Firefighter

This position performs technical duties in the suppression of fire and in response to medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other emergency situations. The purpose of this position is to perform fire suppression and rescue operations. Successful performance contributes to the safety of lives and property.

Major Duties

• Responds to fire and emergency calls as a member of an engine, aerial truck, or specialty company.
• Performs a variety of firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical duties.
• Performs confined space, trench, high angle, vehicle extrication, and water rescue.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus, equipment, and vehicles.
• Ensures the cleanliness, serviceability and availability of firefighting and emergency equipment, tools, and supplies related to assigned apparatus.
• Assists in fire suppression, rescue, forced entry, ventilation, and salvage.
• Performs fire prevention activities; assists with station tours, birthday parties, and fire education programs.
• Performs pre-incident surveys and participates in building inspections.
• Performs annual maintenance and testing of city fire hydrants and hoses; assists with ladder testing.
• Participates in daily physical training.
• Prepares and submits reports as required.
• Performs daily station and grounds maintenance.
• Assists in the training of personnel.
• Maintains certifications through continuing education and training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Guidelines include department standard operating procedures, city ordinances and policies, state building and fire codes, and federal, state, and local laws. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

• None

Education/Experience Requirements

• Possession of any diploma or certification equivalent to graduation from high school. Experience or training equivalent to completion of Wilson Fire/Rescue Services recruit fire training.

• Possession of a valid North Carolina drivers' license (Class "B" within one year of employment);
• Possession of current Medical Responder Certification (employment prior to 12/8/1999);
• Possession of current EMT Certification within 1 year or as classes are offered (employment 12/8/1999 and after);
• Possession of NC Hazardous Materials Technician Level Certification within 1 year or as classes are offered;
• Possession of the highest level of Firefighter Certification offered by the State of North Carolina at date of hire or upon completion of WF/RS Recruit Academy.

• Knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to the control and prevention of fires.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles of hazardous materials containment.
• Knowledge of emergency medical techniques.
• Knowledge of the boundaries and geography of the city.
• Skill in operating computers and other office equipment.
• Skill in operating emergency apparatus, vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in the use of radio/communications equipment.
• Skill in the provision of basic life support techniques.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

The work is typically performed while or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office and at emergency and fire scenes. The employee may be exposed to noise, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.