Certified or Non-Certified Firefighter 201801 Firefighter Page 1 of 5 Updated January 26, 2016
JOB DESCRIPTION
Pay Grade: 22-27 Department: Fire
Evaluation Job Family: Firefighter Reports To: Command Staff
Work Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Firefighter combats, extinguishes, and prevents fires in order to save life and property. This is accomplished
by rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions frequently involving considerable
hazard.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
•Performs fire-fighting tasks while wearing a SCBA (e.g., hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting
and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescueoperations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions including working in extremely
hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods of time.
•Handles exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiological hazards,
and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA.
•Climbs six or more flights of stairs while wearing a fire protective ensemble, including SCBA, weighing atleast 50 lb (22.6 kg) or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg).
•Wears a fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated and will result in significant fluid lossthat frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding
102.2°F (39°C).
•Searches, finds, and rescues civilians by dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults
weighing over 200 lb (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.
•Works with water-filled hoselines up to 2 1/2 in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy
[approximately 150 ft (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other
obstacles.
•Climbs ladders and operates from heights by walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven
surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operates in proximity to electrical power lines or other hazards.
•Responds to unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion
without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.
•Operates fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.
•Exercises critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardousenvironments such as hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights,
sirens, and other distractions.
Job Title: Firefighter
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•Functions as an integral component of a team in which a sudden incapacitation of a member can result inmission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.
•Performs various maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment and station.
•Works under direction of a supervisor, performs inspections, and clerical duties as required.
•Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Requires High School Diploma or GED.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
•Knowledge of the operation of all apparatus and equipment and methods used in combating, extinguishingand preventing fires and in rescue work
•Knowledge of rules and regulations of the fire department
•Knowledge of the maintenance of equipment
•Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to quickly diagnose and treat human injuries
•Knowledge of building construction and related codes, electric power codes, hydraulics and the location of
hazardous occupancies in the municipality
•Skilled in the operation of all firefighting and rescue equipment including motor vehicles
•Ability to teach and practice sound safety and work habits
•Ability to undergo annual medical and complete physical assessments
•Ability to perform approved emergency medical care
•Ability to organize and communicate effectively
•Ability to assist in community efforts throughout the municipality
•Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress and strain
•Ability to wear an SCBA, which includes a demand valve–type positive-pressure face piece or HEPA filter
masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads
•Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles
and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/orfixed protection systems (sprinklers)
•Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Preference may be given to applicants who have: • Structural Firefighter Certification from Texas Commission on Fire Protection andLicensed/Certified EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic from Texas Department of State HealthServices, or• Licensed/Certified EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic from Texas Department of State Health without fire certification, or• Structural Firefighter Certification from Texas Commission on Fire Protection
The following certifications must be acquired within one year of employment:• Structural Firefighter Certification from Texas Commission on Fire Protection• Licensed/Certified EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic from Texas Department of State Health
Requires a valid Class “B” Texas driver’s license, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire, and the ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance policy.
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IMMUNIZATIONS: Proof of Immunization History confirming immunity shall include:
Measles (Rubella), Mumps, Rubella (German measles) (MMR)
Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td/Tdap) < 10 years Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and titers per CDC guidelines Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Screening will be completed as part of pre-employment medical examination to test for:
Tuberculosis screen (PPD)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening (HIV) screening
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed. A complete description of the
activities below is available upon request from Human Resources.
(X = Required to perform essential job functions) Physical Activities Physical Activities
Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent
falling while walking, standing, or crouching. X
Pushing – use upper extremities to press against
objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward. X
Climbing – ascending, descending ladders,
stairs, ramps, requires body agility. X Reaching – extending hands or arms in any
direction. X
Crawling – moving about on hands, knees, or
hands, feet. X Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of
wrists, hands, fingers. X
Crouching – bending body forward by bending
leg, spine. X
Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word,
convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. X
Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips. X Standing – for sustained periods of time. X
Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working
with fingers rather than hand. X
Stooping – bending body downward, forward at
waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. X
Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm. X Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word X
Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand. X Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise. X
Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal
speaking levels, receive information. X
Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data,
transcribing, computer terminal, extensive
reading.
X
Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound. X Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision. X
Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees. X Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures. X
Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher
position, moving objects side to side, using
upper extremities, back.
X
Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy
equipment. X
Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive
reasoning.
X Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement
devices, or fabricate parts.
X
Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force,
haul or tug. X Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long
distances, or site to site. X
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WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work performed is primarily:
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move
objects.
Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
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
Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds
of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees
may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job
description.
The City of Schertz does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services. By signing this document, you verify that you have
read and understand the duties and responsibilities enumerated herein.
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