Firefighter

Position Summary

To protect life and property by performing firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and fire prevention duties in accordance with the mission and values of the department. Maintains fire and medical equipment, apparatus, and facilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform fire-fighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
• Perform pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport according to established medical protocols.
• Perform rescues using hydraulic equipment, ropes, and a variety of other related tools and equipment.
• Participate in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, technical rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
• Receive and relay fire calls and alarms.
• Operate radio and other communication equipment.
• Participate in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs.
• Maintain fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
• Perform minor repairs to departmental equipment.
• Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around the station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs, and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains, and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Assist in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
• Present programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
• Perform salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Prepare and submit fire incidents, patient care, and other reports as required.

Supervision

• Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible firefighting and medical aid activities responsibilities concerning training, fire safety, and fire prevention.
• Supervision Received: Works under the immediate direction of the Deputy Chief and/or Captain.
• Supervision Given: None.

Lateral Requirements

• Must be a full-time employee in good standing in a career department.
• Must have successfully completed a regional recruit class, i.e., the Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Firefighter Class or equivalent, within the past five (5) years.
• Must possess current National Registry Paramedic certification prior to employment.
• Must possess existing medical control through Yale New Haven Center for EMS or be able to obtain such within one year of the employment date.
• Must possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification within the last 12 months or 2 years of continuous service with their current department.
• Must possess a High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a valid driver's license. A copy of both must accompany the application for employment.
• Must obtain a Connecticut Q endorsement (or CDL) to operate fire apparatus within 18 months of the employment date.
• Must successfully pass the written and oral exams with a minimum score of 70%.
• A background check and physical exam, with drug and alcohol screening, will be conducted immediately after conditional offers are extended.
• Must be interviewed by the Board of Fire Commissioners, after which a conditional offer of employment will be made.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (copy required with application).
• Copy of a valid driver's license (required with application).
• Valid Emergency Medical Technician Certification or Paramedic License.
• Connecticut Firefighter I Certification.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Knowledge: Working knowledge of driver safety.
• Ability: Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment; ability to perform standard firefighting, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques; ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergencies, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke; ability to act effectively in emergencies and stressful situations.
• Skill: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, firefighting skills, emergency management skills, and skill in motivating and training.

Job Environment

Work is performed primarily in vehicles and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, on bodies of water, and in the office during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergencies and stressful situations. Individuals are exposed to loud alarms and hazards associated with firefighting and emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents, and oils.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to work at heights, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 120 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.