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Probationary Firefighter

City of Great Falls
5 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Great Falls, Montana, United States
Operator

NATURE OF WORK

FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS TO TAKE PLACE APRIL 2026 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Passing score on the physical portion of the CPAT testing conducted by Public Safety Testing in Montana and
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and 
  • National Registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic

** Candidates not meeting the minimum requirements listed above, at the time interviews are conducted, will not be eligible for an interview **

Participates in a GFFR fire academy (an intense training program responsible for gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a confirmed firefighter) with a 40-hour work week. Upon successful completion of the GFFR fire academy, the candidate will be assigned to a platoon and begin his/her assignment to a fire apparatus where he/she responds as a crew member on calls to provide fire, EMS, and rescue services under the direct supervision of a fire officer. The candidate will not be eligible to be a member of the fire union until they have completed a shift on platoon.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK

(May not include all duties performed)

  • Responds to emergency incidents, alarms and service calls as a member assigned to a fire apparatus.
  • Responds to callbacks when requested from the Fire Chief or his designated representative for large fires and other circumstances when additional staff is needed.
  • Provides care to the sick and injured at the EMT Basic level or as a qualified paramedic, depending on the individual's level of EMS training and credential.
  • Suppresses fires, rescues trapped or stranded customers from burning structures.
  • Conducts forcible entry operations, ventilates buildings of hot gases and smoke; conducts salvage and overhaul operations. Suppresses fires, rescues trapped or stranded victims from burning structures.
  • Positions and climbs ladders and works on roofs and other locations above or below ground level.
  • Works in hazardous environments while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighter's personal protective equipment. During fire suppression operations, must be able to work in high temperatures, low/no visibility conditions while staying oriented, plan escape routes, rescue victims and operate fire streams effectively.
  • Assists in conducting functional and annual tests of pumps, ladders, hoses and other apparatus and equipment. .Cleans and maintains fire station facilities, grounds and equipment and reports any items that need repair to the supervisor.
  • Participates in public safety education programs. Assists with public fire safety classes and fire station tours for the general public.
  • Participates in training sessions and drills to master the skills and knowledge requisite to becoming a confirmed firefighter. Studies and develops a comprehensive knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and standard operating guides.
  • May be required to drive and operate GFFR assigned rescue units (ambulances) to transport patients to a higher level of medical care facility.
  • Supervised by a company officer or Deputy Chief of Training and shall follow orders given them as the subordinate member on the crew.
  • Perform other duties as assigned and any other duties asked of them from other superior officers.
  • Fully cooperate and participate with other members of the department in training.
  • Conduct floor watch duties as outlined in AR PER-003.
  • After demonstrating competency on the water tender and signed off, may be tasked with driving the water tender to an incident scene. Will not be tasked with operating the apparatus as a pump operator.

CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Stress Management/Composure
  • Problem Solving/Analysis
  • Communication Proficiency

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

  • Compassionate, professional customer service skills necessary to assist customers, determine needs and available resources.
  • Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in very stressful and dangerous situations.
  • Emotional and mental strength to endure emergent situations that cause the death of a customer or other situations that are physically gruesome or emotionally upsetting.
  • Basic skills and knowledge to advance hose-lines and equipment to conduct fire suppression operations.
  • Familiar with the location and operation of all fire tools and equipment.
  • Practice all safety standards according to GFFR standard operating guides. Perform skills of an Emergency Medical Technician at the basic level according to the Montana Board of Medical Directors' Standards.
  • Mechanical aptitude to perform limited maintenance work on fire apparatus, equipment and tools.
  • Handle highly sensitive information and data with absolute degree of confidentiality.
  • Maintain physical conditioning per collective bargaining agreement.