Firefighter Jobs

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Grade 17
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CLOSE DATE
06/16/2023
Summary
Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this job class respond to emergency medical calls, rescue operations, and a variety of non-emergency calls to protect lives and property as well as participate in the custodial maintenance of fire station equipment, fire-fighting apparatus, rescue vehicles, and quarters. Firefighters spend time studying methods and techniques, and perform routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations.
Typical Job Duties

• Participates in formal and informal training, sessions, and drills to acquire the proper training needed to carry out assigned duties in accordance with department policies and procedures and national guidelines.
• Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational variables to complete operations.
• Operates fire apparatus pump system during incidents requiring water using the control panel to enable fire suppression activities.
• Participates in duties related to the maintenance and appearance of the fire station.
• Carries out officer/incident commander’s fire suppression orders by following incident response guidelines to extinguish the fire and ensure life safety of victims.
• Conducts fire safety activities for the general public that are designed to reduce the risk of fire related incidents from occurring and enhance awareness of general fire safety precautions.
• Assists in developing pre-fire plans for businesses, public buildings, and residences to include surveying buildings, collecting information regarding hazardous materials, occupancy, hydrant location, etc. to prevent and/or minimize damage and losses caused by fire-related incidents.
• Minimizes property loss from incidents by inspecting the scene, assessing what areas of the incident should be preserved for investigation, protecting property from unnecessary damage, and determining what debris should be left undisturbed to permit later investigation.
• Administers non-invasive healthcare to patients/victims by following accepted medical guidelines and using specialized medical equipment for treating various health-related conditions.
• Locates and removes victims from incident scenes by utilizing specialized rescue techniques and equipment for extrication of victims to minimize trauma, ensure life safety, and transport to the appropriate patient care facility.
• Participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities.
• Deploys fire hoses of varying diameters with different nozzle specifications and incorporates available appliances into fire suppression activities.
• Ensures proper operation and readiness of apparatuses, equipment, and personal gear used for incident response by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective incident response and mitigation.

Minimum Qualifications

• No felony convictions.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
• Driver's license.

, The Alabama Fire College) May Be Allowed To Exempt The Written Examination And Be Placed Directly Onto The Firefighter List Upon Verification Of The Certification
Individuals possessing one of the following certifications issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC accredited organization (e.g.

• Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter*
• Fire Fighter I
• Note that individuals who are hired with this VFF Certification will be required to complete the five-week Bridge program through the Alabama Fire College in order to obtain the Firefighter I certification .
• Fire Fighter I/II

Preferred Qualifications

• (Pro Board or IFSAC) Certified Fire Fighter I or Fire Fighter I/II as recognized by Alabama Fire College.

Competencies

• Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use.
• Oral Communication & Comprehension.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal.
• Psychomotor Abilities.
• Customer Service.
• Self-Management & Initiative.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making.
• Professionalism & Integrity.
• Learning & Memory.
• Leadership & Management.
• Researching & Referencing.
• Small Tool & Equipment Use.
• Technical Skills.
• Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing.
• Planning & Organizing.
• Written Communication & Comprehension.
• Physical Abilities.
• Mathematical & Statistical Skills.
• Adaptability & Flexibility.
• Technical & Job-Specific Knowledge.
• Sensory Abilities.
• Training & Facilitation.

Critical Knowledges

• Knowledge of types of fire detector systems (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide) and their functions.
• Knowledge of pre-incident/pre-fire planning procedures to include inspecting structures, identifying potential hazards, and establishing paths of egress.
• Knowledge of fire prevention techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of the Federal, State and Local fire code (e.g., relating to buildings and facilities).
• Knowledge of national fire regulations, state and federal laws, court rulings, and legal information.
• Knowledge of types of fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, hood systems, portables) and their functions.
• Knowledge of building construction, codes (e.g., fire codes, life safety codes, mechanical codes), and building systems (e.g., HVAC).
• Knowledge of fire behavior and characteristics to include ignition, growth, materials, heat, and smoke.
• Knowledge of firefighting equipment maintenance procedures.

Work Environment

• Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment.
• May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.
• Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities.

Physical Demands

• Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls.
• Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running.
• May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500 before the announcement closing date. Qualified applicants who believe they will need reasonable accommodation in the examination process should complete and submit an Accommodation Request Form. You may obtain an Accommodation Request Form by contacting our ADA Ombudsperson at [email protected], or by accessing the "Request for Accommodation" form through the following website: http://www.pbjcal.org/
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Employment decisions are made by the Merit System municipality or governmental agency in which the position exists. Each Merit System municipality, agency, or jurisdiction administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations.