Job Description and Duties
Firefighter I
Purpose of Job:
The purpose of this job is to perform specialized duty work functions in preparing for and responding to various fires, rescue and medical emergency calls and in providing general support within the Fire Department. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining readiness for emergency call response; responding to fire, medical, and related emergency calls when dispatched and taking proper action; educating staff and public on fire safety/prevention; and performing other tasks related to City and Fire Department activities.
Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of a Fire Lieutenant or higher classification. May be supervised by higher trained firefighters, and/or engineers in the absence of or until the arrival of a Fire Officer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Responds to emergency calls for fire, medical, and other emergency situations. Removes individuals from dangerous/hazardous situations. Performs all activities necessary to suppress/extinguish fires. Assesses emergency medical problems and performs prescribed treatment as outlined and authorized under State of Tennessee EMS guidelines and the City of Dickson’s EMS protocols. Performs code enforcement, pre-fire surveys and building inspections; issues burn permits; maintains hydrants; provides education to the public on fire safety/prevention; provides tours of fire station facilities. Cleans/maintains fire stations, grounds, apparatus and other equipment; makes minor repairs/adjustments to apparatus and equipment. Operates machinery, equipment and light motor vehicles; ensures appropriate maintenance; may operate specialized fire vehicles/equipment (fire engines, ladder trucks, pumps, etc.) with sufficient experience and training. Receives and/or prepares various documentation (forms, checklists, reports, correspondence, etc.); processes, completes, and/or forwards as appropriate. Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employers, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals. Participates in and conducts training classes. May be required to fill in for a firefighter of a higher grade or rank on a temporary basis and perform related duties as required. May be required to perform other duties as necessary. Required to work normal 24/48 hour work schedule on assigned holidays, weekends or extreme weather conditions.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job:
Must be 18 years or older at the time of employment; Must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any State and maintain throughout employment; No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years; U.S. citizen; Must be able to read and write the English language; Possess a current AEMT or higher license from the State of Tennessee within 2 years of completing recruit academy and maintain throughout employment; Must be adaptable to changing educational and training needs to perform in a rapidly advancing fire service; Must successfully complete an emergency vehicle driving course approved by the Fire Department; Must attend and pass an approved recruit school; Must be State Firefighter I commission or be able to obtain within 1 year from date of hire; Submit to permission of random drug testing according to City Policy.
Minimum Qualifications/Standards Required to Perform Job Functions:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines, tools and equipment which include, but not limited to, a motor vehicle, computer, generator, fire pump, fire hoses, nozzles, fire hydrant, axe, shovel, hydraulic tools, power tools, hand tools, medical equipment, SCBA, ladders, aerials and other equipment assigned. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very hard work. Must be able to pass a medical evaluation in accordance to the OSHA mandates on such subject, which will be given by the Fire Department’s Physician. Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hand and finger manipulation, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; and taste and smell. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjust to focus.
Communication:
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange administrative, firefighting and emergency medical information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants. Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures related to the job of Firefighter I. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
Knowledge of Job:
By the end of the employee’s first year of employment will have considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Fire Department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the job of Firefighter I. Will have considerable knowledge of Fire Department practices as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Will know how to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the department. Will know how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Is able to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the department. Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has good organizational, human relations, and technical skills. Is able to use independent judgement and work with little direct supervision when necessary. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. Will be knowledgeable and proficient with computers.