Full-Time Firefighter

Firefighter

This is skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and providing rescue services to protect life and property. Work also involves driving equipment when specifically assigned on shift and routine maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Employees under this class perform hazardous tasks under emergency condition which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as fire, heat, smoke and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of the time is spent studying methods and techniques of fire prevention, suppression and basic and/or advanced life saving techniques, studying and perfecting the operation of fire and rescue equipment and apparatus, and in performing routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is usually performed under the command of a superior officer. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion. The Firefighter- shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and Department and demonstrate such through ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Firefighter- shall demonstrate technical skills through effective communication and collaboration, proper use of team resources, personal accountability and responsibility.

The job description is intended merely to illustrate the duties that may be assigned to persons assigned this title. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of persons holding a position assigned this title or to limit the nature and extent of assignments a person may be given.

Primary Job Duties: (Essential functions are identified by an "*")

• Receives and responds to routine and emergency telephone calls.
• Response to fire alarms and other emergency calls; controls and extinguishes fires; protects life and property.
• Selects hose and nozzle, depending on type of fire, deploys hose-lines and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire; positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axe, chisel crowbar, saw and other power equipment; and, may deactivate utility services to prevent explosions or other fire extension.
• Responses to emergency situations; drives emergency vehicles to scene of emergency; operates apparatus on scene.
• Provides efficient and immediate emergency care to the ill or injured at the scene of an incident and during transport; operates emergency care equipment.
• Conducts patient assessments; administers appropriate basic or advanced life support care at the site of emergency; performs such activities as patient assessment, artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; treating wounds, abrasions, and shock; applies splints; patient extrication; maintain airways, and administers oxygen.
• May perform advanced medical care, including endotracheal and nasotracheal insertion, chest tubes (needle aspiration/catheter), and IV cannulation.
• Reports vital information regarding care and condition to medical personnel receiving patient.
• Participates in salvage operations, such as removing and covering furniture, removing water and cleaning debris.
• Performs overhaul operations to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
• May performs duties of fire inspector as assigned; conducts building inspections for fire hazards; examines blueprints; tests and inspects sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire hydrants, etc.; serves notices for correction of fire code regulations; advises citizens on fire safety.
• Develops preplans that provide the most effective firefighting.
• Investigates causes and circumstances surrounding fires.
• Participates in a continuing program of training demonstrations and classes; receives training in the operation of apparatus and, when assigned, drives and operates and instruction and operation of fire and a variety of vehicles.
• Provides fire station tours for the public; answers questions and provides public education services.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire stations, buildings and grounds, fire apparatus, auxiliary equipment and tools.
• May work in various climatic weather conditions and the potential exists for sustaining serious bodily harm, or possible death, in the performance of duties.
• Maintains accurate records, forms and reports.
• Provide effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must align with any applicable requirements in the City of Oberlin Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.
• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• U.S. Citizenship required or have legally declared his/her intention of becoming a U.S. citizen and be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Possession of valid Ohio Drivers license and proof of insurability.
• Must successfully complete background investigation and meet psychological and physical requirements
• Must successfully complete an assessment test for fire apparatus operation
• Must reside within Lorain County or in any adjacent county thereof

Licenses and/or Certifications Must be able to obtain and maintain the following Licenses and/or Certifications as determined by the Fire Chief:

• Ohio certification as Firefighter 2
• Ohio certification as an Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic at time of appointment
• Certification as Driver/Operator for all OFD apparatus within six months of appointment
• Ohio certification as a Fire Safety Inspector as required by the Fire Department
• Hazardous Materials Technician within first year of appointment
• NIMS 700/800, ICS 100/200

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Modern rescue and firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
• Geographic layout of the City, including street locations, water supply, and structural characteristics in the district protected.
• Emergency medical and rescue procedures.

Ability to:

• Read and understand policies, procedures, rules, regulations, instructions, and written material of the Fire Department.
• Perform limited mechanical work involved in maintaining fire apparatus, equipment and tools.
• Analyze emergency situations and to adopt effective courses of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Learn, train and retain technical and other fire service related data.
• Follow oral and written instructions; deal effectively with the public; and speak and write effectively.
• Meet such physical requirements as may be established by competent authority.
• Obtain and maintain certificates as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic or higher.
• Meet department competency standards as outlined in NFPA 1001, 1002, 1021, 1521, and Oberlin Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures.

Firefighter

This is skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and providing rescue services to protect life and property. Work also involves driving equipment when specifically assigned on shift and routine maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, and quarters. Employees under this class perform hazardous tasks under emergency condition which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as fire, heat, smoke and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and rescue work are the most difficult and responsible areas of activity, a major portion of the time is spent studying methods and techniques of fire prevention, suppression and basic and/or advanced life saving techniques, studying and perfecting the operation of fire and rescue equipment and apparatus, and in performing routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is usually performed under the command of a superior officer. Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion. The Firefighter- shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and Department and demonstrate such through ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative and responsive service. The Firefighter- shall demonstrate technical skills through effective communication and collaboration, proper use of team resources, personal accountability and responsibility.

The job description is intended merely to illustrate the duties that may be assigned to persons assigned this title. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of persons holding a position assigned this title or to limit the nature and extent of assignments a person may be given.

Primary Job Duties: (Essential functions are identified by an "*")

• Receives and responds to routine and emergency telephone calls.
• Response to fire alarms and other emergency calls; controls and extinguishes fires; protects life and property.
• Selects hose and nozzle, depending on type of fire, deploys hose-lines and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire; positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axe, chisel crowbar, saw and other power equipment; and, may deactivate utility services to prevent explosions or other fire extension.
• Responses to emergency situations; drives emergency vehicles to scene of emergency; operates apparatus on scene.
• Provides efficient and immediate emergency care to the ill or injured at the scene of an incident and during transport; operates emergency care equipment.
• Conducts patient assessments; administers appropriate basic or advanced life support care at the site of emergency; performs such activities as patient assessment, artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; treating wounds, abrasions, and shock; applies splints; patient extrication; maintain airways, and administers oxygen.
• May perform advanced medical care, including endotracheal and nasotracheal insertion, chest tubes (needle aspiration/catheter), and IV cannulation.
• Reports vital information regarding care and condition to medical personnel receiving patient.
• Participates in salvage operations, such as removing and covering furniture, removing water and cleaning debris.
• Performs overhaul operations to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
• May performs duties of fire inspector as assigned; conducts building inspections for fire hazards; examines blueprints; tests and inspects sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire hydrants, etc.; serves notices for correction of fire code regulations; advises citizens on fire safety.
• Develops preplans that provide the most effective firefighting.
• Investigates causes and circumstances surrounding fires.
• Participates in a continuing program of training demonstrations and classes; receives training in the operation of apparatus and, when assigned, drives and operates and instruction and operation of fire and a variety of vehicles.
• Provides fire station tours for the public; answers questions and provides public education services.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire stations, buildings and grounds, fire apparatus, auxiliary equipment and tools.
• May work in various climatic weather conditions and the potential exists for sustaining serious bodily harm, or possible death, in the performance of duties.
• Maintains accurate records, forms and reports.
• Provide effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must align with any applicable requirements in the City of Oberlin Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations.
• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• U.S. Citizenship required or have legally declared his/her intention of becoming a U.S. citizen and be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Possession of valid Ohio Drivers license and proof of insurability.
• Must successfully complete background investigation and meet psychological and physical requirements
• Must successfully complete an assessment test for fire apparatus operation
• Must reside within Lorain County or in any adjacent county thereof

Licenses and/or Certifications Must be able to obtain and maintain the following Licenses and/or Certifications as determined by the Fire Chief:

• Ohio certification as Firefighter 2
• Ohio certification as an Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic at time of appointment
• Certification as Driver/Operator for all OFD apparatus within six months of appointment
• Ohio certification as a Fire Safety Inspector as required by the Fire Department
• Hazardous Materials Technician within first year of appointment
• NIMS 700/800, ICS 100/200

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Modern rescue and firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.
• Geographic layout of the City, including street locations, water supply, and structural characteristics in the district protected.
• Emergency medical and rescue procedures.

Ability to:

• Read and understand policies, procedures, rules, regulations, instructions, and written material of the Fire Department.
• Perform limited mechanical work involved in maintaining fire apparatus, equipment and tools.
• Analyze emergency situations and to adopt effective courses of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Learn, train and retain technical and other fire service related data.
• Follow oral and written instructions; deal effectively with the public; and speak and write effectively.
• Meet such physical requirements as may be established by competent authority.
• Obtain and maintain certificates as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic or higher.
• Meet department competency standards as outlined in NFPA 1001, 1002, 1021, 1521, and Oberlin Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures.

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