Firefighter

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To participate in a variety of technical tasks related to fire suppression and prevention operations; to participate in fire prevention activities and training; and to maintain assigned station and firefighting equipment; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from a Fire Captain or the officer in charge.

Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS - Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

1. Respond to fire alarms, medical and emergency calls with assigned company; extinguish structure and auto fires; lay and connect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; ventilate burning structures; enter buildings to evacuate occupants.
2. Operate all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguisher, hydraulic truck ladder, rescue spreaders, cutters and airbags, self-contained breathing apparatus, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment and emergency medical equipment.
3. Operate pump at the fire; regulate water pressure through hose lines; maintain an awareness of City layout and the water system.
4. Respond to a variety of general emergency rescue calls including auto accidents, building collapses, natural disasters and water/boating accidents; perform auto extrication and rescue.
5. Inspect vehicles, equipment and apparatus including aerial and pumping equipment; perform maintenance and minor repair work.
6. Participate in fire drills and attend training sessions on firefighting technology, proper use of all equipment and related tools; attend and successfully complete hazardous materials training.
7. Perform service tests of fire hose, hydrants and ground ladders; certify smoke detectors.
8. Attend in-service classes in firefighting, emergency medical services and other related activities.
9. Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; clean and wash walls and floors; care for grounds around station; make minor repairs; wash, hang and dry hose; wash, clean, polish, maintain and test equipment and apparatus.
10. Perform salvage and overhaul operations as needed to minimize damage from the effects of water, smoke and fire.

Marginal Functions:

1. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire suppression and emergency medical services.
2. Provide tours of station and equipment; provide public fire education programs to schools and agencies.
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

Policies and procedures of the City of Coffeyville and the Fire Department.

Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive fire suppression and prevention programs and emergency medical service.

Operation, maintenance and uses of modern fire fighting apparatus and equipment.

Technical and administrative aspects of fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical services.

Emergency medical procedures.

Hazardous materials response, high-angle or aerial rescue and confined space, trench and building collapse rescues.

The geography of the city and surrounding area.

Specialized communications equipment.

Various building construction techniques and the consequence of each type on fire suppression activities.

Approved procedures and policies for hazardous or toxic materials storage, transport and clean-up.

Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work.

Pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations.

Modern office procedures, methods and equipment, including computers and related software and equipment.

Ability to:

Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations.

Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Demonstrate physical aptitude.

Learn the layout of the City’s water main system and street numbering system.

Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Operate specialized emergency communications equipment.

Safely operate department vehicles, apparatus and other emergency equipment.

Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of assigned personnel.

Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.

Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work including city and other government officials, community groups, the general public, and media representatives.

Follow all safety rules and regulations of the Fire Department.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances
• evaluating various options and alternatives and choosing an appropriate and reasonable course of action
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.
• making sound decisions and using good judgment
• communicating clearly
• responding to questions
• determining when hazardous situations exist
• thinking clearly in emergency situations

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• running, walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations
• frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds
• moving equipment and injured/deceased persons
• climbing stairs/ladders
• performing life-saving and rescue procedures
• operating assigned equipment including fire apparatus and vehicles
• specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:

• hazardous chemicals and materials
• intense heat
• electrical hazards
• dangerous animals
• communicable diseases
• hazards of emergency driving
• hazards of fighting fires
• natural and man-made disasters

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• making observations
• communicating with others
• reading and writing
• operating assigned equipment
• answering questions
• speaking in a clear and audible voice
• monitoring activities and operations
• effectively working with numbers

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

No experience required.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid State of Kansas Drivers License

Possession of, or ability to obtain, appropriate Firefighter I and II certification

from the University of Kansas fire training academy or other IFSAC accredited institution.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid CPR Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Hazardous Materials Technician Certification. Must achieve Hazmat Ops and Tech in four (4) years.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Emergency firefighting environment; exposure to fire encompassed surroundings, dangerous persons and animals; hazards associated with traffic control, natural and man-made disasters; noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases; human body fluids, explosives, toxic materials, electrical and radiant energy.

Physical Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration. Contact with grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims. Rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods. Extensive time outside exposed to the elements.