Firefighter

Job Description:

Firefighter

Description

Description

Under general supervision of the Engineer or higher ranking Fire personnel, the incumbent that serves in the Fire Fighter classification, performing a full range of technical, firefighting, and emergency medical services work. The incumbent performs duties to prevent, combat and extinguish fires, protect lives and properties, maintain firefighting equipment, respond to other emergencies, keep equipment and personnel in a state of readiness for such emergencies. He or She is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with Charleston County Government’s safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations. An individual in this classification must also have the ability to work effectively as part of a unit during emergencies; represent the Department professionally at public service/education events; interact cooperatively with other County and allied agency personnel.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $45,495 to $49,953 (Estimated Annual Salary)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential functions will vary according to the work environment and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may perform all of the listed duties and/or be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs all of the duties of a Firefighter/EMR/EMT and participates in all phases of fire company operations as assigned;
• Responds to fire, emergency medical, and other emergency services calls as needed. Controls and extinguishes fires by selection of appropriate diameter hoses and nozzles, advancing these appliances to the seat of the blaze, and directing extinguishing agents thereto;
• Removes people from dangerous or hazardous situations through an approved means, administering basic life support functions, and performing key fire suppression responsibilities;
• While wearing a personal protective ensemble (PPE), including SCBA, performs aggressive search and rescue operations in heated and smoke-filled environments, usually with minimal to no visibility;
• Participates in After Action Reviews for the benefit of the affected company members and the entire organization;
• Utilizes various forms of firefighting equipment in fire suppression and/or rescue operations. Examples include the use of halyards on extension ladders to reach windows, balconies, and roofs of fire structures and heavy hydraulic actuated tools and hand tools in vehicle extrication;
• Removes victims of hazardous environments from structures, sometimes requiring climbing and use of ladders;

• Reduces fire loss by the removal of personal property and by overhaul and complete extinguishment of all flaming materials;

• Performs minor preventative maintenance and vehicle inventory in accordance with Department policies and procedures, including maintenance of accurate, up-to-date records and logs and the writing of reports;
• Informs appropriate personnel of apparatus/equipment status and/or maintenance issues;
• Performs fire hazard inspections and pre-incident surveys of residential, commercial and industrial structures. Further assists with public education efforts as needed to include giving station tours and representing the District in meetings with the public;
• Provides emergency medical care including, but not limited to, all aspects of pre-hospital basic life support;
• Rescues trapped civilians or fellow firefighters by breaching wood or masonry through the use of sledgehammers, fire axes or other appropriate methods. In certain situations, crawls through reduced diameter openings and works within confined spaces to complete emergency searches or to free victims or other firefighters from a spreading fire;
• Drags or carries victims (or other firefighters) within a hazardous atmosphere to safety in the most efficient and expedient manner;
• Searches concealed spaces in ceilings and walls by penetrating, both with pike poles and other tools. Performs salvage and clean-up operations during emergency and nonemergency situations;
• Cleans, performs basic repairs, and maintains equipment and apparatus in the field and at an assigned station. Performs and assists with maintenance of fire station and surrounding grounds;
• Participates in training exercises as required; Attends continuing training to maintain certifications, to learn new techniques and protocols, and to become proficient in new equipment, tools, and apparatus.
• Studies fire prevention, fire protection, firefighting, emergency medical and rescue techniques, and other subjects that may be required or deemed necessary;
• Maintains a current level of knowledge at all times related to the provision of basic emergency medical care;
• Learns how to operate and drive apparatus in routine and emergency situations and how to properly care for equipment, tools, and vehicles;
• Communicates with the established command structure via two-way radio, voice, hand signals, or other verbal or visual cues;
• Performs community service and public education activities as necessary;
• Acts as a courteous and professional Department liaison to the public when answering questions, performing demonstrations, or hosting station visits;
• Participates in daily physical training.

• Follows orders and directives from supervisors and performs other firefighting and appropriate duties as assigned.
• An individual in this classification must exhibit composure and good situational awareness on emergency scenes in order to effectively respond to, support, and communicate with crews while serving as either primary operator of apparatus and/or equipment or secondary on-scene support.
• Lifts, carries, drags, lays, and connects hose lines from hydrants and equipment to scene; carry EMS equipment, tools, and other equipment from vehicle to scene.
• Must meet the requirements under NFPA 1500, OSHA 1910.134 and the Awendaw McClellanville Fire District’s Respiratory Protection Plan for wearing the Awendaw McClellanville Fire District approved respirator.
• Due to the nature of emergency services, it is imperative that all essential personnel be available via phone or pager during off duty hours in order for AMFD to adequately and consistently staff its various facilities and functions for not only routine work situations, but also for emergency occurrences.
• Performs and other related duties as required by the Fire Chief .

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Must have high school diploma or the equivalent General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a ten year driving record.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination, including a drug screen, fingerprint, background check, and reference check.
• Must be able to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the United States.

Requirements:

Licensure as an EMR, EMT or Paramedic by the State of South Carolina Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Firefighter courses listed under the firefighter section of the Professional Matrix.

All classes completed through the South Carolina Fire Academy or other accredited fire service institutions. Classes such as, but limited to; IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter I&II, National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, and 400 as well as IS 700 and 800; and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Other Requirements: Must possess a valid Class E South Carolina Driver’s License. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by promotion date and must maintain certification.

WORK ENVIROMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is performed regularly where decisions are made that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if there is a failure to make the appropriate decision at the time.

The work area will encompass a wide variety of settings including: administrative duties in an office settings; regular exposure to outside weather conditions and could include emergency locations above or underground and in and/or around water, hazardous traffic areas and under unfavorable or unsanitary conditions which may include burning debris, falling structures, biohazards, air and blood-borne pathogens; confined spaces; commercial and residential structures, etc. Employees are regularly exposed to wet and humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.

Employees may find themselves in hostile or psychologically demanding environments, involving emotional or psychological stress. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may reach extremes where hearing protection is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Awendaw McClellanville Consolidated Fire District and Charleston County Government has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Job descriptions are subject to change by the County as the needs of the Fire District and requirements of the job change.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of firefighting and emergency operations, including structural and wildland firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical care; communications and other equipment;
• Department fire apparatus and equipment design, operation, maintenance, and safety factors;
• Effective operation of apparatus and/or equipment at an incident, and understanding of cause and effect regarding said operation;
• Knowledge of Public Education practices;
• Local area geography, including streets, hydrants, drafting terrain, high life-hazard occupancies, and target hazards;
• Appropriate usage of EMS/Firefighting equipment for various emergency and non-emergency situations;
• Firefighting standard operating procedures; Knowledge of fire protection systems and their connection locations, Knox box locations, equipment and supply locations on the apparatus, and other required emergency response information;
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS/ICS);
• Department, local EMS, and County protocols and guidelines regarding patient treatment;
• Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical activities during emergency, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold, or smoke;
• Ability to establish working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public;
• Ability to utilize basic office equipment including calculator, fax machine, copy machine, and personal computer with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook;

Skill in:

Manual/Physical: Operates motor vehicles (examples: automobiles, fire apparatus and vehicles) requiring a standard Class E South Carolina Driver's License. Operates hydraulic and pneumatic rescue tools, portable fire pumps, ground ladders, ground monitors, etc. Uses appropriate hand and power tools (such as axes and prying devices) to gain entry into vehicles or structures. Performs search and rescue functions inside burning buildings, and treats victims who require first aid. Aims and/or directs placement of fire streams. Works in small, cramped areas in order to rescue trapped, endangered, or injured people. Climbs ladders or steps, and works at heights greater than 10 feet to reach people trapped on building roofs. Moves dirt and burned-building debris to rescue trapped or endangered persons, or to overhaul a structure. Moves earth with various tools in fighting brush fires and rescuing trapped persons from cave-ins. Moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more (examples: five-inch fire hoses, EMS equipment, smoke ejectors, trauma boxes, persons on body boards, and salvage equipment) for distances of more than 20 feet.

Uses common hand tools to perform tasks at emergency scenes or at the fire station. Mixes gasoline and oil to fuel power tools used in firefighting and rescue activities. Works with cleaning fluids and agents, chemicals, paints, or similar solutions, using personal protective equipment, while performing fire station maintenance duties and mitigating hazardous materials incidents. Detects the following: natural gas leaks while performing emergency work; traffic sounds when approaching traffic at vehicle accidents in roadways; sounds of impending building collapse; calls for assistance; and alarms, sirens, and other signs of alarm or warning in order to remove self from danger and assist others in hazardous situations. Works in a variety of weather conditions.

Enters data into a department computer (PC) or other keyboard device to document fires, first aid incidents, and fire prevention reports. Monitors firefighting performance to determine compliance with Awendaw McClellanville Fire District’s Standard Operating Procedures and related standards. Distinguishes colors to identify chemicals involved in fires by smoke color, and to identify the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704M System, Hazardous Materials. Uses appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), while performing firefighting-related tasks in environments that may be immediately dangerous to life (IDLH atmospheres). Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.

Mental: Prioritizes, assigns, and directs personnel during emergency scene operations under stressful conditions. Functions as an Incident Commander, Sector, or Branch Officer as needed or assigned. Evaluates subordinates' work performance to ensure conformance to standards. Analyzes data, such as documented work behaviors, evaluations, reports, and product information, in order to make recommendations to management regarding work performance, disciplinary actions, and the purchase or replacement of equipment. Comprehends and makes inferences from written material to: perform work safely, and operate equipment at emergency incidents according to equipment instructions and preplans; performs emergency operation duties in accordance with department standard operating procedures; and identifies, resolves, and/or refers life safety hazards in buildings. Learns job-related material relating to EMS, supervisory, and firefighting duties through on-the-job training and in classroom settings.

Abilities:

• Effectively size up an incident, respond quickly and effectively, and make necessary adjustments as incidents progress;
• Communicate effectively with Captain and crew at incident scenes;
• Perform minor preventative maintenance to keep equipment operational;
• Maintain composure during emergencies and/or stressful situations, responding calmly, quickly, safely, and effectively;
• Work effectively as part of cohesive unit during emergencies;
• Perform all Firefighter and EMT duties;
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of fire department policies and procedures, and the Incident Command System.

• Ability to exercise appropriate and safe judgment related to tactics of firefighting and emergency medical services.

• Assist in training others in the requirements of the position;
• Ability to handle high levels of personal stress and to maintain composure under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries and experiencing risk of personal harm.

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

Salary:

$45,495.00 - $49,953.00 Annually