Firefighter

About the role

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and other emergencies to protect life and property; to operate and maintain a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and firefighting equipment as necessary; to participate in firefighting activities, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, fire prevention, and training activities.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms; lay and disconnect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; assist with all aspects of firefighting activities as necessary.
• Operate numerous types of fire suppression, rescue, salvage, and emergency medical equipment.
• Provide emergency medical care at medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations involving threat to human life.
• Assist in inspecting buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and general compliance with fire prevention and hazardous materials laws and standards.
• Assist with classes and public education on fire prevention methods; conduct fire prevention and first aid classes for schools, churches, civic groups, and the general public.
• Assist in the investigation of fire scenes to determine causes, prepare inspection reports, and assist in the preparation of investigative reports.
• Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions that include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
• Assist in maintaining assigned fire station during shift; participate in repairs and maintenance as necessary.
• Clean apparatus and equipment and perform general custodial duties as required.
• Represent the City of Red Oak in a professional, appropriate manner always, cultivating good community relations by appearing before civic and community groups.
• Protect classified, confidential, and sensitive information in compliance with HIPAA Privacy Rules.
• Support the relationship between the City and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions.
• Perform all job duties, tasks, and activities according to work instructions, defined procedures, and policies.
• Identify, record, and report problems that interfere with completion of job duties, and initiate, recommend, or provide solutions as appropriate.
• Keep work areas clean and orderly.
• Exemplify a cooperative attitude and work effectively with others.
• Perform all work activities in a safe manner and follow all safety rules.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required by supervisor.

Requirements

• High School Diploma
• No experience required

Qualifications

Certifications & Licenses

• Texas Commission on Fire Protection - Basic Structure Fire Protection
• Texas Department of State Health Services - Emergency Medical Technician – Basic or Paramedic
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Traffic Safety Course (within 1 year)
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Courage to be Safe (within 1 year)
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection – Cancer Support Network Training (within 1 year)
• NIMS Training 100, 200, 700, 800 (within 1 year)
• Texas Department of Public Safety - Valid Class B or Higher Driver License (At time of appointment, must have a valid Texas Driver’s License with an insurable driving record. Shall obtain a Texas Class B license within 1 year of appointment.)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Learn rescue methods and techniques.
• Learn the purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations.
• Learn and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions, and written material in the field of firefighting.
• Apply basic firefighting techniques and procedures.
• Learn to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• Learn to analyze fire and emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
• Learn to operate and maintain radio equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and/or orders.
• Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to safely perform all physical requirements of the job.
• Must have an understanding and knowledge of the HIPAA Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the Fire Department’s policies and procedures that impact their job duties.
• Ability to adhere to principles and traits as listed below:
  • Honesty – Don’t lie, cheat, or steal.
  • Trust – Trust in people and have faith in principles.
  • Pride and Ownership – Be proud of what we are doing. Be responsible for self and for others.
  • Fun – Be creative. Don’t be afraid to laugh and try new things.
  • Compassion – Care for others as if a member of one’s family.
  • Teamwork – Create and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Initiative – Look for solutions. Take positive action.
  • Humbleness – Let our actions be louder than our words. Remember why we are here.
  • Strong work ethic – Hold self and others to a higher standard.
  • Respect – Seek an understanding of others and reserve judgment.