Job Summary:

The Municipal Firefighter will suppress and control fires in structures and other locations using specialized knowledge and tools, conduct rescue efforts for individuals involved in accidents, and provide emergency medical attention.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responds to fire alarms and other related calls for emergency assistance including automobile and industrial incidents.
• Assesses and quickly analyzes fires and other emergency situations, communicating findings to superiors as needed for further instruction.
• Extinguishes fires in buildings in collaboration with crew members.
• Through constant contact with fire dispatchers, advises when additional firefighters or supplies are needed and provides detailed information on status of operation.
• Searches for, rescues, and administers emergency first aid to victims of fire or other catastrophic events.
• Connects hoses to hydrants and directs water to fire.
• Creates necessary ventilation using a variety of tools.
• Takes feasible steps to protect property from damage due to fire, water, or hazardous chemicals.
• Patrols and oversees burned areas after a fire to identify and extinguish hotspots that could reignite.
• Collaborates with police when responding to situations such as accidents, disasters, and arson investigations that require input and expertise from both agencies.
• Inspects buildings to ensure compliance with fire prevention ordinances; checks for sufficiency and functionality of smoke detectors and fire suppression equipment when needed.
• Actively participates in ongoing training, seminars, conventions, and conferences to maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Drives and operates vehicles and equipment used in fighting fires.
• Cleans and maintains assigned equipment and station areas.
• Periodically inspects, drains, and tests fire hydrants.
• Provides fire prevention information and education to the public.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of relevant equipment, tools, policies, procedures, and strategies used in firefighting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment during hazardous fire-suppression activities.
• Ability to listen, understand, and respond quickly to directions.
• Works well with others, particularly in highly stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as needed to effectively interact with the public.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; Associates degree in Forestry, Fire Science, or related field highly desired.
• Successful passage of physical exam and fitness test.
• Certification either as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic or EMT-Paramedic.
• Completion of fire-suppression work and techniques training.
• Additional on-the-job training provided.

Physical Requirements:

• Highly dangerous work with the possibility of prolonged periods working in high heat, high-stress situations.
• Must possess the ability to perform high-intensity physical labor including the ability to carry, drag, climb, and crawl, often across uneven terrain.
• Must be able to lift at least 150 pounds at a time.
• May need to be on shift for days at a time with very little rest.
• Exposure to fire and smoke, and dangerous chemicals and poisonous gases.