Performs responsible fire suppression, rescue, and incident response activities, including emergency medical response, on an assigned shift in the Fire Department.

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical and incident response, and daily maintenance activities at the assigned fire station. These activities involve firefighting, performing emergency medical service response (either at the First Responder or EMT-Basic level), facility and equipment maintenance, pre-fire planning and inspections, completing reports and participation in training. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment and emergency medical procedures. Ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of emergency response work. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incidence response work including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters. The employee is also subject to OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision of the assigned station’s supervisor and overseen by the Battalion Chief, and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Responds to fire alarms and participates in fire suppression activities; responds to HAZ-MAT incidents, wrecks, structure fires, etc., participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.
• Responds to emergency medical calls and provides First Responder or EMT Basic level response services.
• Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities.
• Inspects station, and equipment for proper appearance and condition;
• Assists with the preparation of fire reports; participates in special projects as required.
• Works with others on the shift to gather data for pre-fire plans; within level of certification, conducts fire inspections.
• Performs other tasks for the purpose of public relations and assistance such as child safety seat consulting/assistance, conducting station tours and public fire education tasks in schools and other settings; participates in special projects as required.
• Participates in required training in a variety of fire and medical modules, to maintain certifications and increase knowledge and skills.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Requires working knowledge of:

• Modern methods of attacking fire emergencies and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Incident response including response to hazardous materials spills and emergency medical service calls.
• Emergency medical procedures as a EMT Basic or First Responder
• Departmental rules and regulations.
• City streets and layout.
• Skill in the operation of department equipment and apparatus (where assigned)
• Ability to make sound judgments in emergency situations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, officials, and members of the public, and to speak effectively before groups in public educational situations.

Physical Requirement

• Must be physically able to perform the basic life functions of climbing ladders, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing; be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; possess the visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes; conduct visual inspections; use firefighting equipment, use a computer, and to prepare records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by completion of courses and seminars in fire service; and experience in a fire service; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Employee should possess the following certifications and/or credentials: certified firefighter (NFPA 1001), Certified Hazardous Materials Level I (NFPA 472 / OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120), Possess a N.C or Virginia Class C driver’s license. This employee will have completed an orientation/recruit program, passed a medical examination, including a drug test and a thorough investigation and evaluation of his /her character.

Special Requirements

• The ability to obtain the requirements for senior firefighter such as; a NC EMT Certification, ICS 100 & 200, departmental Pump and aerial course and a NC or VA class B driver’s license. Strong candidates for this position will be in possession of these special requirements.