Firefighter/EMT

Description

POSITION STATUS

The following position description is established by the Board of Directors of the Berthoud Fire Protection District (District) to outline the basic duties and responsibilities of the above captioned position. This position is a career, full-time position and is not exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position of Firefighter-Engine Operator requires extensive training in responding to, combating, extinguishing, preventing fires and performing rescue work. The individual will be required to learn and participate in the performance of tasks in emergency situations, which may require strenuous physical exertion under adverse conditions such as heat, smoke and confined spaces. The job requires the individual to complete a basic training program, learn all streets and water supply resources in the District and operate fire/rescue apparatus under non – emergent and emergent situations. Mechanical aptitude is important in that basic preventative maintenance of fire/rescue apparatus and equipment is required as well as report writing to support the fire/

rescue apparatus and equipment maintenance and repair program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• The Firefighter shall have appropriate oral and written communication skills to perform their assigned duties. The candidate shall have interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral member of the team.
• The Firefighter shall have a working knowledge of fire/rescue apparatus and equipment, to include the operation, care and preventative maintenance, appropriate to his/her level of knowledge and experience.
• The Firefighter shall have the ability to learn and apply the knowledge and skills associated with the performance of their duties.
• The Firefighter must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions during the performance of their duties, both during daily routine assignments and under the stress of operating on scene of an emergency.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend the minimum number of hours of training and complete the number of "Job Performance Requirements" to meet the standards of the Insurance Services Office, as adopted by the District, the requirements of the State of Colorado and the National Wildfire Coordination Group to retain the required certifications for the assigned position.
• Respond to alarms, provide fire suppression and control, basic emergency medical life support, hazardous material mitigation, rescue, fire/rescue apparatus and equipment operation as well as support functions as required.
• Perform all fire/rescue apparatus and equipment maintenance checks in accordance with nationally recognized standards and/or District schedules and guidelines. Correct all deficiencies found during maintenance checks, not to exceed the firefighter's knowledge, training and experience.
• Perform preventative maintenance, not to exceed the Firefighters knowledge, training and experience.
• Assist in scheduling maintenance and/or repairs which are beyond the scope of the Firefighter's abilities, training and education with outside professionals, i.e. ladder test, self contained breathing apparatus, etc.
• Report service issues to the Firefighter immediate supervisor in accordance with District policy.
• Maintain fire/rescue apparatus and equipment serviceable and clean.
• Maintain "Fire/Rescue Apparatus/Equipment Check" forms as required by the District.
• Inspect the station, grounds, fire/rescue apparatus and equipment to ensure proper and safe operating conditions as well as cleanliness. Perform preventative and minor maintenance and report status to supervisor.
• Responsible for the maintenance of tools used.
• Assist in placing fire/rescue apparatus or equipment in service after use.
• Drive fire/rescue apparatus upon completion of the District's D/O program. Drive fire/rescue to all assigned incidents, training exercises and any other times as necessitated to perform duties assigned, safely transporting crew members and equipment.
• Maintain all required certifications and licenses for the position at the expense of the Firefighter.
• Understand, follow and support all District policy, orders, standards and guidelines.
• Attend required District meetings and training sessions.
• Participate in assigned project work.
• Participate in pre – fire plans, fire prevention education, company inspections, public safety education and other bureau related duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned to include but limited to the testing and flow of fire hydrants, testing of fire hose, ground ladders, pumps, etc.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office with frequent travel to various locations to attend meetings and/or perform activities in responding to emergency scenes, disasters, or critical incidents; the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level is occasionally very loud due to sirens, etc.; wear protective apparel including goggles, face protector, aprons, safety shoes, and self-contained breathing apparatus; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside city boundaries to attend meetings; subject to mandatory call back at any time.

PHYSICAL

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move moderate to heavy weights; perform arduous and prolonged tasks under adverse and dynamic conditions; occasionally lift and/or move heavy weights; operate office equipment including use of computer keyboard; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to speak and hear to exchange information; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; ability to operate and use specialized vehicles and equipment.

OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to safely operate in protective equipment in hazardous environments and atmospheres
• Full field of vision with proper acuity with or without correction to include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; capable of identifying red and green colors to enable safe operations of fire apparatus
•  Auditory capacity consistent with NFPA Standard 1001
•  Capacity to operate and breathe with self-contained breathing apparatus in confined spaces, independent of other firefighters, without exhibiting
  claustrophobic tendencies
•  Ability to lift, carry or drag weight equal to and in addition to one's own body weight while ascending/descending stairs and fire department ladders
•  Ability to operate at higher elevation in relation to the ground, and do so with mobility and flexibility without jeopardizing the safety of self or others
•  Ability to perform physical taxing activities during sustained operations
•  Ability to speak clearly and spontaneously while operating in stressful and/or hazardous environments
•  Ability to don 50-lb vest and structure gloves
•  Lift large NIOSH box weighted to 60-lbs from floor, carry down and up two flights of stairs, and set back on the floor
•  Lift large NIOSH box weighted to 35-lbs from floor, carry down and up two flights of stairs, and set back on the floor
•  Push a sled weighted to 75-lbs horizontal force (190 lbs. in sled) for a distance of 75- feet
•  Pull 3-ft of cable weighted to 45 lbs. 5 times, then 35 lbs. 5 times, then 25 lbs. 5 times
•  Simultaneously lift (using dowel handles) 2 small NIOSH boxes weighted to 55-lbs or 2 55-lb dumbbells
•  Simultaneously carry boxes or dumbbells between cones placed 11 feet apart in a figure-eight fashion for two cycles. Dumbbells or boxes may be set
  down to adjust grip only one time during the two cycles
•  Pull cable downward 22-inches using pole attachment, 10 repetitions per arm
•  Lifts/carries 100 lbs. occasionally (0-33% of the time or 1-100 times per day)
•  Dynamic Lifting Criteria: Floor-to-Knuckle: 100 lbs.

SUPERVISION

You will be under the direct supervision of the Incident Commander during all emergency alarms.  

Day to day duty supervisor shall be the Company Officer. Any problems should be resolved with your supervisor or should follow the District grievance procedure.

Requirements

PROVISIONAL FIREFIGHTER

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid Colorado Driver's license.
• Must meet minimum standard guidelines, i.e. criminal/driving history.
• Successfully complete the District's testing/selection process
• AccuPlacer Test/Regional Community Colleges (New or Lateral Hire)
• Skills Assessment Test (New or Lateral Hire)
• Successfully complete and pass the following District physical ability tests:
• Pre-Employment Physical
• POPAT (Post Offer Physical Ability Test)
• Candiate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• Annual Pack Test in accordance with NWCG requirements to maintain S-130/190 certification (arduous)
• Hold and maintain the following certifications upon appointment:
• Firefighter I / State of Colorado or equivalent
• Haz Mat Operations / State of Colorado or equivalent
• Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
• CPR / American Heart Association
• Obtain and complete the following within twelve months from the date of hire:
• IS 700.a NIMS, An Introduction
• IS 100.a Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS 100
• IS 200.a ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• NWCG 130/190 Red Card Type II
• District's D/O Academy
• Firefighter Task Book
• The Provisional Firefighter shall obtain Grade I / Firefighter by the end of their first year of employment.

GRADE I / FIREFIGHTER

• Hold and maintain all current certifications listed under Provisional Firefighter.
• Obtain the following certifications within twelve months from the time of appointment to Grade I / Firefighter:
• Firefighter II / State of Colorado or equivalent
• Driver Operator / State of Colorado or equivalent
• Car Seat Technician 

The Grade I / Firefighter shall obtain Grade II / Firefighter Engine Operator by the end of their second year of employment.

GRADE II / FIREFIGHTER ENGINE OPERATOR

• Hold and maintain all current certifications listed under Provisional Firefighter and Grade I / Firefighter.

GRADE III / FIREFIGHTER ENGINE OPERATOR PUMPER

• Hold and maintain all current certifications listed under Provisional Firefighter, Grade I / Firefighter, and Grade II / Firefighter Engine Operator.
• Hold certification of Engine Operator Pumper / State of Colorado or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of operational career experience with a combination/career fire department.

GRADE IV / FIREFIGHTER ENGINE OPERATOR AERIAL / BLUE CARD INCIDENT COMMAND

• Hold and maintain all current certifications listed under Provisional Firefighter through Grade III / Firefighter Engine Operator Pumper.
• Hold one of the following certification: Engine Operator Aerial / State of Colorado or equivalent and/or Blue Card Incident Command
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of operational career experience with a combination/career fire department.