods, and community risk reduction strategies. Occupational health and safety regulations applicable to emergency responders. Building layouts, occupancy types, and hazards commonly encountered in urban and suburban settings. Basic recordkeeping, report writing, and documentation requirements for emergency incidents, inspections, and training activities.

Skills Operate fire apparatus, pumps, and other firefighting equipment safely and effectively. Perform emergency medical procedures in high-stress situations with accuracy and efficiency. Use tools, ladders, ropes, and rescue equipment for firefighting, extrication, and rescue operations. Conduct searches and rescue operations safely and systematically. Communicate effectively with the public, coworkers, supervisors, and partner agencies in both routine and emergency situations. Prepare clear, accurate, and timely reports and documentation of incidents, training, and inspections. Perform physically demanding tasks while wearing heavy protective equipment and under adverse environmental conditions. Participate in drills, training sessions, and continuing education to maintain certifications and operational proficiency. Educate and instruct members of the community on fire prevention and safety awareness.

Ability to: Remain calm and exercise sound judgment during emergency incidents and high-pressure situations. Work effectively as part of a team, supporting coworkers and supervisors to achieve safe and efficient outcomes. React quickly and decisively to changing circumstances and hazards on the fireground. Lift, carry, climb, crawl, and perform strenuous physical tasks while wearing full protective gear. Adapt to rotating shifts, long hours, and the demands of emergency response work. Follow verbal and written instructions accurately and consistently. Maintain professional behavior and ethical standards in all interactions with the public, coworkers, and partner agencies. Prioritize tasks effectively in situations where multiple emergencies or responsibilities are occurring simultaneously. Commit to lifelong learning and continuous improvement of skills, knowledge, and operational readiness.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: High school diploma or GED equivalency. At least 18 years of age. Must possess and maintain valid NPQ Firefighter I certification, NPQ hazardous Materials certification and valid Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification. Completion of departmental training classes in Apparatus Operation, AOIC, Incident Command Structure and HAZMAT Awareness. Completion of Basic Building Construction testing and Territory (main streets and multi-family) testing. Requires completion of two out of five live fire classes. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license with appropriate endorsement. Must be a United States citizen.

Physical Demands Physical: Must possess mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of fifty pounds of force frequently. Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemical, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; hearing sufficient to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Medical: 2 High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) options (HRA and HSA) with lower monthly costs. Dental: no deductibles. Coverage includes preventive, basic, major restorative, and child orthodontia. Vision: eye care and eyewear (contacts, lenses and frames). Laser correction procedures. FSA: Medical and dependent care. Retirement Health Medical Coverage: retirees (age 55+ and 10+ yrs. of service) may continue individual coverage up until Medicare eligibility at age 65. Medical Reimbursement: retirees (age 55+ and 15+ yrs. of service) receive a monthly reimbursement benefit as periodically determined by the Pension Board of Trustees. Retirement Defined Contributions 401(a): City contributes 10% of employee's annual base pay. Vested benefit accrued at 20% a year, with full vesting after 5 years of service. Deferred Compensation (457) and Matching Contributions: employees may elect to participate at any time. After 1 year of continuous employment, City matches employee's contributions, up to 5%. Paid Holidays 10 City Holidays and 1 Personal Holiday upon hire