Firefighter Recruit (Full-Time)

About the role

This position is responsible for protective service work in fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials, emergency medical, and other emergency services.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, specialized rescue, or other emergency situations.
• Maintain a state of readiness and preparation for emergency response; check and maintain stock of equipment and supplies on fire/emergency vehicles and in fire stations; test hoses/pumps on apparatus; reload equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls.
• Suppress, control, and extinguish fires; locate water supplies to fight fires; lay out, connect, and maneuver fire hoses; select appropriate hose nozzles; operate nozzles and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fire; and disconnect and roll used hoses.
• Position, raise, and climb ladders of various heights to access upper levels of buildings and perform rescue operations; create openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilate smoke and gas from buildings; enter premises for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations; perform salvage operations such as covering furniture, sweeping/mopping water, and clearing/removing debris; assist with cleanup activities.
• Provide necessary medical care in accordance with established protocols for basic life support; administer emergency medical care requiring use of suction units, immobilization equipment, and oxygen delivery systems; perform physical lifting techniques associated with moving patients between incident sites, stretchers, or ambulances.
• Identify hazardous materials and types of containers or carriers at spill scenes; use various booms and barriers to contain spills and mitigate runoff; perform fire suppression activities as necessary; assist with the direction of evacuation operations as necessary.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license, or any valid driver’s license with ability to obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina.
• Must pass the EMT/EMR course on their first attempt.
• Immediately after completing the EMT/EMR course, the employee has three (3) attempts to pass the state exam within 60 days of course completion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue/extrication operations, and hazardous material response methods, techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and tools used in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical care, and ability to operate and care for such equipment.
• Knowledge of the hazards involved in emergency response operations.
• Ability to work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations.
• Ability to prepare and safely operate department vehicles, apparatus, and other emergency equipment.
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information, including receiving instructions, assignments, or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read a variety of informational and technical documentation and instructions.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, volunteers, other emergency agencies, and the public.

Job Related Physical Requirements

This position involves heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical activity includes using fingers and hands, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, balancing, pushing/pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; motions are related to conducting inspections and investigations on fire scenes where heavy fire debris may need to be moved. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and to convey detailed or important instructions to others; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for inspecting apparatus and equipment for small defects, using measuring devices, operation of machines, motor vehicles, or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions

The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, including dangerous and extreme temperatures for a prolonged amount of time; these conditions may partially or totally obscure one's vision. Subject to noise, vibration, fumes, odors, gases, oils, smoke, and hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, work in high places or narrow passageways, and chemicals. Subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system and skin and is required to wear a respirator or self-contained breathing device. Works in close quarters and areas which could cause claustrophobia. May be exposed to blood, blood-borne pathogens, and/or other infectious materials when providing emergency medical services. Work is performed under emergency conditions and may involve personal hazard.

Benefits

• Health Care Insurance (PPO or HDHP/Prescription Drug Program)
• Lifestyle programs (weight management, Tobacco Cessation, Stress Management)
• Telehealth Online Appointments 24/7
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Reimbursement (DCFSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Secondary Language Incentive Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Pension Plan – NC Local Government Employee Retirement System (LGERS)
• NC 401(k) EmpowerNC Roth 401(k) EmpowerNC 401(k) Match Empower457(b) NationwideRoth 457(b) Nationwide
• Fireman’s Pension Fund
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• School Visitation - unpaid, up to 4 hours to attend school activities
• Military Differential Pay
• Health Fair
• Biometric Screening
• Flu Shots
• Statesville Fitness & Activity Center (SFAC)
• Wellness Activity Calendar
• Take Home Vehicle (based on position)
• Working Advantage - Employee Discount Program
• Christmas Bonus (Based yearly on City Council approval)
• Employee Appreciation Picnic
• Veterans Breakfast
• Service Award Program
• Career Development (eligible departments)
• Alternative Work Arrangements available based on departmental needs
• Cellphone Discounts
• City Cell Phone (eligible positions)
• Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness
• Group Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Life insurance
• Boot Vouchers – yearly
• Safety Glasses – every (2) years
• Hearing Tests – yearly
• Uniforms (eligible departments)