Fire Fighter

Firefighter

Works under the close supervision of the Shift Captain, however ultimately reports to the Fire Chief. This position responds to structure, wildland, and rescue calls. Non-Exempt, no supervision responsibilities are given to this position. This position is responsible for carrying a pager and to have the ability to respond off duty. Fire Fighters help protect the public against fire dangers by responding to fires and a variety of other emergencies. Although they put out fires, fire fighters more frequently respond to other emergencies. They are often the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to treat injuries or perform other vital functions. This position also assists in teaching the public about fire prevention, and extinguisher usage.

Essential Job Functions The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks; performs emergency aid activities for the ill and injured, including basic life support, and providing other assistance as required.
• Performs station house keeping duties while working on an assigned shift (such as cleaning, inventory, landscaping, vehicle maintenance, etc.); performs routine vehicle maintenance, such as servicing, fueling, washing, waxing, and checking fluid levels on fire department vehicles and equipment, including general maintenance work in the upkeep of the fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cars for grounds around stations; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs, and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and test apparatus and equipment and maintains crew quarters to make sure they are neat and clean
• Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects
• Receives and relays fire calls and alarms. Operates personal computer, radio and other communication equipment
• Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention program
• Maintains fire equipment, apparatus, facilities and performs minor repairs to departmental equipment, apparatus, and facilities
• Responds to fire calls for structure or wildland fire suppression. Enters burning buildings to locate and retrieve victims and to fight fires. Extricates people from high angles, confined spaces, burning structures, wrecked vehicles, crashed aircraft, and other accident sites using ropes, ladders, and specialized equipment. Responds to 911 medical calls. Lifts and carries medical equipment and wounded or unconscious people and administers basic life support and CPR techniques
• Performs a variety of fire suppression activities, including driving and operating fire emergency vehicles, operating water pumps, laying and connecting hoses, holding nozzles, directing water streams, operating radios and climbing ladders.
• Provides for the safety of self and other firefighters. Some positions may act as incident commander in absence of shift supervisor.
• Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities
• Assess fires and situations and report conditions to supervisor to receive instructions, using two-way radio
• Positions and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels for buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures
• Move toward the source of a fire using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties
• Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics
• Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris
• Utilizes a variety of fire fighting tools and equipment, including smoke ejectors, chain saws, and axes.
• During the shift there are training sessions on structure fires, pump operations, and air packs all employees must attend
• Completes daily activity reports and any other report as directed or needed.
• Stabilizes hazardous spill sites and evacuates public.
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements

Qualifications High School Education or equivalent required. One-year experience in firefighting preferred. Must be able to pass criminal history checks and must be willing to take and pass a drug / alcohol test and comply with Village "Drug Free" Policy. Licenses and / or Certifications EMT Basic required, Advanced EMT preferred and must obtain IFSAC Firefighter I within one year from date of hire. Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required (Class E). Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village.

Physical Demands Ability to maintain outstanding physical condition and cardiovascular stamina appropriate for the performance of rigorous assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, walking or running for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles.

Extreme exposures to heat and / or cold for extended periods, as well as adverse environmental conditions such as smoke, confined space, swift / deep water, noise, extreme height, wind, darkness and wetness

Must successfully pass wildland fire pack test on an annual basis with minimum score of 45, arduous level.

Lifts heavy boxes of supplies, equipment, and occasional adjustment of office furniture.

Frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, and / or moving up to 75 pounds, during emergency situations will need to be able to push, pull, lift and or move up 200 pounds.

Frequent squatting or bending required.

Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials

Work Environment Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and / or situations.

Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.

Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management, which can be fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, call back and holidays. Works Schedule is 48 hours on and 96 hours off but will change pending on others leaves and fire season.

May be called when needed. (ALLCALL) responsible for carrying a pager to have the ability to respond off duty.

Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment.

Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.

Travel Requirements Limited travel - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area including overnight travel as required.

Knowledge of : the policies, goals, and procedures of the Ruidoso Fire Department; the Uniform Fire Code, International Fire Code, the Life Safety Code, and the National Fire Protection Association code and standards;