Firefighter

05/17/2024 Grade 19 Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this job class respond to emergency medical calls, rescue operations, and a variety of non-emergency calls to protect lives and property as well as participate in the custodial maintenance of fire station equipment, fire-fighting apparatus, rescue vehicles, and quarters. Firefighters spend time studying methods and techniques, and perform routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations.

• Administers non-invasive healthcare to patients/victims by following accepted medical guidelines and using specialized medical equipment for treating various health-related conditions.
• Ensures proper operation and readiness of apparatuses, equipment, and personal gear used for incident response by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective incident response and mitigation.
• Conducts fire safety activities for the general public that are designed to reduce the risk of fire related incidents from occurring and enhance awareness of general fire safety precautions.
• Deploys fire hoses of varying diameters with different nozzle specifications and incorporates available appliances into fire suppression activities.
• Carries out officer/incident commander’s fire suppression orders by following incident response guidelines to extinguish the fire and ensure life safety of victims.
• Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational variables to complete operations.
• Assists in developing pre-fire plans for businesses, public buildings, and residences to include surveying buildings, collecting information regarding hazardous materials, occupancy, hydrant location, etc. to prevent and/or minimize damage and losses caused by fire-related incidents.
• Participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities.
• Operates fire apparatus pump system during incidents requiring water using the control panel to enable fire suppression activities.
• Minimizes property loss from incidents by inspecting the scene, assessing what areas of the incident should be preserved for investigation, protecting property from unnecessary damage, and determining what debris should be left undisturbed to permit later investigation.
• Locates and removes victims from incident scenes by utilizing specialized rescue techniques and equipment for extrication of victims to minimize trauma, ensure life safety, and transport to the appropriate patient care facility.
• Participates in duties related to the maintenance and appearance of the fire station.
• Participates in formal and informal training, sessions, and drills to acquire the proper training needed to carry out assigned duties in accordance with department policies and procedures and national guidelines.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
• No felony convictions.
• Driver's license.

• Fire Fighter I
• Fire Fighter I/II
• Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter*

• Note that individuals who are hired with this VFF Certification will be required to complete the five-week Bridge program through the Alabama Fire College in order to obtain the Firefighter I certification.

• (Pro Board or IFSAC) Certified Fire Fighter I or Fire Fighter I/II as recognized by Alabama Fire College.

• Adaptability & Flexibility.
• Customer Service.
• Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use.
• Leadership & Management.
• Learning & Memory.
• Mathematical & Statistical Skills.
• Oral Communication & Comprehension.
• Physical Abilities.
• Planning & Organizing.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making.
• Professionalism & Integrity.
• Psychomotor Abilities.
• Researching & Referencing.
• Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
• Self-Management & Initiative.
• Sensory Abilities.
• Small Tool & Equipment Use.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal.
• Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
• Technical Skills.
• Training & Facilitation.
• Written Communication & Comprehension.

• Knowledge of fire behavior and characteristics to include ignition, growth, materials, heat, and smoke.
• Knowledge of firefighting equipment maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of building construction, codes (e.g., fire codes, life safety codes, mechanical codes), and building systems (e.g., HVAC).
• Knowledge of fire prevention techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of national fire regulations, state and federal laws, court rulings, and legal information.
• Knowledge of pre-incident/pre-fire planning procedures to include inspecting structures, identifying potential hazards, and establishing paths of egress.
• Knowledge of the Federal, State and Local fire code (e.g., relating to buildings and facilities).
• Knowledge of types of fire detector systems (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide) and their functions.
• Knowledge of types of fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, hood systems, portables) and their functions.

• Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities.
• Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment.
• May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.

• Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running.
• May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls.