Fire Apparatus Operator I

City of Hickory; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hickory is seeking a Fire Apparatus Operator 1 on a 24/72 shift, performing emergency and non-emergency operations. The role includes driving, pumping, ladder work, and light maintenance.

Candidates may be required to serve as FAO 1 in absence of a captain and must meet licensing and certification requirements. The position emphasizes safety, training, and readiness for life-threatening situations.

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years of service with Hickory Fire Department to test for FAO 1 or 2 years with another career department.

Responsibilities

• Operates assigned fire apparatus, equipment, and vehicles for emergencies and routine duties.
• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus and equipment.
• Operates pumps and ladder equipment at fire scenes and during drills.
• Performs EMT duties as needed.
• Assists in fire suppression, rescue, and forcible entry operations.
• Performs vehicle extrications and fire prevention activities.
• Performs annual hydrant maintenance and testing.
• Participates in daily physical training and reports preparation.

Skills

Computers & office equipment

Emergency apparatus operation

Radio/communications equipment

Basic life support

Oral & written communication

Education

NC Firefighter I & II Certification

NC EMT-Basic

NC Driver Operator Pumps (preferred)

NC Driver Certification

Tools

North Carolina Driver's License

Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification

Hazardous materials operation (cert)

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 availability 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 participating 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.