Firefighter

City of Columbus; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Columbus is seeking firefighters under supervision to respond to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and related duties. The role includes driving emergency vehicles, fire suppression, EMS duties, and public fire prevention activities; emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, US citizenship, valid driver's license, and completion of required certifications (FII, EMT-B, Fire Safety Inspector). A paramedic path may be pursued after joining.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required at appointment; GED accepted in lieu.
• Age: 18+ at appointment; 17 years 6 months at time of application.
• Valid driver’s license at appointment.
• Citizen of the United States.
• Upon academy completion, must maintain Firefighter II, EMT-B and Fire Safety Inspector certifications.

Responsibilities

• Drives emergency vehicles to scenes.
• Responds to alarms and performs entry, search, rescue, attack, extrication, and ventilation tasks.
• Operates emergency apparatus and equipment at emergency scenes.
• Performs fire scene size-up and attack.
• Performs EMT/paramedic duties as required.
• Transports victims and equipment and assists with patient care.
• Inspects buildings, grounds, and hydrants for hazards.
• Participates in training and public education programs.

Skills

Firefighting tactics

Building construction

Mechanical equipment

Hand tools

Oral communication

Hydraulics

Emergency medical care

Follow directions

Cooperative work

Record keeping

Calm under pressure

SCBA operation

Work at heights

Confined spaces

Physical endurance

24-hour shifts

Diversity interaction

Education

High school diploma

GED accepted

Job description

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for responding to fire alarms, medical and other emergencies, participating in fire prevention, station maintenance, and training activities; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Drives emergency vehicles to emergency scenes;
• Responds to alarms and performs entry, search, rescue, attack, extrication, and ventilation tasks at fires and other emergencies;
• Operates emergency apparatus and equipment at emergency scenes;
• Performs fire scene size-up and attack;
• Performs functions as an emergency medical technician or paramedic;
• Evaluates conditions of patients by questions, observations, or hands-on assessment to determine the type of help needed and the appropriate rescue technique;
• Carries patients on stretchers, backboards, or wheelchairs, with assistance of others, up or down stairs, around turns, and through openings;
• Transports victims and equipment in emergency situations;
• Performs cleanup and overhaul work at the fire scene;
• Maintains fire apparatus, fire equipment, fire station grounds, and emergency medical equipment;
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial buildings, grounds, andfire hydrants to discover and eliminate potential fire hazards;
• Participates in continuing training and instruction programs;
• Conducts public education and fire prevention programs;
• May be required to obtain specialized training and certifications;
• May respond to major alarms while off-duty as directed.

Possession of a high school diploma at the time of appointment. Substitution(s): A certificate of high school equivalence (GED) will be accepted in lieu of a diploma.

At least eighteen (18) years of age at time of appointment; at least seventeen (17) years, six (6) months at time of application.

Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of appointment.

A citizen of the United States.

Upon completion of the training academy, must maintain valid Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) AND Fire Safety Inspector certifications issued by the State of Ohio.

SPECIAL NOTE

The Division of Fire must maintain a required number of Firefighters who possess an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic certificate. Firefighters may be required to obtain and retain this certificate after becoming a Journeyman Firefighter.

Guidelines For Class Use

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of firefighting tactics and building construction; general knowledge of basic mechanical equipment and its operation; general knowledge of common hand tools and their uses; some knowledge of personal computers and tablets; ability to communicate orally; ability to learn technical firefighting principles and techniques; ability to learn principles of hydraulics applied to fire suppression; ability to learn emergency medical treatment procedures; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with fellow employees and public; ability to keep records and prepare reports; ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment in emergency situations for extended periods of time; ability to work in environments containing immediate dangers to life or health (IDLH) requiring self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); ability to work at heights in excess of twelve (12) feet; ability to work in confined spaces; ability to work in inclement weather; ability to meet current physical standards; ability to work 24-hour shifts; ability to interact effectively with persons of a different race, background, or gender.

Probationary Period

365 Days

Exam Type

Competitive

Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:

CONTACT INFORMATION

Civil Service Commission Public Safety Test Team

Location: 1111 East Broad Street, Suite 201

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Websites: www.columbus.gov/civilservice

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer.