Paid-on-Call Firefighter

Under the supervision and general direction of a Department Officer protects life and property by performing fire fighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and fire prevention duties.

Major Duties/Essential Functions Performs firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks. Operates and performs maintenance checks on all fire department vehicles and equipment. Maintains fire equipment and apparatus. Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.

Performs duties as a certified Firefighter/EMT according to criteria and standards set forth by the department. Responds as a member of a medical team to bring basic or advanced emergency medical care to the citizens of the community. Prepares written reports and maintains records. Performs duties as a Fire Apparatus Driver and Pump Operator, when assigned. Conducts demonstrations, tours, and public speeches on fire safety, fire prevention, CPR, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, first-aid, and other subjects to the public.

Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics. Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and related subjects. Operates radio and other communication equipment.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; cleans and washes walls and floors; cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment.

Minor Duties/Responsibilities Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as Homeland Security emergency preparedness, hazardous communications, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.

Keeps all equipment and hand tools clean and operating smoothly; services assigned equipment with fuel and oil; safety checks. Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with members of the community and other employees. Attends training courses, meetings, and conferences as directed. May be required to confer with citizens on problems, concerns and accidents. Confers with assigned officer on a regular basis, discussing work processes, incidents, problems and plans and receiving advice, counseling and instruction. Supervision/Accountability Works under the general supervision of an officer

Knowledge Knowledge and understanding of work rules, and Standard Operating Guidelines. Knowledge of national, state and local laws and fire/safety codes. Knowledge of fire protection systems, water supply, building construction, natural and man-made disasters, fire control and extinguishment, and combustible and flammable materials. Extensive knowledge of City geography including streets, fire hydrant locations and the building numbering system. Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work. Knowledge of policies and procedures established for the department. Working knowledge of driver safety; working knowledge of emergency medical services.

Skill/Ability Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment. Ability to learn to apply standard firefighting, emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques. Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke. Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Skilled in all types of equipment and vehicle operation. Ability to deal with difficult working conditions and all types of weather. Ability to work in high places and in hazardous areas. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to create effective interpersonal relationships with coworkers and citizens. Ability to follow written and oral instructions, read maps and understand basic construction and engineering drawings. The ability to accept responsibility, to make decisions and to effectively prioritize work. Ability to ensure and follow standard safety practices and procedures. Ability to speak and understand the English language fluently and use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. Ability to prepare, organize and maintain office data, reports and systems. Ability to perform required mathematical computations. License/Certifications Possession of a valid Wisconsin Motor vehicle operator’s license required. Must be certifiable as an Emergency Medical Technician. Must be certifiable as a Wisconsin Firefighter Level I. Wisconsin Fire Apparatus Drivers/Operator or per NFPA 1001/02. The loss of a license or certification may be cause for demotion or termination. Education/Experience Any combination equivalent to education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to possession of a high school diploma or GED.

Physical Demands and Abilities The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to reach, finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk; stand; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must be able to run, swim, grapple, climb, balance, bend and twist while performing normal operations. The employee must frequently lift, pull and/or move 100 pounds for extended periods and occasionally in excess of 100 pounds. Must be certified to wear a respirator. The tasks listed below describe more specifically the abilities required for the position.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud. Fire scenes or ambulance responses can be to areas of confined workspaces or heights. Exposure to extreme cold and normal, or hot and normal temperature changes. Contact with water or liquids. Exposure to loud noise with a minimum of 90 decibels and vibrations from tools, equipment, machinery, etc. Exposure to hazardous conditions such as; mechanical, electrical, chemical, burns, explosives, heights, physical injury, and fast moving vehicles. Exposure to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, gases, noxious odors, dust, and poor ventilation. Exposure to blood borne pathogens, i.e., blood on self and clothing from EMS related calls.

Tools and Equipment Used Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The ability to use the following tools and equipment is essential to perform the functions of this job: emergency medical aid unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment; ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer and telephone. Must be able to operate measuring devices, power tools, hand tools, chain saws, shovels, brooms, ladders, air tools, exhaust fans, and generators. Must be able to operate car, fire truck, van and ambulance. Must be able to apply patient restraints, firstaid equipment, oxygen, blood pressure equipment, defibrillators, test equipment, general medical equipment, patient lifting devices and breathing apparatus. Must wear steel tip boots, hearing and eye protection fire fighting turn-out clothing, and hazardous materials protective clothing.