Firefighter II

Essential Functions

• Participates in incident response including fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous-materials, and technical rescue calls;
• Operates fire apparatus and other equipment as required.
• Responds to fire calls; may assist with establishing water supply on scene; forces entry in structures; performs fire suppression; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; ventilates burning structures; enters buildings to evacuate occupants.
• Assists with vehicular rescue and extrication utilizing a variety of extrication tools.
• Operates all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, ladder equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
• Participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.
• Responds to emergency medical incidents and provides first responder level service; supports duty paramedic on emergency medical responses.
• Participates in post incident operations of cleaning and salvage; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.
• Performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including testing of hoses, pumpers and hydrants; checking fluid levels and proper operations of all apparatus and equipment; washing and waxing trucks; and other related activities.
• Performs fire hydrant surveys and inspections and maintenance as required; prepares and maintains accurate records and reports on individual hydrants.
• Prepares and maintains accessible and legible records and reports on all emergency and non-emergency responses.
• Participates in pre-fire planning surveys and inspections of commercial buildings.
• Inspects and takes inventory of fire and medical supplies; communicates inventory needs to supervisors.
• Attends special instruction in firefighting techniques; performs drills with other staff; participates in training for fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related emergency services.
• Maintains, cleans and cares for fire station and equipment to ensure readiness, condition, and proper appearance; performs station duties such as mowing grass, cleaning yard, cleaning restrooms and kitchen in the station.
• Assists in fire prevention and/or public fire safety education programs and related duties.
• Assists citizens with the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors.
• Participates in special projects, station tours, special events, fire prevention, public education, and other activities as required.
• Participates in physical fitness, cardiovascular and strength training, and functional training for job readiness, risk reduction, and to enhance the ability to perform the job tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities/Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of modern methods of fire suppression and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of incident response including response to hazardous materials spills, rescue techniques, and emergency medical service calls.
• Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
• Working knowledge of the hazards of firefighting and appropriate safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.
• Some knowledge of the City roads, streets and layout.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of required tools, apparatus, and equipment.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, and public contact.
• Ability to make act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment failure and make corrections as necessary.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, supervisors, and members of the public.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate manual and electronic records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school supplemented by experience in the fire service;
• or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Special Requirements

• Must complete the North Carolina State Firefighter certification program consisting of 340 hours of study/classroom instruction and completion of written and psychomotor skill exams administered through the North Carolina State Fire and Rescue Commission to include Haz-Mat level 1 responder within 24 months of employment.
• Must obtain North Carolina Class B (non-cdl) drivers license within 6 months of employment.
• Must obtain North Carolina boaters safety & crowd manager certification within 6 months of employment.
• Must obtain NIMS 100,200,700, and 800 certifications within 6 months of employment.
• Completion of the City of Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue driver/operator program.
• Must obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification within 12 months of employment.
• Must obtain and maintain North Carolina EMT or higher level within 12 months.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Benefits

For an overview of the City of Kinston's benefits package offered please click here: www.ci.kinston.nc.us/470/Benefits.