DEFINITION

To respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and other emergency to protect life and property; to operate and maintain a variety of fire and rescue apparatus and firefighting equipment as necessary; to participate in firefighting activities, emergency medical services, hazardous materials incidents, fire prevention, and training activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

1. Respond to fire alarms; lay and disconnect hose; maintain pumping apparatus; hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise and climb ladders; assist with all aspects of firefighting activities as necessary.
2. Operate numerous types of fire suppression, rescue, salvage and emergency medical equipment.
3. Provide emergency medical care at medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations involving threat to human life.
4. Assist in inspecting buildings and property for fire hazards, efficiency of fire protective equipment, adequacy of fire exits, and general compliance with fire prevention and hazardous materials laws and standards.
5. Assist with classes and public education on fire prevention methods; conduct fire prevention and first aid classes for schools, churches, civic groups, and the general public.
6. Assist in the investigation of fire scenes to determine causes; prepare inspection reports, and assist in the preparation of investigative reports.
7. Participate in fire drills; attend training sessions that include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
8. Assist in maintaining assigned fire station during shift; participate in repairs and maintenance as necessary.
9. Clean apparatus and equipment and perform general custodial duties as required.
10. Perform related duties as assigned.

QULAIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of:
   
   1. Safe work practices.
2. Ability to:
   
   1. Learn first aid, CPR, and other medical assistance techniques.
   2. Learn rescue methods and techniques.
   3. Learn the purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance operations.
   4. Learn and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, instructions and written material in the field of firefighting.
   5. Apply basic firefighting techniques and procedures.
   6. Learn to operate and maintain firefighting equipment and apparatus.
   7. Learn to analyze fire and emergency situation and adopt effective courses of action.
   8. Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
   9. Learn to operate and maintain radio equipment.
   10. Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
   11. Learn the principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting.
   12. Learn local geography, including the location of streets, water mains and hydrants, and the major fire hazards of the city.
   13. Learn the principles, practices, and procedures of handling hazardous materials.
   14. Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
   15. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
   16. Maintain effective audiovisual discrimination and perception needed for:
       
       1. Making observations.
       2. Communicating with others.
       3. Reading and writing.
       4. Operating assigned equipment.
       5. Operating a motor vehicle.
   17. Maintain physical conditions appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
       
       1. Running, walking, crouching, or crawling during emergency operations.
       2. Climbing stairs/ladders.
       3. Transporting equipment and injured/ deceased persons.
       4. Walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
       5. Lifting, dragging, carrying, pulling or pushing heavy equipment.
       6. Performing life-saving and rescue procedures. Operating assigned equipment.
   18. Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
       
       1. Hazards of emergency driving.
       2. Natural and man-made disasters.
       3. Hazards associated with high temperatures caused by fires and extreme cold.
       4. Dangers of working at extreme heights.
       5. Hazards associated with extreme and constant noise.
       6. Dangers associated with mechanical, electrical, or chemical fires.
       7. Hazardous materials, explosives, radiation, toxic waste, and toxic gases.
   19. Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering
   20. Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
3. Experience and Training GuidelinesAny combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
   
   1. ExperienceNo experience is required.
   2. EducationEquivalent to the completion of twelfth grade.
4. License and Certificate
   
   1. Possession of an appropriate, valid Class B Texas driver’s license.
   2. Possession of Basic Firefighter Certification through Texas Commission on Fire Protection; for volunteers, through SFFMA.
   3. Possession of, or ability to obtain and retain, certification as an EMT or Paramedic as required by department policy.