Firefighter

Job Description

Firefighter (480)

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
No experience is required

Desirable Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in a second language, in accordance with the City’s needs
Military experience, journey-level status in the building construction trades, or other work experience relevant to the fire service
Community service experience
Completion of thirty (30) or more units of coursework in Fire Science/Technology at an accredited college
An associate’s or higher-level degree from an accredited college or university

License & Certification

A valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician – I (EMT-I) certificate or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) certificate
A valid California Class C driver's license (Incumbents will be required to obtain a California Class B Fire Fighter driver’s license upon the Fire Department’s request)
All of the listed licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in this classification for as long as they are required

The following are desirable:

Possession of a valid California or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic (EMT-P) license (required prior to appointment to a Paramedic assignment)
A valid California Class A or B commercial driver’s license

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Firefighter is the entry level classification in the Firefighter series. An incumbent in this classification responds to fire alarms, performs rescue services, and protects life and property endangered by fire. When qualified and assigned, Firefighters may be assigned to paramedic duties.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Responds to routine calls and emergencies for protection of life and property
Assists in all phases of firefighting operations and medical emergencies as directed
Operates firefighting and first aid equipment, including two-way radios
Maintains and inspects equipment and makes minor adjustments and repairs to same
Assists in the maintenance and clean-up in and about fire stations and other Department facilities
Communicates with the public and other City employees, answering general questions and providing information as necessary
Identifies fire hazards and conducts or assists in fire inspections of buildings within the City as directed
Interprets Department training evolutions and assists in the training of regular and volunteer fire personnel
Conducts or participates in Fire Department demonstrations as directed
Participates in special Department programs and projects as directed
Carries out City and Department rules and regulations, policies and procedures
Maintains good relations with the public, works and cooperates with other City employees
Participates in and/or directs Department physical fitness activities
Attends special schools, conferences, seminars, etc. as required by the Department or City
May act as Driver/Engineer and assume the responsibilities of that position on an assigned shift
Works in assigned Fire Division, at an assigned station, on an assigned shift, as determined by the Department
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Basic mathematics and mechanical principles

Ability to:

Learn and apply firefighting and rescue methods and techniques;
Learn the basic operation, mechanics, and maintenance of firefighting equipment and fire apparatus
Learn to drive fire apparatus with care and safety in accordance with the California Code during emergency and non-emergency situations
Learn the geography of the City
Learn pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines
Identify fire hazards and conduct inspections
Interpret, understand and carry out City and Department rules and regulations, policies, procedures and training evolutions
Read and interpret maps, run cards, and pre-fire plan drawings
Interpret and follow oral and written instructions
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing by using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City staff, members of other governmental agencies, and the general public
Work effectively as part of a group or team to achieve common goals
Maintain professionalism and composure at all times, including stressful situations
Take direction and follow established policies and procedures
Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength, and stamina in the performance of duties

In addition, the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are required for a Paramedic assignment.

Knowledge of:

Advanced Life Support pre-hospital emergency care techniques, principles, and practices
Basic human anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology, techniques and analytical processes used in the description and assessment of patient status
Categories, applications, contraindications, and appropriate dosage levels
Procedures and equipment used in vital sign monitoring
Symptoms of impaired cardiac and respiratory functioning, altered states of consciousness, various types of toxicity and poisoning, shock and common diseases

Ability to:

Use and manipulate tools, medical equipment and conditions at the scene
Determine appropriate basic and advanced life support procedures
Make paramedical decisions rapidly and under stressful conditions
Perform basic and advanced life support procedures including cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation, cardiac monitoring and defibrillation, trauma response, and administration of medications
Communicate technical information effectively with those encountered in the course of the work

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from a Fire Captain or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May assist in the training of new and/or volunteer personnel.

Other Requirements

At least 21 years of age
Weight in proportion to height and willing to have weight and personal measurements taken
Able to distinguish primary colors (red, green, amber), each eye free of any abnormal condition or disease which might affect performance of job duties, visual acuity in each eye of at least 20/50 vision (uncorrected) and 20/30 (corrected), and normal night vision
Normal hearing without correction in both ears
Free from disabling speech impediments, disabling neuroses or psychoses, and disabling physical conditions or diseases
Strength and physical abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Firefighter
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Special Conditions

Typically assigned to a 56-hour workweek (24-hour shifts); may be assigned to a 40-hour workweek as required
May be required to work odd and unusual hours, including weekends and designated holidays and to be subject to call-back in the performance of job duties

Approved, November 2005