Firefighter - Information Only

Description

Under the immediate supervision of a company officer, works to minimize the effects of natural and man-made disasters by delivering community risk reduction programs and responding to fire, medical, and technical rescue emergencies.

Examples of Duties

• Actively participate in activities related to risk reduction programs and pre-incident analysis.
• Respond to emergencies and work as part of a team to bring various emergencies under control, including medical incidents, fires, hazardous materials incidents, and heavy/technical rescue situations.
• Aid in maintaining facilities and grounds, fire apparatus, tools, and equipment.
• Participate in training classes, drills, and continuing education.
• Maintain operational readiness of tools, equipment, and apparatus.
• Ensure physical fitness and mental toughness required to perform effectively as a firefighter.
• Follow departmental and City policies.
• Perform other duties, including some administrative tasks, as directed.

Skills/Ability

• Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and be comfortable with the resulting increased respiratory effort and decreased vision and range of motion.
• Climb six or more flights of stairs while wearing or carrying 50 pounds of gear and tools/equipment.
• Climb ladders and operate from heights of at least 100 feet.
• Be comfortable operating in the dark and in confined spaces, in high or low temperatures, in inclement weather, and over uneven terrain.
• Sit, stand, walk, run, crawl, jog, crouch, and kneel for short and long periods of time.
• Hear and speak well enough to communicate via telephone, radio, and in person at distances up to 50 feet and over high background noise.
• Stamina to meet physical and mental demands during an extended emergency.
• Read and interpret various technical documents, manuals, and trade journals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both in writing and speech.
• Function as a team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Amiably interact with members of the public, coworkers, and other emergency services agency members.
• Work a rotating shift schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Occasionally travel out of town or out of state for several days at a time.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• State-issued Class "C" driver license.
• At least 18 years of age at the time application is submitted.
• Successfully complete all required pre-hire qualifications.
• Train and become certified as a firefighter and emergency medical technician through the Winston-Salem Fire Department.

Supplemental Information

• Lift, carry or move objects up to 75 lbs.
• Physically fit enough to carry fire equipment as needed, walk over rough terrain, climb hills, load and unload vehicles, and work outdoors for long periods of time in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to safely wear and work in a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) without medical or physical restrictions.
• Pass an annual NFPA 1582-compliant physical and an annual fitness-for-duty test.

Residency Requirement

All persons hired, promoted, transferred or reclassified to a public safety position (sworn police personnel or fire suppression personnel below the level of department, division or office head) shall be required to maintain their principal residence within a 60-mile radius of city hall and within the state or establish their principal residence within such areas within 180 days of the effective date of the personnel action.

Additional Information

• You will be notified by regular mail and email once a time and date has been set for your Physical Ability Test.
• Candidates will be subject to a general knowledge written exam upon successful completion of the physical ability test.
• Candidates should be prepared to stay six hours to complete all testing.
• Firefighter Trainee Salary during the 30 week academy (40 Hour Week): No Degree - $44,741, Associates Degree - $46,978, Bachelor's Degree - $49,327.
• Certified Firefighter Salary (56 Hour Week): No Degree - $46,978, Associates Degree - $49,327, Bachelor's Degree - $51,794.
• Employee Benefits: 401a Contribution (employee match not required), Bus Pass Program, Education Assistance, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Suggestion Program, Family and Medical Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Health Insurance, Group Dental Insurance, JURY DUTY LEAVE, Life/Accidental Death Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Military Leave, Paid Holidays, Promotion from Within, Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC), School Leave, Shared Leave, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Sick Leave, Training, Vacation Leave, Wellness Program.
• The City of Winston-Salem's employment practices are guided by federal, state, and local rules and regulations guaranteeing employment opportunities to all persons without regard to and prohibiting discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, political affiliation or beliefs, national origin or handicap, unless a bonafide occupational qualification exists.
• Applicants who are 18 by September 1, 2020 are eligible to apply for the firefighter position.
• Will you be at least 18 years of age by September 1, 2020?
• Will you have a High School Diploma or equivalent by July 1, 2020?
• Are you able to work in and around environments that consist of; changing weather, adverse smells and sights, elevated temperatures and loud sounds?
• Can you work a 24- hour shift?
• Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, birthdays, etc.?
• How did you hear about this job? Select all that apply.
  • City of Winston Salem Website
  • Radio
  • Television
  • Social Media
  • Other: Please Specify