Firefighter

Firefighters perform specialized duty work functions in preparing for and responding to fire/medical emergency calls and in providing general support within the Fire Department. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining readiness for emergency call response; responding to fire, medical, and related emergency calls when dispatched and taking proper action; educating staff and public on fire safety/prevention; and performing other tasks related to City and Fire Department 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. 

Enforces and complies with all city fire codes and ordinances and state fire laws and regulations in order to protect life and property; complies with all rules, orders, and instructions issued by superior officer.

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

Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications, exchanges information with dispatchers, medical professionals, and other department employees.

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

Provides emergency medical care as an E.M.T. or paramedic, specifically: basic first aid, basic life support, patient assessment, advanced cardiac life support, basic trauma life support, pediatric life support, spinal immobilization, administer medication, IV therapy, triage, defibrillation, manage obstructed airway and/or other treatment; provides rehydration and first aid support during fire scene activities.

Provides control of fire situation, specifically: 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.

Conducts 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, specifically: 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 repelling is necessary; maintains knowledge of rope rescue equipment and latest techniques.

Maintains a current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations including current field and code 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.

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

Performs the following duties: conducting fire station tours, raising and lowering the flag, securing station facilities, preparing meals, laundry, general housekeeping and station cleaning, painting, polishing station metal, 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 Fire Department

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

Substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same as requested by the Superior Officer.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:

• Driver's license.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Experience in customer service (e.g., working through complaints, resolving conflicts, and gaining compliance).
• Experience writing, interpreting, and maintaining reports and records.
• Must be 18 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
• Willing to perform work on a construction site (e.g., uneven ground, on roofs, around potential hazards).

• Alabama licensed Emergency Medical Technician or higher
• Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Fire Inspector I Certification.
• Experience in construction or construction type work (e.g., taking measurements, reading blueprints).
• Experience in firefighting or conducting pre-fire inspections.

• Must have Integrity, Honesty, and Objectivity
• Must be dependable, reliable, and take personal responsibility
• Must be able to use good judgment and reasoning
• Must have problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of the Trussville Fire Department and its policies and procedures
• Knowledge of local geography, streets, and hydrants
• Knowledge of fire behavior and current firefighting tactics and strategies
• Knowledge of current EMS practices and related medical equipment
• Knowledge of the operation of computers and job-related software applications
• Ability to follow orders, and to show respect for those in positions of authority
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards people in need
• Ability to relate well and get along with others, establish trust and rapport, and respond to other people in an appropriate manner
• Ability to quickly and effectively make determinations as to the best course of action for emergency situations
• Ability to read, learn, and understand written materials and correspondence
• Ability to write with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar
• Ability and willingness to be flexible, resourceful, creative, and adaptable to changing environments and work duties
• Ability to perform strenuous work under adverse conditions for a sustained period
• Ability to do physical tasks that are necessary for the job

Work Environment

Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities. Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.

Physical Demands

Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running. May involved occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to the job and may be changed at the discretion of the City of Trussville at any time.


FIREFIGHTER - GRADE 19