Volunteer Firefighter

About the role

The Paid On-Call Volunteer Firefighter performs advanced firefighting work in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires, responding to hazardous materials incidents and emergency calls which include special rescue situations such as vehicle and steep angle rescue.

Responsibilities

• Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies in accordance with department procedures.
• Operates auxiliary equipment, lays and connects hose, holds nozzles, and directs fog, chemical, and water streams.
• Raises and climbs ladders, uses chemical extinguishers and operates variety of other portable and related equipment such as chainsaws and small engines.
• Participates in training sessions and attends classes in firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, emergency medical treatment, and related subjects.
• Responds to calls for emergency services, prepared to perform life saving techniques and other on-site care of victims if required.
• Responds to emergency calls for drowning, various rescue situations, accidents and natural or other catastrophes.
• Performs a wide variety of general custodial and maintenance work in the upkeep of department apparatus, equipment, and station.

Requirements

• Once Firefighter 1 certified, firefighters will be able to enter burning structures wearing self-contained breathing apparatus under the direction of Command Staff.
• Firefighters will also have the ability to identify hazardous materials by placard and identification number and take appropriate safety precautions.
• Ability to wear heavy Firefighter Turnout Gear (personal protection equipment) with an air pack weighing 60 pounds.
• Ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (no facial hair that interferes with seal of face piece such as beards, sideburns, etc.).
• Ability to carry a single ladder weighing 50 pounds or an extension ladder weighing 100 pounds as a team, to raise and extend the ladder, to assist victims down ladders, and to carry fire hose and other heavy equipment up and down ladders and stairs.
• Ability to climb a ladder to a height of 30 feet while carrying a roof ladder.
• Ability to move and advance a charged hose line, weighing approximately 180 pounds into a burning building, while standing or crawling on the floor.
• Ability to hold flowing hose line for long periods of time and to shut off a flowing line while maintaining control of the hose line in adverse environments.
• Ability to work in high, open places and confined spaces.
• Ability to operate a power saw in awkward positions, such as overhead cutting, cutting on a sloping roof, and cutting from a ladder.
• Ability to use a variety of tools to remove walls and ceilings, requiring pulling and pushing motions with arms extending overhead for long periods of time, or to force entry into a building.
• Ability to operate power extrication equipment to assist in removing injured people from motor vehicles.
• Ability to complete firefighter and emergency rescue functions and tasks which are physically demanding over a period of time, without breaks, recovering quickly when given a short break.

Qualifications, Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Desire to help others in need.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear heavy Firefighter Turnout Gear (personal protection equipment) with an air pack weighing 60 pounds.
• Ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (no facial hair that interferes with seal of face piece such as beards, sideburns, etc.).
• Ability to carry a single ladder weighing 50 pounds or an extension ladder weighing 100 pounds as a team, to raise and extend the ladder, to assist victims down ladders, and to carry fire hose and other heavy equipment up and down ladders and stairs.
• Ability to climb a ladder to a height of 30 feet while carrying a roof ladder.
• Ability to move and advance a charged hose line, weighing approximately 180 pounds into a burning building, while standing or crawling on the floor.
• Ability to hold flowing hose line for long periods of time and to shut off a flowing line while maintaining control of the hose line in adverse environments.
• Ability to work in high, open places and confined spaces.
• Ability to operate a power saw in awkward positions, such as overhead cutting, cutting on a sloping roof, and cutting from a ladder.
• Ability to use a variety of tools to remove walls and ceilings, requiring pulling and pushing motions with arms extending overhead for long periods of time, or to force entry into a building.
• Ability to operate power extrication equipment to assist in removing injured people from motor vehicles.
• Ability to complete firefighter and emergency rescue functions and tasks which are physically demanding over a period of time, without breaks, recovering quickly when given a short break.