Fire Apparatus Operator I

City-of-Hickory; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hickory Fire Department operates fire suppression apparatus and equipment on a 24/72 shift schedule. This lateral position must meet or exceed job requirements relative to the current role.

Responsibilities include operating pumps and ladders, inspecting and maintaining gear, assisting in rescue, EMS, prevention, and training efforts, and completing reports with a focus on safety and teamwork. NFPA guidelines and city procedures guide daily work.

Qualifications

• Able to meet criteria for testing as FAO 1 and provide verifiable evidence of experience.
• Meets Firefighter II/Relief Driver standards for Hickory or equivalent.
• Completes Hickory Fire Department Engineer Exam successfully.
• Meets annual performance evaluation standards.

Responsibilities

• Operates assigned apparatus, equipment, and vehicles for calls, inspections, and drills.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus and equipment.
• Operates pumps and ladders at fire scenes; supports extraction and ventilation tasks.
• Performs Emergency Medical Technician duties as needed.
• Assists in fire prevention activities and public education.
• Performs annual hydrant maintenance and testing; participates in PT.
• Prepares and submits reports; performs daily station and grounds maintenance.

Skills

Knowledge of modern firefighting

Equipment operation

Radio/communications

Basic life support

Oral and written communication

Team coordination

Education

North Carolina Class B Driver's License

NC Firefighter I and II Certification

NC Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

NC Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification

NC Hazardous Materials Operation Certification

NC Technical Rescue Common Passenger Vehicle or equivalent

NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800

NC Driver Operator Pumps Certification (preferred)

NC Rapid Intervention Crew Certification (preferred)

Job description

This position operates fire and emergency apparatus, equipment, and vehicles in the suppression of fires on a 24/72 shift schedule.

This is a lateral position that must meet or exceed the requirements of this job description in reference to current employment role.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

• Operates assigned apparatus, equipment, and vehicles for emergency and non emergency calls, routine inspections, training drills, and other purposes as necessary.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus, equipment, and vehicles.
• Ensures the cleanliness, serviceability, and availabilit y of firefighting and emergency equipment, tools, and supplies related to assigned apparatus.
• Operates pumps and other equipment at fire scenes; uses pump control and raises and lowers ladders.
• Performs the duties of Emergency Medical Technician as necessary.
• Assists in fire suppression, rescue, forced entry, ventilation, and salvage; lays and connects hoses, manipulates nozzles, climbs ladders; assists in the ventilation of structures.
• FAO 1 will fill in for Captain 1 position in the absence of a company officer, when requested.
• Performs vehicle extrications.
• Performs fire prevention activities; assists with station tours, and fire education programs.
• Provides hazardous materials response as needed.
• Performs annual maintenance and testing of city fire hydrants.
• Participates in daily physical training.
• Prepares and submits reports as required.
• Performs daily station and grounds maintenance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• 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 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of service with Hickory Fire Department to test for the FAO 1 position, or 2 years of documented experience with another career fire department in the same or equivalent rank. Applicants must be able to provide verifiable evidence of this experience/position upon request.
• Meet all the requirements of a Firefighter II/Relief Driver with the City of Hickory Fire Department or other career fire department.
• Must successfully complete the Hickory Fire Department Engineer Exam.
• Must meet or exceed all standards of the annual performance evaluations.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• North Carolina Class B Driver's License
• North Carolina Driver Operator Pumps Certification (preferred)
• NC Firefighter I and II Certification
• NC Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• NC Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
• NC Technical Rescue Common Passenger Vehicle or equivalent
• NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800
• NC Hazardous Materials Operation Certification
• NC Rapid Intervention Crew Certification (preferred)

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Fire Captain - Operations assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include apparatus and equipment operating manuals, NFPA codes, FAA guidelines for airport operations, department standard operating procedures, city ordinances and policies, state building and fire codes, and federal, state, and local laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in their application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related duties in the operation of specialized equipment, vehicles, and apparatus in the suppression of fires. The necessity of particip ating in work performed in life- threatening situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to operate fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Successful performance contributes to the safety of lives and property.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, law enforcement personnel, the general public, and fire and rescue personnel from state, local and federal agencies.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee occasionally 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed at the fire station or at fire scenes. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fumes, and hazardous situations and materials that require the use of protective equipment such as masks, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position exercises functional supervision only at FAO 1 level. When requested, the Fire Apparatus Operator 1 will fill in at the Captain 1 position.

SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.