Firefighter First Class

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this position is to perform specialized work as an individual or team member in Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Prevention activities. This is a highly responsible position wherein work primarily involves the responsibility of protection of life and property. This position is responsible for extinguishing fires and removing/rescuing persons from danger, and may perform a variety of rescue and first aid techniques to provide immediate medical aid to ill or injured persons. This position is expected to exercise considerable initiative, within these guidelines, in the performance of his/her duties. This position has the authority to take any reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities, provided that such action is consistent with position guidelines outlined below. The methods or practices with which duties and functions are performed are of minimal latitude. Decisions shall be made with the guidance of a supervisor. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Lieutenant or Officer in charge of station to which assigned and will, under some circumstances, receive orders or instructions from command personnel above the rank of Lieutenant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PRIMARY DUTIES:

The tasks listed below represent most of the time spent working in this position. Supervisor may assign additional tasks within the scope of this classification as necessary.

• Works within the guidelines of established City policies and procedures, departmental Standard Operating Guidelines, accepted fire suppression and emergency medical services practices, and all directives from superiors, both written and verbal.
• Responds to emergency calls as directed, 24 hours per day, seven days per week if needed and available.
• Responds quickly to alarms in an assigned area as a member of a fire or emergency services company.
• Enters burning buildings and hazardous environments to extinguish fires and remove or rescue persons from danger. Performs and applies a variety of rescue and first aid techniques, to provide immediate medical aid to ill or injured persons.
• Removes necessary equipment and tools from apparatus for execution of assignment, and upon completion returns and loads equipment onto apparatus.
• Advances fire hose lines, directs fire streams and extinguishes fire in a variety of situations, such as residential, commercial, institutional, brush or grass, and transportation properties. Connects hose or apparatus to hydrants, joins hose sections and nozzles, operates water appliances, accessories, portable extinguisher, and similar equipment.
• Performs forcible entry, breeches, and ventilates burning buildings, as needed, to gain entry or release products of combustion.
• Performs salvage operations to prevent or minimize damage caused by water and smoke.
• Performs overhaul operations to locate hidden fires and removes fire debris after extinguishment to prevent rekindle.
• Assumes and carries out the duties and functions of a relief driver (ride-up Engineer). Although this position has no supervisory responsibility it may have delegated authority to operate and maintain apparatus to which assigned as a driver.
• Participates in non-emergency activities or programs, such as: training, station and equipment maintenance, pre-fire planning, public education, and fire prevention activities.
• Perform maintenance and cleaning tasks of facilities, fleet, and equipment.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs assignments as an individual or team member in emergency or non-emergency situations.
• May give technical support and participates on special committees; attends related meetings or management retreats; gives presentations to various civic organizations, homeowners associations, and other persons or groups.
• Perform inspection tours of facilities, equipment, apparatus, and shift personnel to determine effectiveness of station officer(s), routinely or as required.
• May be required to provide a variety of non-emergency public assistance services in response to the public's needs including, but not limited to: checking blood pressure; providing street information and directions; and conducting station tours and equipment demonstrations.
• May also be responsible for operating fire and rescue apparatus. Performs any other tasks or duties assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of municipal street and road systems, to include overall geography when assigned as a driver.
• Basic working knowledge of fire suppression and emergency medical practices, equipment, and standards; Knowledge of English, spelling, and basic math.
• Ability to learn, understand and comply with city and department policies and procedures; ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member; efficiently and effectively work with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to operate a telephone, computer, copy machine fax machine, two-way radio, and various emergency vehicle apparatus and specialized fire, EMS, and technical rescue equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or equivalent certification as recognized by the State of Florida Department of Education. Successfully pass the entry-level test for firefighter or equivalent qualifications as verified and approved by the Fire Chief.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Valid State of Florida driver license, Class D. State of Florida: Bureau of Fire Standards and Training certificate of completion, compliance, or tenure. Current State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services Paramedic license or Emergency Medical Technician license with Orange County endorsement. State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Fire Inspector certification; Fire Instructor Certifications; Haz-Mat Certification; Fire Investigator Certification; and/or Fire Officer Certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to carry, raise, climb and lower ladders and advance related equipment (weight 20 or more lbs.) to upper floors. Often lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of weight greater than twenty (20) pounds, occasionally lifting greater than one-hundred-fifty (150) pounds.
• Indoor environment, outdoor environment, fire, smoke, dust, extreme temperatures, humidity/moisture, hazardous chemicals, gases, and explosive situations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants may complete the CPAT through the National Testing Network, Inc. (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com) in place of our department physical agility test.
• Applicants must submit copies of the following in order to be considered for the testing process: State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training certificate of completion, current State of Florida Department of Health Paramedic license, current BLS and ACLS certificates, and 16-hour emergency vehicle operations certificate
• Residency Requirement for firefighters must be met within one (1) year from date of hire.
• A copy of a State of Florida EMT License, a State of Florida Certificate of Compliance, and a valid Florida EMT license, Class E endorsement, must be attached to the application in order to be considered for a firefighter position with the City of Apopka.