Entry Level Industrial Firefigher
Position Objective
Under direct supervision, trains for and participates in duties and related responsibilities of an emergency and/or hazardous nature in fire suppression and emergency operations. Operates within the parameters of Company policies, procedures, and practices, with special emphasis on the Company Occupational Safety and Health Program, to functionally participate in all emergency response and training services in order to achieve the mission of RTFC.
Duties and Responsibilities
This is a trainee position which requires the incumbent to train for and participate in a variety of duties and responsibilities relating to firefighting, driving, operating and maintaining various apparatus.
Firefighting
- Responds to all emergency calls on a assigned shift:
- Lays and connects hose lines and nozzles; holds nozzles and directs fog or water streams; operates a water pressure pump; uses foam lines, extinguishers, rope lines, hooks; ;operates foam proportioning systems, nozzles, adapters, etc; and other emergency equipment as necessary.
- Raises and climbs ladders; makes openings in facilities for ventilation to dissipate smoke and gasses; makes openings in walls and other structures to facilitate effective firefighting.
- Performs rescues from burning facilities and other hazardous sites.
- Performs first-aid and other emergency medical services.
- Performs firefighting and rescue work above ground level at undetermined heights.
Driver/Operator
- Periodically drives and/or operates various kinds of apparatus such as a pumper; location the apparatus at its proper place near the fire.
- Operates pumping engine so that the water pressure in the hose and the nozzle is maintained for the most efficient operation of the hose line.
- Inspects pumping engine during operation to insure that working parts are operating efficiently.
Maintenance
- Cleans, maintains and assists in repairing fire and rescue equipment and apparatus.
- Performs a variety of tasks in connection with the routine maintenance and repair of facilities.
Performs other related duties and tasks as required or requested by supervision.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Due to the inherent danger involved in this position to the incumbent, other firefighters and emergency victims, it is imperative that the trainee acquire, thorough training and experience, expertise in the following:
Knowledge Of:
- Fire suppression, emergency medical and rescue techniques and the methods and ability to apply such knowledge to specific situations.
- The correct methods and techniques of operating and caring for the tools, appliances, equipment and protective clothing basic to fire, emergency medical and rescue services under emergency situations.
- Hazards and safety precautions involved in firefighting and rescue activities.
Ability To:
- Perform duties at the highest level of physical exertion and agility on a sustained basis in all weather and environmental extremes.
- Perform physically arduous work under varying weather and hazardous conditions and while wearing all assigned Person Protective Equipment.
- Drive and operate fire and other emergency vehicles.
- Read, understand and carry out written and oral instructions, policies and rules.
- Wear breathing apparatus, climb ladders and work in confined spaces.
- Speak clearly and distinctly.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
- Learn new /established firefighting and emergency care techniques and methods.
- Act quickly, calmly, effectively and safely during emergencies
Skill In:
The operation of the required tools, appliances, apparatus and equipment. apparatus and equipment.
Minimum Education and Experience
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age; possess a High School Diploma or Graduation Equivalency Diploma (GED) acceptable to the State of Texas.
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND/OR REGISTRATIONS
- Possession of a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License at the time of employment:
- Possess a state certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic or above.
- Possess / acquire within two (2) years from initial employment a valid Texas Class A CDL Driver’s License with Passenger and HazMat endorsements. (NOTE: If the employee is stationed at a location outside of the Corpus Christi area and the facility where the employee is located does not have firefighting vehicles that require a Class A CDL license for operations, this requirement will be waived. However, a Class B CDL will be required. If the employee is subsequently transferred to the Corpus Christi area or another location where there is access to such vehicles, the employee will have up to 6 weeks to obtain a Class A CDL drivers license with HazMat & Passenger endorsement.)
- Possess / acquire within two (2) years from initial employment and keep current certification as a HazMat Technician.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must pass agility test, all medical requirements, and background investigation.
- Live or relocate to within a 30-45 minute (depending on place of employment)driving time of the Main Fire Station.
- Respond anytime, as required, to support Emergency Operations.
- Successfully complete training in Rescue I & II.
- Must be willing and able to work 24 hour rotating shifts.
- Must participate in and complete on-going training courses as required or requested.
- Maintenance of good attendance is a condition of employment.
Working Conditions and Hazards
Work Environment:
This position involves both station duties and response work, performing typical station duties such as cleaning of the general living and office areas, cleaning of the fire apparatus. The work is generally shift work consisting of 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty, or 12 hours on duty 12 hours off duty, depending on the assignment. The employee will be exposed to all types of weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, from bitter cold to extreme heat and humidity. The employee will be exposed to noise levels ranging from moderate to very loud, from open areas to very cramped confined spaces. The work environment will subject the employee to heavy
Traffic conditions both in responding to emergency calls and when attempting extrications at emergency scenes. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, the major portion of time is spent drilling and studying methods, techniques, and organization, and in routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment.
Tools and Equipment:
The employee will be required to use a data terminal and/or network computer and telephone during station functions. In the field the employee must drive a fire engine; be comfortable wearing full turnout gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus. He / She will use nozzles, hose, fans, ladders, ropes, portable radios, lights and any other equipment necessary to complete his / her task.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is required to walk briskly; use hand to finger motions; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms both above the head and below the feet. The employee is often required to lift objects from a standing, crouching or lying position whose weight may exceed his / her own. The employee is required to lift and carry heavy fire equipment and tools, medical equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus some distance from the fire apparatus to the scene of the emergency.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry objects in excess of 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or more. Such carrying will occur over uneven terrain and extend for distances of 25 to 300 feet. The employee must be able to perform these tasks under extreme heat and cold conditions while wearing full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. The employee must be able to climb outside ladders (100 ft.) in all weather extremes while operating firefighting equipment and wearing full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include 20/20 vision, corrected.
Training Period
A training period of two (2) years is required, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Status to the position of Firefighter 1 will only be granted if all requirements have been met and work performance is determined to be satisfactory.
Promotes to: Firefighter 1
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the job requirements change.
