REVISED 12-99

FIRE FIGHTER

NATURE OF WORK

This is a full-time position within the municipal fire department.  A firefighter trains for and participates in activities that protect life and property via skilled firefighting and rescue operations.  National or State of Iowa certification as an EMT-B is required for hire and must be maintained throughout the employee’s career.  Work often includes performing strenuous, hazardous tasks during emergency situations. In addition to firefighting and rescue work; a firefighter maintains fire department property, equipment, apparatus, and quarters.  Additional time is spent training and studying modern firefighting techniques. Direction and supervision is received from superior officers.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Responds to fire alarms; drives fire apparatus and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles and directs fog or water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows, cutting holes in roofs and floors, or by mechanical means.  Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

Removes persons from danger and administers first aid when necessary.

Attends training courses; reads and studies assigned materials related to firefighting and prevention.

Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and emergency medical care.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property:  cleans and washes floors and walls; repairs property and equipment; washes, hangs, and dries hoses; washes, cleans, polishes, and tests apparatus.

Assists senior officers in fire inspections; check fire escapes, building exits, and related structures for compliance with fire prevention ordinances.

May be required to perform lieutenant’s duties in the absence of lieutenant.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods with in a specified probationary period.
• Knowledge of emergency medical procedures and skill in their application.
• Knowledge of the district's geography, including the location of streets, major buildings and water supply sources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Skill in operating motor vehicles.
• Must have a valid Iowa driver’s license.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to effectively communicate with citizens and employees by telephone, two-way radio, in written form or face-to-face.

Ability to hear speech and other sounds effectively to allow for the taking of directions from dispatchers and command officers and to avoid injury from accident.

Possess full physical agility and bipedal mobility to effectuate rescue of individuals, movement of unconscious persons and carrying of heavy equipment and hose lines.

Ability to work long hours outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.

Possess mental functions free from significant aberration, which are essential for rational decision-making in fire fighting operations, the application of emergency medical procedures or technical rescue activities.

Shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the work place or citizens encountered during work.

Specific examples of essential functions are as follows: Driving fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles; dragging and carrying various lengths and sizes of fire hose; directing streams of water through nozzles; carrying, raising and climbing ladders; carrying equipment up and down ladders; using forcible entry tools such as saws, axes, bars, etc. to open holes in walls, roofs and floors; wearing breathing apparatus while performing interior search and rescue operations, usually in heavy heat and smoke conditions; tying a variety of fire service knots for raising and lower equipment and/or rescue trapped or unconscious persons; extending hose lines by making and/or breaking hose couplings; carrying unconscious persons down ladders; performing salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris; sending and receiving radio transmissions; giving and receiving instructions; administering first aid and CPR; operating cardiac defibrillators; cleaning and washing equipment, hose and fire vehicles; repairing vehicles and equipment; cleaning and washing floors and walls in fire stations; shoveling snow from fire station walks and drives; work out to remain physically fit; speaking to civic groups, students and assembled citizens; attending conferences and training sessions; using complex equipment in accordance with specifications; remaining calm in difficult and dangerous situations; exercising judgment consistent with a person of sound normal mental health with an absence of organic or psychological dysfunction.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

High school diploma. Iowa or National EMT-B certification.  Iowa or National EMT-I or EMT-P certification preferred. Iowa or National Fire Fighter I certification desirable.