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Firefighter

Employer
City of Fargo
Location
Fargo, North Dakota
Salary
$17.22 Hourly

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Job Details

POSITION DESCRIPTION: To assure consideration and for eligibility to sit for the entrance exam, you must attach the following documents to your application. Failure to provide required documentation will eliminate you from continuing on in the application process.

  1. Completed Attachment #1 (Notice to Applicant for Fire Fighter Position) from the Firefighter Applicant Handbook that is found here.
  2. A transcript from your school or schools. Does not need to be an official transcript to allow you to test.
  3. Copies of course documentation and certifications.

Although not required, a resume and cover letter may be included as well.


  PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES: The Firefighter serves as a team member to carry out fire suppression and technical rescue, medical emergency response, fire prevention and hazardous material emergency response activities.  The Firefighter also performs various maintenance activities on fire equipment and fire station facilities. 

Scope of Responsibility:
 Work performed is considerably hazardous and requires the firefighter to follow instructions provided by superiors and to draw upon the extensive training and/or experience they receive on-the-job to make quick judgments in extremely volatile situations.  The firefighter is responsible for care and safe operation of department equipment of a high monetary value. Based on staffing needs a firefighter may assume the duties of a fire captain.

  1. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
    1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
    2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
    3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
       
  2. Responds to emergency and non-emergency situations including fires, medical injuries and illness; hazardous materials spills; technical rescues such as river, trench, rope rescues, and auto, train and aircraft extrication; false alarms; flooding; and other situations, and carries out specific assigned duties such as connecting hoses, operating equipment, emergency vehicle driving and operation, positioning ladders, rescuing victims, and providing basic life support care as allowed as an EMT.
    1. When assigned as a driver for a shift, the firefighter is responsible for ensuring equipment is on trucks, in working order, and ready for emergency calls; drives and operates fire trucks including placement of truck, operation of pump, etc.
    2. Directs volunteers at emergency situations when necessary, until additional responders arrive on the scene, or as assigned.
    3. When assigned as a shift fire investigator, the firefighter is responsible to.
      1. Conduct systematic investigation of origin of fire; directs crews at site to assist with investigations;
      2. Interviews witnesses, residents, etc.;
      3. Takes photographs and collects evidence insuring chain-of-custody is preserved;
      4. Determines cause and prepares and submits report;
      5. Works with Police Department to send evidence to State Lab and to turn over arson cases to PD.
      6. Testifies in trials, hearings, and depositions;
         
  3. Conducts fire prevention inspections of public buildings and local businesses requiring application of national fire codes and City standards.Works independently or as part of a team.Establishes relationship with building managers to effectively communicate fire codes and safety procedures.
    1. Identifies deficiencies, completes appropriate paperwork, references fire codes and notes explanations for property owners;
    2. Initiates corrective action according to established procedures;
    3. Creates rough drawings for every structure investigated and submits these to office staff to input into computer system;
    4. Conducts follow-up inspections and forwards violations to Fire Prevention Bureau.
       
  4. Maintains equipment in a state of readiness and performs maintenance to prolong the useful life of expensive equipment.
    1. Performs routine checks of equipment such as generators and air compressors, and records condition;
    2. Performs general fire station building and grounds maintenance as required;
    3. Cleans and services equipment following use in order to remove corrosive dirt, salt, etc. from equipment;
    4. Performs routine maintenance of equipment, hoses, hand tools and specialized equipment;
    5. Maintains personal protective gear and requests replacements when the functionality of equipment is compromised.
       
  5. Participates in and/or conducts training exercises, demonstrations and instruction to prepare for emergency situations.
    1. Provides on-the-job training, mentoring, and some work direction to new firefighters;
    2. Trains peers on any specialized training received.
       
  6. During the absence of the Fire Captain, the firefighter fills this shift supervisory position; may fill in for a Captain for extended periods, or on a daily basis, depending on the assignments of the Battalion Chief.
     
  7. Performs public relations and education activities.
    1. Conducts fire stations tours;
    2. Gives presentations, demonstrations and instruction on fire and safety procedures to schools, community groups and other interested parties;
    3. Takes fire trucks to schools, block parties, and other events as scheduled.
       
  8. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
    1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit; the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
    2.  Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective.
       
  9. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.


Additional Duties and Responsibilities: Drive Operator:
When an employee has two years of service and has completed the 60 hour Fargo Fire Department Driver Operator class, the employee may be asked from time to time to drive the apparatus. The driver operator responsibilities are distinguished from that of a firefighter by the focus on apparatus operation to and at emergency scenes, although the work may also involve all duties performed by a firefighter. 
 

  1. Drives the apparatus when assigned and performs necessary vehicle and equipment checks
    1. Drives assigned apparatus of fire vehicle to and from emergencies, determine appropriate route for timely response,
    2. Maneuvers vehicles through heavy traffic,
    3. Utilizes lights, sirens, horns, and other signal devices to communicate to traffic and pedestrian oncoming emergency vehicles are en route,
    4. Maintains knowledge of road closures, out of service hydrants, and construction activities,
    5. Appropriately positions apparatus for optimal use of equipment,
    6. Participates in laying and connecting hoses,
    7. Operates pumps and controls, regulates water pressure, air pressure,
    8. Connects to a variety of water supplies from emergency vehicle,
    9. Maintains assigned fire apparatus in condition of readiness,
    10. Inspects, tests and maintains all equipment and tools carried by fire apparatus,

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Technologies and Administration; or Fire Fighter I/II curriculum as approved by the National Fire Academy, ProBoard, IFSAC or an equivalent program which conforms to NFPA 1001 and successful completion of 60 college semester hours in any subject or successful completion of 90 semester hours in any subject; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job listed above. A valid driver's license is also required.
 
Must successfully obtain ProBoard certification of Firefighter 1, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations during recruit training. Must obtain ProBoard certification of Firefighter II within probationary first year of employment. Must obtain national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician within the probationary first year of employment at his/her own expense.  Successful completion of Emergency Vehicle Operation Training within the first two years of employment.    Required to maintain specified continuing education training hours and ongoing certifications including annual physical agility test, medical/physical exams, Emergency Medical Technician, and others.
 
Knowledge, skills and ability include:

  • Knowledge of the basic concepts of fire suppression and prevention to understand the need for immediate response and organization and teamwork in carrying out the firefighting functions;
  • Skill in performing manual tasks requiring mechanical aptitude such as minor repair to motorized equipment;
  • Skill in driving and operation of emergency response vehicles;
  • Skill in manual tasks requiring strength, endurance and coordination;
  • Skill in written English sufficient to read operating/procedure manuals and to maintain logs, write reports, etc.;
  • Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
  • Basic computer skill and ability to learn NFIRS to maintain information, use email system, and run reports;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Ability to perform hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilate roofs or walls using power or hand tools, force entry while wearing protective ensembles including SCBA.
  • Ability to climb ladders, operate from heights, walk or crawl in dark narrow and uneven surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and other hazards.
  • Ability to function as a team member, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.
  • Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).
  • Ability to maintain certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work involves response to unpredictable emergency situations for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medications, or hydration.  There is regular exposure to very disagreeable working conditions such as fumes, fire, smoke, extreme weather conditions including ice, snow, extreme high and low temperatures, humidity, rain, dirt, mud.  The work involves exposure to hazardous conditions such as toxic chemicals, slippery conditions, working in traffic areas and adverse road conditions. While at emergency scenes, incumbent may have exposure to injury, trauma, blood-borne pathogens, traffic accidents, and visual and emotional trauma.  Incumbent is required to take appropriate safety precautions and wear protective equipment. 
 
While wearing personal protective equipment, including SCBA, perform firefighting tasks (e.g. hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods. While wearing personal protective equipment, including SCBA incumbents must be able to stand, climb ladders, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and reach; to walk or run on uneven surfaces; and to drag up to 200 pounds for a distance of 50 feet.  There is fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, occasional lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 100 pounds, frequent lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds and regular moving of objects up to 20 pounds.  Moderate attention to detail and deadlines is required in completing reports and paperwork.  Working 24 hour shifts is required, where sleep is frequently disrupted.
 
Incumbents must be able to perform the following physical demands:
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
 
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
 
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

 

Company

Vision

We to be an employer of choice through collaboration, engagement, and development in order to deliver an exceptional career experience for the people serving the great City of Fargo.

Values

We will respect each other and all stakeholders by delivering honest and empathetic customer service. We commit to develop and maintain a culture that values the health, safety, and equitable treatment of all stakeholders.

Company info
Website
Telephone
701-241-1321
Location
225 4th Street North
Fargo
ND
58102
United States

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