Firefighter/ Fire Trainee

Performs responsible fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical and incident response activities including participating in firefighting; may require ability to operate fire apparatus in the absence of a Fire Engineer.

Certified Firefighter pay grade 26

Trainee Rate DOQ (depending on qualifications)

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression, fire education and prevention, technical rescue, emergency medical and other incident response operations at the fire station. Employees work on a 24 hour shift and participate as part of a team in the maintenance of facilities, equipment, and apparatus. Employees also participate in pre-incident planning, maintenance of records, and training programs. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment and requires the employee to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training. 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 the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks
• Participates in incidence response including firefighting operations, operation of fire apparatus and other equipment as required; responds and participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents; responds to emergency medical incidents and provides Emergency Medical Technician services; responds to technical rescue calls operating various equipment.
• When needed and qualified drives apparatus to incident scene; properly places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs; insures proper operation and pressure of hoses; issues equipment and monitors radio traffic for necessary response; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.
• Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition; cleans and maintains station and grounds; maintains equipment and re-stocks supplies as needed..
• Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities.
• Assists with the preparation fire reports and other manual and digital record keeping; participates in special projects as required; participates in training, fire pre-planning, fire inspections, fire education and prevention programming, maintenance and testing of hose, pumpers and hydrants and other related activities.
• Participates in training on shift and when required on other occasions.

Additional Job Duties
Performs other duties as required.
Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of modern methods of attacking fire emergencies and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Knowledge of incident response including response to hazardous materials spills, ocean and general rescue techniques, and emergency medical service calls.
• Knowledge of the hazards of firefighting and appropriate safety precautions.
• Some knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.
• Some knowledge of Town streets and layout.
• Some knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, officials, and members of the public.
• Ability to prepare records of work activities.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate all required equipment and apparatus.

Physical Requirements
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Must 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.
• Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, to operate heavy fire apparatus in emergency situations, and to prepare records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience
Graduation from high school supplemented by completion of courses and seminars in fire service; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Special Requirements
• Possession of a valid class B North Carolina driver’s license or equivalent within one year.
• Possession of NC Firefighter II certification or meet conditions of offer if hired as Firefighter Trainee.
• Possession of North Carolina EMT certification or meet conditions of offer if hired as Firefighter Trainee.
• Ability to obtain other required certifications.