Firefighter

Under general supervision, responds to fires, alarm activations, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, rescue emergencies, public service calls, fire prevention, training and any other activities that support the protection of life and property.  Assists with the maintenance of the fire station, apparatus and firefighting equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position works as a team member of a fire and rescue response company and reports to a Chief Officer, Fire Captain, or designee.  When qualified and assigned, this position may perform in the capacity of an Acting Fire Apparatus Driver Operator.
 

(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists.  Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).

• Responds to fires, technical rescue, medical, hazardous materials and public service calls as directed by the Fire Department.
• Rescues victims from hazardous environments, responds in a timely, safe, and skilled manner.  Participates through hose laying, use of nozzles to direct water onto a fire, extinguishment, ladder operations, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, cleanup operations, preservation of evidence and other activities as part of team.
• Provides emergency medical service to patients within the scope of practice of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT); assists AEMTs and Paramedics in care, rescue and transport of patients; serves as crew member or driver during the transportation of patients during medical emergencies.
• Assists in the inspection of businesses, schools, commercial and other properties for fire hazards and pre-planning.
• Studies and stays abreast of current Fire Department policies and procedures, EMS policies, fire prevention, firefighting techniques and maintenance programs.
• Operates and maintains safely and properly firefighting and other related equipment and apparatus in an efficient and effective response-ready manner.
• Maintains fire station and other facilities in a clean, orderly, and usable condition.
• Participates in training sessions and exercises, fire drills, fire prevention activities and public education presentations; answers general questions from the public.
• Serves as a disaster worker; is subject to recall; responds to fire, ambulance and rescue calls during non-duty hours.
• Maintains an adequate level of physical fitness to perform firefighting, rescue, equipment operation, and other related tasks.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships in the course of work

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training).

Knowledge of:

• Basic International Building Code and International Fire Code provisions;
• Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting and emergency rescue;
• Basic techniques for handling hazardous materials;
• Operation of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use;
• Emergency medical assistance and CPR techniques;
• Layout of the city's water main system and street numbering system;
• Basic life support procedures and techniques;
• Human anatomy and body functions; and
• Operation and basic maintenance of small motors.

• Operate a motor vehicle safely, including fire apparatus
• Operate a variety of radio and communications equipment
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software

• Analyze situations quickly and reach logical conclusions;
• Understand basic mechanical principles;
• Meet physical and medical requirements established by the department and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA);
• Follow procedures and directions both in written and oral form;
• Fill out forms, reports, logs and draw diagrams;
• Communicate with the general public;
• Learn and retain information;
• Work under stress;
• Learn firefighting techniques, equipment operations and maintenance, rescue and other relevant techniques.

• Possession of a current and valid driver's license; ability to obtain a valid Nevada driver's license within six months of hire date.
• Current and valid National Registry or State of Nevada EMT certification.
• Obtain State of Nevada AEMT certification within one year of hire date.

Age requirements:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Physical and Mental Requirements: The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 

Strength, stamina, and agility to utilize fire suppression equipment for a long period of time.  Strength and endurance to fight fires while wearing heavy protective clothing. Frequent lifting and/or moving of objects up to 30 pounds and occasional pushing, pulling and moving of objects up to 200 pounds. Physical fitness must be maintained to perform a variety of maintenance duties as well as rescue activities.

In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. 

Working Conditions:  Work is performed under the following conditions. 

Work in an emergency firefighting environment.  Work in medical emergency situations, vehicle accidents, water rescues, mountain rescues, swift water rescues and other types of technical rescue emergencies and public assists.  Work in intense life-threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, chemicals, skin irritants, fumes and solvents.  Work both inside and outside with exposure to extreme weather conditions, odors, dust and pollen, heights and noise.  Risk of death or injury from sudden cave-ins of floors, toppling walls, traffic accidents when responding to calls, etc.  May come in contact with poisonous, flammable, or explosive gases and chemicals, as well as radioactive or other hazardous materials and bodily fluids that may have immediate or long-term effects on health.