Firefighter

Physical Demand Rating: Heavy

Work Environment: Uncontrolled - Indoor/Outdoor

Pre-employment Testing: Civil Service testing includes cognitive written test and physical agility test.

Post Offer Testing: Physical, drug screen and psychological evaluation after continent offer.

Personal Protective Equipment: Eye, Face, Hand, Head, Foot, S.C.B.A, Hearing, Reflective/Protective Gear and Clothing.

General Statement of Duties:

Engages directly in emergency response involving fire, rescue explosion, hazardous materials, life threatening medical, smoke, gas, entrapment and disaster incidents. Responds as a tactical medic with the police department.

Non-emergency response involving fire prevention, fire inspection, public education and public relations. Provides standby coverage and related duties at the airport. Performs maintenance and repair of fire station, fire apparatus and equipment.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

This is skilled structural firefighting, aircraft rescue and firefighting, hazardous materials and emergency medical work. Work involves combating, extinguishing and preventing fires to protect life and property. Work also involves maintenance of fire station equipment, apparatus, quarters and operating equipment. Employees of this class are required to participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under extreme environments such as fire, heat, smoke, cramped surroundings, toxic vapors, airborne and blood borne pathogens, and hazardous chemicals. Although firefighting is the most difficult and responsible area of activity, a major portion of the time is spent in fire prevention and inspection activities, hydrant testing and maintenance, drilling, study of firefighting methods, techniques and organization. Orders of supervisors must be executed promptly and efficiently. The work requires strict adherence to administrative rules and standard operating procedures. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions and well-defined procedures under the command of a superior officer, but there are times when courses of action must be determined by the firefighter.

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of Fire Lieutenant and/or Captain. May infrequently receive directives from Assistant Fire Chief of EMS/Operations or Fire Chief.

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to maintain good physical condition as required by the job and MFPRSI standards.
• Ability to report to work as scheduled on time.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to emergency and fire calls in accordance with standard operating procedures, provides rescue and required emergency medical services. Drives and operates fire apparatus and motor driven equipment.
• Operates cutting torches and saws, power jacks, and a variety of other rescue equipment and tools, removes fire or accident victims to a safe location, applies back and neck supports, and administers emergency medical care to the sick and injured.
• Inspects and maintains emergency equipment, radios, and rescue units, to insure proper operation conditions, maintains an adequate supply of first aid and other disposable materials.
• Responds to fire alarms, lays and connects hose, operates hose nozzle to direct fog and water streams, raises and climbs ladders, works with ropes tying knots and setting up rigging, uses chemical lines and extinguishers, uses axes and similar tools to ventilate buildings and expose hidden fire areas, participates in post fire salvage operations such as removing and recovering household articles, mopping floors, and cleaning debris.
• Pumps water to fire at a safe and effective pressure and insures that suction house and fire hose are properly located, monitors conditions of motors and unit during operation and makes necessary adjustments or changes operated generators, smoke ejectors, foam units and similar equipment.
• Checks engines daily and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes and other equipment to see that the apparatus is in good working condition and reports defects, participates in the maintenance and mechanical repair of fire apparatus.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire station buildings and grounds, cleans, waxes, polishes, and otherwise maintains assigned equipment and quarters.
• Decontaminates apparatus, equipment, and clothing exposed to potential airborne or blood borne diseases.
• Participates in a continuing program of training and instruction, including attendance at scheduled drills and classes.
• Writes clean and concise reports.
• Speaks in an articulate manner to the public while providing public education;
• Acting as a mentor, provides guidance, instruction and oversight to students of firefighting and emergency medical services.
• Ensures code enforcement by performing fire/life safety facility inspections (commercial and rental occupancies).
• Inspects and maintains fire hydrants for operating and physical condition.
• Performs duties related to ambulance service.
• Participates in ARFF training, certification and standby duty for airport operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of rescue and emergency medical principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the hazards and risks of blood borne and airborne pathogens.
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work 24-hour shifts, to include weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge of the hazards and risks of response to, and problems associated with hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting, rescue and ARFF activities.
• Knowledge of building construction types and techniques.
• Knowledge of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and fire suppression systems in buildings.
• Knowledge of the physical layout of the city, including fire hydrant and street locations.
• Ability to perform mechanical work involving maintaining fire apparatus, equipment, and tools.
• Ability to maintain composure in a high stress work environment in order to respond appropriately to upset individuals.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine safe and proper courses of action; ability to take initiative.
• Sound judgement and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to live and work effectively with coworkers during 24-hour shifts.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to file reports using computer and fire software.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid chauffeur's license issued by the State of Iowa. Must be insurable and maintain insurability.
• Within 1 year of employment completion of Firefighter (1) and Hazardous Material Operations.
• Iowa EMT certification within 12 months of the start date of the first available course.
• Paramedic certification 3 years after the first available course and registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Preferred Requirements

Paramedic certification and registered with the Iowa Department of Public Health upon hire.

Special Requirements:

Employees of this class shall meet the NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications and the NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications; the NFPA 472 Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents at the "Operations" or "Technician" level; certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and registered by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Environmental Conditions:

The following is a list of job related environmental factors that a firefighter of this class must have the physical capability of overcoming:

• Operate both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration;
• Spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements;
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400degrees Fahrenheit), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms;
• Experience frequent transitions from hot to cold and from humid to dry atmospheres;
• Work in wet, icy, or muddy areas;
• Perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops or from ladders;
• Work in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible;
• Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact;
• Face exposure to infectious agents such as Hepatitis B, HIV or Tuberculosis;
• Wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing firefighting tasks;
• Perform physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure breathing equipment;
• Perform complex tasks during life threatening emergencies;
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activities and intense concentration;
• Face life or death decisions during emergency conditions;
• Be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims;
• Make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods;
• Operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights, and in enclosed or confined spaces;
• Use manual and power tools in the performance of duties;
• Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation.

Physical Requirements:

Must maintain minimum department physical fitness standards as established for entry level firefighters

Frequent to Constant:

Standing and walking; bending; stooping; squatting; crawling; kneeling; climbing (stairs and ladders); reaching (above, at and below shoulder level); pushing/pulling (up to 100 lbs.); lifting (up to 100 lbs.); carrying (up to 100 lbs.); twisting (torso, hands, neck, waist); hand and wrist motions(simple grasping, firm grasping; radial and ulnar deviation); color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; hearing and speaking (in loud and confused situations).

Occasional:

Pushing/pulling (over 100 lbs.); lifting (over 100 lbs.) and carrying (over 100 lbs.)

Employment Type: Full Time