Firefighter - Entry
Date Adopted by City Manager
01/05/07
Comp. Code
7706
IAFF
Classified
Job Title
Firefighter - Entry
Definition
Under general supervision, to engage in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention activities in order to protect life and property; to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus; to provide emergency medical services; to maintain fire facilities; to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Respond to all fire alarms with designated equipment; connect and appropriately place fire hose lines; enter burning buildings with hose lines; operate nozzles to direct the stream of water on fire surfaces; raise, lower and climb ladders; assist in overall salvage operations; carry and operate chemical fire extinguishers; render emergency medical treatment; drive and maintain fire apparatus; clean and test equipment; perform basic maintenance of vehicles; operate radio-telephone equipment as required; clean and maintain station facilities and quarters; study Fire Department rules, regulations and procedures; explain fire hazards, firefighting techniques, fire codes and related subjects; conduct fire prevention inspections and programs; participate in fire drills and training exercises; may be required to act as Fire Apparatus Engineer when assigned; assist in identifying hazardous materials and mitigating such emergencies; subject to emergency recall during non-duty hours; operate fire station computers; performs related duties as necessary.
Tools and Equipment Used
Various fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting, hazardous materials response and rescue equipment, ladders, emergency medical equipment, personal protective equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on uneven surfaces and in confined spaces; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or larger with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions that range from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Basic principles, practices and purposes of fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services to a basic life support level at the emergency medical technician level.
Ability to
Understand and act in accordance with Fire Department rules and instructions; demonstrate physical endurance, agility and strength in accordance with established standards; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude in the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment; learn firefighting techniques and the operation of fire apparatus; learn emergency medical and rescue techniques; maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Technician certification; learn layout of City streets, buildings, hydrants and fire hazards; analyze fire and driving situations and employ effective courses of action; think and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations; apply emergency medical treatment; drive and operate fire equipment as necessary; understand and follow oral and written instructions; deal effectively and courteously with the general public; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience
Any experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.
Education
High school graduation or equivalent supplemented by successful completion of course work required for Firefighter I certification.
Additional Requirements
Current certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), possession of a valid California Driver License, possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation card, and possession of a Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational certificate; upon appointment provide proof of successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the previous 12 months.