Description

Performs responsible fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical and incident response activities.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class participates in the operations of fire suppression, emergency medical and incident response and rescue, fire education and prevention, technical rescue, and various facilities and equipment maintenance at the fire station. Work involves performing fire suppression; participating in technical rescue activities; assisting with vehicular extrication; returning apparatus to service after calls; testing and flushing fire hydrants; pre-incident planning, and participating in the maintenance of equipment, apparatus, facilities and the fire station. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment. The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incidence response work including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters. The employee is also subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.

This is a generic specification for the Firefighter classification. Work performed by employees at different levels may be similar and will be distinguished only by the level of attainment in the career ladder in the Kinston Fire Rescue career development program. This specification does not provide specific examples of all possible work that might be performed by this class. Specific duties may be found in the department’s standard operating procedures.

Essential Functions

Participates in incident response including fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous-materials, and technical rescue calls; operates fire apparatus and other equipment as required.

Responds to fire calls; may assist with establishing water supply on scene; forces entry in structures; performs fire suppression; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; ventilates burning structures; enters buildings to evacuate occupants.

Assists with vehicular rescue and extrication utilizing a variety of extrication tools.

Operates all types of fire operation and rescue equipment including portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, ladder equipment, and emergency medical equipment.

Participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.

Responds to emergency medical incidents and provides first responder level service; supports duty paramedic on emergency medical responses.

Participates in post incident operations of cleaning and salvage; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.

Performs routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including testing of hoses, pumpers and hydrants; checking fluid levels and proper operations of all apparatus and equipment; washing and waxing trucks; and other related activities.

Performs fire hydrant surveys and inspections and maintenance as required; prepares and maintains accurate records and reports on individual hydrants.

Prepares and maintains accessible and legible records and reports on all emergency and non-emergency responses.

Participates in pre-fire planning surveys and inspections of commercial buildings.

Inspects and takes inventory of fire and medical supplies; communicates inventory needs to supervisors.

Attends special instruction in firefighting techniques; performs drills with other staff; participates in training for fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related emergency services.

Maintains, cleans and cares for fire station and equipment to ensure readiness, condition, and proper appearance; performs station duties such as mowing grass, cleaning yard, cleaning restrooms and kitchen in the station.

Assists in fire prevention and/or public fire safety education programs and related duties.

Assists citizens with the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors.

Participates in special projects, station tours, special events, fire prevention, public education, and other activities as required.

Participates in physical fitness, cardiovascular and strength training, and functional training for job readiness, risk reduction, and to enhance the ability to perform the job tasks in a safe and efficient manner.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities/Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of modern methods of fire suppression and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.

Considerable knowledge of incident response including response to hazardous materials spills, rescue techniques, and emergency medical service calls.

Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.

Working knowledge of the hazards of firefighting and appropriate safety precautions.

Working knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.

Working knowledge of housing construction materials and methods.

Some knowledge of the City roads, streets and layout.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of required tools, apparatus, and equipment.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, teamwork, and public contact.

Ability to make act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to troubleshoot equipment failure and make corrections as necessary.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, supervisors, and members of the public.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate manual and electronic records and reports.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school supplemented by experience in the fire service; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Special Requirements

Must complete the North Carolina State Firefighter certification program consisting of 340 hours of study/classroom instruction and completion of written and psychomotor skill exams administered through the North Carolina State Fire and Rescue Commission to include Haz-Mat level 1 responder within 24 months of employment. Must obtain North Carolina Class B (non-cdl) drivers license within 6 months of employment. Must obtain North Carolina boaters safety & crowd manager certification within 6 months of employment. Must obtain NIMS 100,200,700, and 800 certifications within 6 months of employment. Completion of the City of Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue driver/operator program. Must obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification within 12 months of employment. Must obtain and maintain North Carolina EMT or higher level within 12 months.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, to operate heavy fire apparatus in emergency situations, and to prepare records and reports

All full-time regular employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package which includes, vacation, and sick leave and twelve holidays. Also available are medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. For an overview of the City of Kinston's benefits package offered please click here: www.ci.kinston.nc.us/470/Benefits .

City of Kinston

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