Firefighter / Driver / Engineer

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function :

Under the direction of the Lieutenant, responsible for driving and operating all emergency vehicles and staff vehicles used by the Department. Position apparatus on emergency incidents to ensure operational efficiency and safety of responding personnel. Operates the pump of fire apparatus to provide water to the fire scene for supplying hose lines to extinguish fires. Also pumps water to other apparatus on the fire scene when designated as a water supply unit. The employee is also responsible for the operation and minor maintenance of fire apparatus and auxiliary equipment. Work is frequently performed under conditions where personal injury or injury to others can occur; employees must be capable of reacting with speed and composure under these conditions and must exercise some initiative and independent judgment in determining the proper actions to take. Work is generally performed on a 24-hour shift, including weekends and holidays, and is reviewed through observation, records, reports, and results obtained. Performs responsible fire prevention and administrative functions as directed.

Essential Duties :

• Performs all duties of a firefighter and an EMT or Paramedic. Performs all additional jobs necessary that are associated with firefighting and emergency medical care, including but not limited to forcible entry, basic life support, vehicle extrication, salvage, overhaul, ventilation, raising ground ladders, and hazardous materials mitigation.
• Drives & operates automotive fire apparatus to fire scenes and other emergency scenes as well as during routine daily activities. Position apparatus on emergency incidents to ensure operational efficiency and safety of responding personnel. Operates the pump of fire apparatus to provide water to the fire scene for supplying hose lines to extinguish fires. Also pumps water to other apparatus on the fire scene when designated as a water supply unit.
• Enters hazardous atmospheres in single-family dwellings, commercial occupancies, industrial sites or scenes or motor vehicle accidents and hazardous materials incidents to provide medical care, or search for and remove victims to safety.
• Performs minor repairs to equipment and apparatus, performs routine preventative maintenance, tasks, and keeps records of such action. Assists in maintaining that station, grounds, and other property used by the department or owned by the City. Performs in inspecting equipment and apparatus and notifies the Company Officer of any defects.
• Completes incident reports using the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
• Performs and executes training under the direction of the Company Officer. Participates in training to maintain certification levels and attends training programs as required to maintain proficiency. Works special details related to fire prevention, public education, fire suppression, or other related areas when assigned.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Environment :

Duties are performed primarily within an outdoor and inspection environment or setting. Exposure to dust, mold, noise, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, electricity, toxic or caustic chemicals and / or fumes, mechanical and / or moving parts, high elevations, vibration, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, disease, confined space entry, dangerous buildings and the like commonly associated with fire inspection duties.

Extensive time outside exposed to extreme weather conditions; tolerate extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing duties; perform physically demanding work in hot, humid atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms; and perform a variety of tasks on wet, icy, muddy, and otherwise hazardous surfaces such as on ladders and rooftops.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Required knowledge and experience are normally obtained through the completion of a curriculum resulting in either a High School Diploma or GED, one (1) year of firefighting experience with a full-time career department, State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance, State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License / Certification, State recognized emergency vehicle operator's course (E.V.O.C.), Florida State certified Pump Operator and Florida State Aerial Operations Class. Must complete the Haines City Fire Department Driver Operator and Aerial Operator task book before promotion.
• Must be able to communicate and present oneself professionally.
• Must be able to spend extensive time outside exposed to extreme weather conditions; tolerate extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing duties; perform physically demanding work in hot, humid atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms; and perform a variety of tasks on wet, icy, muddy and otherwise hazardous surfaces such as on ladders and rooftops.
• Exposure risk to traumatic or thermal injuries are possible; infectious disease; grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims, and death; loud noises; confined spaces; heights; chaotic situations; and chemical and electrical hazards.
• Must be able to rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency.
• Ability to work long periods, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work wearing over 50 lbs. of personal protective clothing.
• Ability to perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
• Ability to remain up-to-date on Federal, State, and City regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards to implement best practices and policies affecting department activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City and other public employees, public officials, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the general public.
• Ability to lift and / or carry 50 pounds.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of fire prevention and safety education, and fire suppression methods, practices, and principles.

Other Requirements :

• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
• Must pass post-offer pre-employment Drug Screen and Physical Examination, and applicable Background Checks to include CJS screening.
• Must successfully obtain and maintain a State of Florida Paramedic Certification within 24 months of appointment. Employees must show continual progress through the program every three to six months or when requested.
• Must meet and retain all job requirements of the most recent Haines City Firefighter job posting.
• All listed certifications must be maintained for the duration of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT :

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.