Fire Intern

About the role

This Firefighter Intern position with the City of Saratoga Springs Fire Department is an opportunity to explore emergency services. The role involves responding to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, urban search and rescue, and wildland fires. Interns will participate in fire prevention, training, and maintenance of the fire station and emergency equipment. This position has a time frame of 6 to 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms with assigned company.
• Operate emergency equipment in a non-IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmosphere.
• Respond to emergency medical incidents and assist in patient transportation to local hospitals.
• Participate in fire station housekeeping.
• Attend training in firefighting and emergency medical techniques; perform drills with engine company crew members.
• Become familiar with the city layout, hydrant systems, and established routes.
• Participate in public education opportunities.
• Complete a new hire task book.

Requirements

Education: High School diploma or equivalent. Must have or be currently enrolled in EMT (and/or) Firefighter I & II.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have refrained from using hallucinogenic drugs at any time; marijuana in the past 2 years; all other illegal drug use (including steroids) in the past 5 years; must be a non-smoker.
• Must have a good driving record free from "at fault" accidents and convictions for violations of criminal traffic infractions (including adjudication withheld) for the past 12 months. No driver's license suspension within the last 5 years.
• Must not have been convicted of any 1st or 2nd degree misdemeanor within the last 3 years.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Responding to quickly changing situations under emergency conditions.
• Working in hostile and dangerous conditions.
• Working at great heights.
• Working under strict discipline and following orders.
• Demonstrating mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Maintaining physical condition appropriate to assigned duties, including:
• Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations.
• Moving equipment and injured patients.
• Climbing stairs and/or ladders.
• Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reading and understanding technical materials, rules, regulations, and procedures in both firefighting and emergency medical services.
• Operating and performing basic service maintenance on all firefighting equipment.
• Retaining presence of mind in emergency situations.
• Thinking quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Working in adverse physical locations and conditions.
• Performing heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted during the internship.

Working Conditions

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 175 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office and loud in the field.
• Work may require climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling.
• May be required to work in outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions, high or precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and/or vibration.
• Work in emergency firefighting environments and medical emergency situations, including vehicle accidents, water rescues, ice rescues, mountain rescues, and other types of medical and rescue emergencies.
• Exposure to life-threatening conditions, including fire, smoke, bodily fluids, swift water, static bodies of water, heights, and noise.

Pay

Salary Range:

• Minimum: $17.28/hr
• Midpoint: $20.73/hr
• Maximum: $24.19/hr

Hiring typically occurs at the minimum of the range and does not exceed the midpoint.

Working a holiday that falls on a scheduled shift is optional but preferred. Applicants are encouraged to consider working holidays to gain insight into the life experiences and sacrifices of a Fire Department employee.