Firefighter Candidate Entrance Exam

About the Role

Responds to emergency calls in the Port of Houston and surrounding mutual aid areas. Performs daily inspections of air packs, small tools, medical supplies, apparatus, and all other equipment kept on the apparatus. Maintains the cleanliness of the fire department facilities, apparatus, and performs other duties as assigned in a safe manner in accordance with the fire department's written directives.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarms for fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents on land and by water; remove persons or equipment from danger
• Maintain and use fire engines, hazmat vehicles, fire boats, and all equipment on such vehicles
• Assist in prefire plans of all Port Houston facilities
• Maintain extinguishers and hydrants
• Drive fire apparatus and auxiliary equipment
• Lay and connect hose, hold nozzles, and direct fog or water streams
• Raise and climb ladders; use fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment
• Ventilate burning buildings or vessels through natural openings
• Train and become proficient in the role of deckhand for fireboat
• Assist the Engine Operator with duties in the engine spaces of the fireboat, with a view toward performing these duties unsupervised
• Perform general preventative maintenance to the boat and fire suppression equipment
• Perform duties of a hazardous material technician during hazardous material incidents
• Provide emergency medical treatment when responding to medical emergencies
• Attend training courses and classes; read and study assigned materials related to firefighting and prevention, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical care
• Participate in fire drills
• Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property
• Assist senior officers in fire inspections; check fire escapes, building exits, and related structures for compliance with fire prevention ordinances
• Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required
• Current, valid Texas driver's license is required
• TCFP Structural Firefighter basic certification required
• TCFP Marine Firefighter basic certification required within 3 months of hire
• TCFP Hazardous Materials Technician certification required within 1 year of hire
• TCFP Driver Operator certification required within 1 year of hire
• TDSHS Emergency Medical Technician basic required
• NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, 800 required
• A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be obtained within 30 days of appointment and maintained for the duration of employment

Skills

• Working knowledge of gas engines, diesel engines, generators, fluid, brake, and hydraulic operations
• Working knowledge of fire pumps, priming pumps, monitors, fire hoses, fire nozzles, hose clamps, couplings, connectors, water hydraulics, fire mains, valves, storz connections, and threaded connections
• Working knowledge of radios, proper language to be used on radio, call signs of dispatchers, and key terms for responding and reporting on the radio
• Knowledge of modern fire prevention practices
• Knowledge of departmental and Port Houston procedures, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English effectively to communicate with citizens and employees by telephone, two-way radio, in written form, or face-to-face
• Ability to identify and conduct inspections of Port Houston fire equipment and service any found deficient
• Ability to conduct suppression and hazardous materials response while wearing an SCBA
• Ability to determine color and have normal color perception
• Ability to pass a NFPA 1582 category “A” rating on medical examination or physical
• Ability to work long hours outdoors
• Full physical agility and bipedal mobility to effectively perform all duties
• Ability to swim a quarter mile and tread water for 10 minutes

Schedule

Considered essential employees and may be required to work on holidays, evenings, nights, and be immediately recalled for emergencies at any time. Must remain available and "on call" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, dependent on emergency needs.

Benefits

Port Houston offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits in a diverse, inclusive work environment. Joining the team provides opportunities for growth and impact.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but due to an open office environment, noise level may occasionally be high.

This work site location is the Port Coordination Center.