Position Overview

Responds to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, traffic accidents, and other emergency and non-emergency incidents that pose a threat or hazard to life and/or property for the purpose of mitigating these threats. An employee in this class performs fire fighting and emergency medical response as the primary tasks. Also involves operating fire apparatus and equipment, combating fires, and conducting fire education and prevention activities to prevent fires, to save lives and protect property. Daily work usually involves training, readiness drills, and exercises with other fire personnel to maintain job related skills. Work is often performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazard. Work standards and procedures are well established; however, significant independence and judgment are required of the employee. Work is reviewed by the Fire Captain through observation, reports and discussions.

Examples of Duties

Responds on fire apparatus to incidents and performs all basic firefighting, emergency medical technician, and other hazard and threat mitigation functions including making hose and adapter connections, using self-contained breathing apparatus, advancing hose lines, using portable extinguishers, conducting salvage operations, using ground ladders, monitoring radio transmissions and relaying messages, assessing and treating patients, and lifting and moving patients. These functions are often carried out using specialized tools and techniques.
Uses hand tools, pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, and other power tools to carry out functions such as forcing entry into structures, removing smoke and hazardous gases from structures, extrication of patients, and checking for fire extension.
After completion of departmental Relief Driver certification, serves as apparatus Driver/Operator when needed. This includes providing safe transport of personnel and equipment, operating the apparatus pump and/or aerial device, making hose and adapter connections, calculating friction loss and pressures, maintaining correct pressures and flows, and communicating with suppression crews and/orcommand.
Participates in departmental and Town-wide programs to establish and maintain strength, endurance, and general wellness.
Trains to assure proficiency with all hazard and threat mitigation functions, equipment, apparatus, street locations, and target hazards.
Participates in fire prevention and readiness activities including inspections, public education, demonstrating fire extinguishers, demonstrating and installing smoke detectors, preparing preplans, testing and maintenance of fire hydrants, testing and maintenance of apparatus, and testing and maintenance of other equipment.
Attends lectures, studies manuals, participates in drills and learns modern techniques to develop and maintain skills.
Maintains fire station facilities and grounds by cleaning, sweeping, mopping, painting, washing
windows, mowing, landscaping and other associated tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

North Carolina Class C Driver's License (or equivalent State issued Driver's License).

The following certifications must be obtained within the probationary period of 12 months and maintained:

North Carolina Firefighter
North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician
North Carolina Hazardous Materials Level I Responder

Minimum Qualifications For Promotion

The purpose of this section is to provide employees a guide for future advancement within the structure of the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department. This plan allows for employee advancement through skill development, educational attainment, job proficiency, and acceptable performance.

Fire Rescue Department Career Development Program Chart Classification Criteria

Firefighter I:

Experience- This is an entry level position. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of 12-month as a Probationary Firefighter.

Required Certifications (Must be obtained within the 12-month probationary period and maintained) - NC EMT, NC Firefighter, NC Hazardous Materials Level I Responder

Additional And Supplementary Requirements:

Acceptable job performance will include:

Displays willingness and ability to support the values and goals of the department.
Displays knowledge and proficiency with regards to incidents and mitigation.
Displays knowledge and proficiency in the use, maintenance and checks of all assigned equipment and facilities.
Displays willingness and proficiency in training and fire prevention activities.
Displays willingness to participate in departmental and Town-wide programs to establish and maintain strength, endurance, and general wellness.
Displays willingness and ability to produce accurate reports and written documentation.
Displays willingness and the ability to read and understand technical materials.
Displays willingness and ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Displays willingness and ability to operate as a member of the team and establish and maintain effective relationships with persons encountered in the course of work.
Displays willingness and ability to remain in control and make sound decisions during high stress situations.

Firefighter II:

Experience Must successfully complete 12-month probationary period.

Required Certifications (in addition to FFI Requirements)- North Carolina Technical Rescuer - Technician Certification, KFRD Relief Driver (internal certification), and NC Class B Driver’s License or equivalent State issued Driver’s License.

Note: Applicants may be hired in as a Firefighter II based on the following criteria:

Two (2) years of immediate prior full-time firefighting experience; and
Agree to obtain KFRD Relief Driver (internal certification) within twelve (12) months of original hire date. 3/19/2025

Additional and Supplementary Requirements (in addition to Firefighter I Requirements)

Acceptable Job Performance Will Include:

Demonstrates competency to serve as apparatus Driver/Operator when needed. Functions include: Operating the apparatus pump and/or aerial device within tolerances, making effective hose and adapter connections, accurately calculating friction loss and pressures, using correct techniques to maintain correct pressures and flows, and effective communication with suppression crews and/or command.
Providing safe transport of personnel and equipment.

Firefighter III:

Experience – Must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Firefighter II with the Town of Kernersville Fire Rescue Department.

Required Certification(s) (in addition to Firefighter I & II requirements) – Blue Card Incident Command Certification

Additional and Supplementary Requirements (in addition to Firefighter I & II requirements):

Acceptable Job Performance Will Include:

Displays willingness and ability to prioritize and multi-task, as well as delegate tasks to others.
Serving as a mentor for other Firefighters.

Supplemental Information

This position is classified as safety sensitive per the Town’s Personnel Policy.

Join Our Team To Receive The Following Benefits:

Paid Vacation Leave Accrual - accrual amount increases with service
- Interested in transferring from different municipal or state government entity? After 6-months with the Town, we will accept your verified service time from your immediately preceding employer towards vacation accrual.
Paid Sick Leave Accrual
- Interested in transferring from different municipal or state government entity? After 6-months with the Town, we will accept your verified sick leave balance from your immediately preceding employer towards vacation accrual, based on the Town’s accrual schedule.
Paid Holiday Leave and 1 Floating Holiday per year
Membership in the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS)
4% contribution into the NC401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan
Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plans available
Medical Insurance for employee at a low cost - dependent coverage available
- Employee Wellness Center visits at no cost – dependents also welcome if covered on employee’s health insurance plan
- Looking to retire from the Town? We offer health insurance for retirees based on years of service
Dental Insurance for employee at a low cost - dependent coverage available
- Looking to retire from the Town? We offer dental insurance for retirees based on years of service
Voluntary Vision Insurance for employee at a low cost – dependent coverage available
Short Term Disability at no cost to employees
Voluntary Long-Term Disability is available
2.5 times salary (up to $200,000) Life Insurance for employee at no cost
Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, child(ren) available
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
Employee Assistance Program at no cost
Credit Union Membership Eligibility
Education Tuition Assistance
Employee Birthday Gift Certificate
2% Annual Bonus
Progressive Pay Plan

To discuss these benefits, contact Human Resources at 336-992-0306.

Town of Kernersville

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