Job Description

Definition

Under general to limited supervision, responds to emergency calls, including fire, accident, medical emergency, and/or rescue situations to protect life and property.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is illustrative only and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in the classification.

Task

• Does tour of duty, during an assigned shift performs a variety of fire suppression activities at the fire scene, including laying and connecting hose, operating a pumper and directing water streams, raising and climbing ladders, and utilizing a variety of equipment, including pike poles, smoke ejectors, and forcible entry tools
• Administers first aid, at the emergency medical technician level, at fires, accidents, and other emergency / rescue scenes
• Performs a variety of cleaning, maintenance, testing, and minor repair tasks necessary to keep the fire station and related equipment clean, stored properly, and fully functional
• Responsible for performing all necessary testing related to and other applicable standards.Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ISO, National Fire Protection Association
• Answers phones and operates two-way radios to facilitate effective and timely response to emergency calls
• Employees may be called out in emergency and non-emergency situations. When contacted, the employee is expected to report to work unless there are special non-recurring circumstances. Outside employment or the operation of a business is not considered a special circumstance
• Attends and participates in a variety of training activities to maintain and improve the level of fire suppression and emergency medical skills and general physical conditioning
• Drives and operates fire and emergency response vehicles, equipment, and apparatus
• Assist in shift and volunteer firefighter training programs
• Other tasks and duties in related work not outlined as needed for department efficiency

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, & Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of fire suppression principles, methods, techniques, and practices
• Knowledge of purpose / use of various tools, equipment, and apparatus used in fire suppression, rescue, and medical assistance operations
• Knowledge of the street names and locations in the City of Artesia
• Ability to maintain the appropriate level EMT licensure, with CPR and Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations certification
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, procedures, and guidelines
• Ability to respond to calls at any time and under all weather or hazardous conditions
• Ability to communicate using standard telephone and two-way radio equipment
• Ability to drive fire apparatus weighing over 20,000 pounds
• Ability to drive Type I, II, and III ambulances
• Ability to maintain, adjust, and do minor repairs as necessary to keep fire apparatus and ambulances in good operating condition
• Skill in safely and effectively driving and operating a full range of fire suppression / emergency response vehicles, apparatus, and equipment

Working Conditions

• Indoor duty performed in a controlled temperature environment. However, may be exposed to extreme temperatures or humid conditions during an emergency situation
• May be exposed to noisy environments during emergency situations
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, chemicals, fire, infectious disease, and burns.
• May be exposed to exhaust or chemical fumes, smoke odors, dusts, mists, and gases during emergency situations.
• Performs work mainly on even carpeted and tiled floor surfaces. May work on asphalt, concrete, or natural ground during an emergency situation. May be required to work on inclines or ramps, catwalks or scaffolding, or stairs and ladders. Working surface is mainly dry, but may be wet or greasy during emergency situations.
• Performs work with direction. May work with one or two other people. May work with a large group of people.
• Work is conducted during any time of day or night as needed for emergencies.
• Employee is subject to call back and therefore required to have a telephone in his/her residence at all times.

Equipment

• All EMT, rescue, and firefighting equipment
• Use all safety aids related to EMS, rescue, and firefighting during emergency situations
• Computerized technology