FIREFIGHTER

SUMMARY: Under close supervision, performs fire suppression and fire prevention duties to protect life and property; provides emergency rescue and basic medical treatment as required; utilizes various tools and power equipment in rescue operations; maintains department equipment, vehicles and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (which are not in any hierarchical order)

Responds to fire alarms with assigned company; lays and connects hose; maintains pumping apparatus; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; assists in freeing victims from situations in which they are physically trapped; performs surface water rescue of victims; utilizes and maintains self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Operates all types of fire fighting and rescue equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools and related equipment such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles and axes.
Administers first aid; assists paramedics at medical emergencies; applies techniques for the control of bleeding; utilizes immobilization techniques to stabilize patient; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Participates in fire and life safety inspection activities and other fire prevention and public education activities as assigned. Maintains appropriate records and files.
Attends training sessions that include fire fighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
Performs various duties in the maintenance of station facilities and auxiliary equipment. Washes, dries, polishes, and cleans fire department apparatus and equipment.
Inspects fire equipment to ensure proper operation.
Acts as driver of emergency vehicles, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of modern fire fighting.
Knowledge of Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
Knowledge of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and the proper use and maintenance.
Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency medical procedures such as advanced first aid, CPR and other medical assistance techniques.
Knowledge of decontamination procedures.
Skill in basic fire fighting techniques.
Skill in operating and maintaining voice radio equipment.
Skill in selecting and applying appropriate emergency treatment and using specialized equipment and apparatus.

Skill in analyzing fire and emergency situations and providing an effective course of action.
Skill in effectively dealing with people under stress.
Skill in effective interpersonal communication and in dealing with the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed under a potentially unsafe work setting and may have exposure to hostile situations. There is frequent need to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle or feel, bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services or performs duties on the fire ground, lift arms above shoulder level, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. There is frequent need to pull, push, lift and/or move objects of 50 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus. There is also the risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, chemicals, mechanical parts and other hazards. Incumbent will be required to work at heights greater than ten feet and tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties. The incumbent will be required to use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases. The incumbent must have a good driving record with no convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or control substances and must not had a driver’s license suspended. The incumbent must be a non-user of tobacco or tobacco products. The City of West Palm Beach promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment and random drug testing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED. A valid State of Florida driver’s is required. Must posses and maintain State of Florida Certification for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic. Must posses and maintain valid Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card from American Red Cross or American Heart Association at the Health Care Provider level. Must have successfully completed the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or Broward County Wide Ability Test within six (6) months prior to submission of application. Must have documentation attesting the successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), or reasonable equivalent, as approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.