Fire Apparatus Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  Fire Apparatus Operator
Reports to:  Fire Officer  

Department:  Fire

Salary: $61,963

Hours of Work: Full-time

FT Certified Firefighters - $3,000 Signing Incentive on First Check

Purpose of Work: 

This position operates fire apparatus in support of fire suppression and other emergency response functions.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Responds to emergency calls involving fire, hazardous materials, natural and manmade disasters, rescue, and other critical incidents; transports firefighting crews to emergency scenes; assumes command until relieved by a superior officer.
• Operates and controls fire apparatus; drives fire apparatus to and from emergency scenes; operates fire pumps, aerial apparatus, and other equipment; positions apparatus at incident scenes; reads gauges and adjusts controls; sets pump pressure; opens and closes engine valves; determines available flow from water source; flushes and refills pump and booter tanks.
• Implements actions necessary to save lives and property; extricates victims from structure fires and vehicle accidents; administers emergency medical care; performs structure ventilation duties; responds to hazardous materials incidents.
• Provides emergency medical care to patients in different settings as certified, including homes, public areas, and accident scenes; assesses patient conditions, obtains vital signs, and determines appropriate treatment plans based on established protocols and guidelines; communicates with dispatchers, partners, other emergency providers, and medical personnel via 2-way radio and telephone regarding sick or injured persons' condition, vitals, and other relevant treatment information; administers medication and therapy or treatment to patients on site or in transit.
• Inspects apparatus and equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order; performs routine maintenance of equipment as assigned; inspects and maintains hoses and other equipment.
• Maintains and cleans the station, grounds, and living quarters.
• Participates in public relations functions with schools, churches, and other organizations.
• Participates in continuing training and drill activities; provides training to other department personnel as certified.
• Remains familiar with area streets, geography, and landmarks; learns roads and alternate routes to populated areas; learns fire hydrant locations.
• Conducts and assists with public safety education, including fire safety and prevention.

• Fire Apparatus Operator completes required reports of incidents occurring during an assigned shift. Completes hose and hydrant testing.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to the control and prevention of fires.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of the capabilities and uses of emergency vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in operating assigned fire apparatus under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
• Skilled in the provision of medical care in emergency situations.
• Skilled in the use of radio/communications equipment.
• Skilled in planning, organization, and decision making.
• Skilled in oral and written communication.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of apparatus operation, fire suppression, rescue, and other emergency response duties. The variety of emergency situations encountered contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to operate fire apparatus in order in protect lives and property through fire suppression activities and the provision of other emergency response services. Successful Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire performance helps ensure the safety of lives and property in the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching.
• The employee frequently lifts heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizing the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office, except while at fire or other emergency scenes. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures, hazardous situations, and inclement weather.
• Work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of related firefighting experience.
• Must have served as a Driver in a career fire department in a position such as Fire Apparatus Operator, Driver/Engineer, Engine or Quint Operator, or a comparable role requiring a department-issued pumper license or driver certification.
• Possess a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class E or F) with an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), or have the ability to obtain one by the date of hire if currently licensed in another state.
• Meet all current requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act, and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain, the following certifications:
• Georgia Firefighter I
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• NPQ Fire Officer I (or equivalent, if applicable)
• Hazardous Materials Operations (HAZMAT Ops)
• All federally required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications
• State of Georgia EMS certification, if applicable
• Must have no felony convictions.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

We do not accept e-mailed resumes as a part of the application process.