Firefighter I / EMT (Part-Time)

City of West Columbia (SC); South Carolina; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

City of West Columbia Fire Department is seeking a part-time firefighter to respond to emergencies, provide life safety services, operate equipment, and support prevention programs. You will ride with the crew, perform firefighting, rescue, and medical responder duties, and assist in training and station maintenance.

Candidates must have a High School diploma or GED, obtain NREMT within 24 months, hold a valid SC driver's license, and complete interior firefighting/incident command/hazmat

Qualifications

• Requires interior firefighting, incident command, hazmat, and medical responder training.
• Must possess or obtain National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification within twenty-four (24) months of employment date.
• Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.
• Must be physically able to operate firefighting equipment and perform strenuous tasks.

Responsibilities

• Rides apparatus to and from emergencies; performs firefighting tasks including hoseline operations, roof ventilation, search and rescue, extrication, ladder work, and patient care.
• Works in extreme temperatures and potential hazards while wearing PPE and SCBA.
• Participates in trainings and ensures SOP/SOG requirements are completed; assists in public education and community risk programs.
• Maintains and inspects equipment, station facilities, and participates in job rehearsals and pre-plans.

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, is responsible for both performing and preparing for handling any emergency or request for assistance from the public or any agencies in order to protect life and property. Actions could be, but not limited to, fire confinement and extinguishment, hazardous materials mitigation, various rescues, as well as educating the public in fire prevention. Maintains all equipment on assigned apparatus. Assists in maintenance duties regarding station building, apparatus, equipment, and grounds. Maintains records and prepares reports as required. Reports to the Fire Captain and/or Fire Battalion Chief.

POSITION HOURS

Part-Time position, 24-hour shifts.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Rides apparatus to and from emergencies; performs fire-fighting tasks such as hoseline operations, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, identifying dangerous building conditions, forcible entry, search and rescue, extrication, climbing ladders, salvage and overhaul, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, etc.; administers emergency first aid (including performing CPR and/or use of AED); performs recues above ground level, recues below ground level, recues in swift water; and other means to control incident, performs duties under stressful conditions while possibly wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Works at times in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods; could be exposed to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and non-biological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA.
• Participates in training and ensures required trainings as outlined by standard operating procedures (SOP) and standard operating guidelines (SOG) are completed. Attends required classes and meetings to remain knowledgeable of modern fire suppression, rescue, and other life safety methods.
• Functions as an integral component of a team.
• Assists in a variety of programs and classes, which may include, but are not limited to, public education, community risk, probationary training, company inspections, smoke detector installation, and department pre-plans.
• Responsible for ensuring that assigned apparatus is clean and that equipment on the apparatus is organized, secure, clean, fueled (gas equipment), painted (tools), and is ready for deployment at an incident.
• May instruct other classes for the department, city employees, and outside agencies. Examples are emergency response, first aid, CPR, AED, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
• Participates in ensuring that all required station activities are completed.
• Recognizes and preserves evidence of arson and other types of crimes.
• May serve as engineer in his/her absence provided meets required training.
• Maintains personal fitness and appearance to comply with department guidelines.
• Inspects, repairs, and/or maintains fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, medical response equipment, and vehicles for safe operation.
• Assists in evaluating and testing new equipment as well as giving input on specs for apparatus and other equipment.
• Works with fire chief, deputy fire chief, fire captain, fire lieutenant, co-workers, other city employees, fire and emergency response personnel from surrounding districts, business and/or property owners, medical personnel, sales representatives, and general public on a daily basis.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of specialized firefighting equipment, machinery, and office equipment, such as radio equipment, hazardous monitoring equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE), to include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fire apparatus, fire pumps, generators, saws, medical equipment, computers, printers, electronic devices, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs miscellaneous duties including installing smoke detectors, conducting fire station tours, securing station facilities, restocking supplies, preparing meals, painting, polishing station metal, and basic grounds maintenance.
• Answers the telephone; provides information, advice, and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or GED. Must have specialized training programs that cover interior firefighting, incident command, hazardous materials, and medical responder to meet the training outlined in SOP 600.2 Firefighter Position (A); or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess or obtain National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification within twenty-four (24) months of employment date. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle as well as a variety of types of firefighting and rescue equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus, special protective clothing, fire extinguishers, generators, pumper trucks, chain saws, communications equipment, hoses, valves, ladders, electrical meter, various chemicals used in fighting fires, etc. Must be physically able to exert up to one hundred (100) pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work. Work involves frequent reaching, handling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, or standing. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of approximately one hundred fifty (150) pounds.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of manuals, documents and reports. Requires the ability to prepare documents and reports such as incident reports, station activity report, dispatch records, maintenance records, training records, etc., using the proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Requires the ability to communicate with co-workers, senior fire officers, other city employees, and the general public, with poise, voice control, and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems such as fire prevention, firefighting, medical systems (EMS), mechanics, etc. in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals, multiply and divide numbers; determine percentages and utilize decimals; and determine time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in utilizing various types of office equipment. Requires the ability to operate an emergency fire vehicle.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, firefighting equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under high stress when confronted with an emergency.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking – expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing – perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job

Has knowledge of the activities and methods practiced within the Fire Department. Has good working knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the support functions of the Firefighter II position. Has excellent knowledge of the location of city streets. Knows how to determine and ensure safety on firegrounds. Is knowledgeable of the hand signals and fire terminology used on the fireground. Knows how to utilize various pieces of firefighting equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner. Has good knowledge of emergency medical procedures and is able to perform same properly as needed. Has the communications skills and knowledge required to assist in providing fire education to people of various age groups and educational backgrounds. Maintains an effective and positive relationship with the general public, supervisors and other city personnel. Knows how to communicate effectively, tactfully, and persuasively with members of the public in difficult situations which may arise. Is able to use independent judgment in critical and/or high risk situations. Is capable of performing duties while under high stress levels such as emergency situations. Is able to work varying hours for extended periods of time. Is capable of performing duties while exposed to dangerous conditions such as threat of explosives, electrical hazards, extreme weather, etc. Knows of records and reports which must be completed and has the ability to complete the same. Is capable of planning daily activities and completing tasks within assigned time frames.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all city departments and divisions, co-workers, and the general public.

Quantity of Work

Produces quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the City.

Dependability

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Competes work within deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.

Attendance

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instructions and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedure, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the City.

Relationships with Others

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and City benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers, and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the City and to project a good City image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will toward the City. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the City. Interacts with higher management, city administrator, professionals, and the general public.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected completion time of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the City and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any timewithout notice.