Firefighter

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, May 24, 2024

Hours: 24 hour shifts, rotating every third day.

Salary: Entry salary for uncertified firefighter $40,694 and for certified firefighters $42,727; DOE and credentials. Additional incentive of $1,000 for EMT - B and $6,000 for Paramedic.

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to perform firefighting activities, including combating and extinguishing fires, rescuing persons and salvaging property in emergency situations, training with and maintaining equipment, assisting in fire prevention activities, and controlling and containing hazardous substances.

This position works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to calls for fire, medical, hazmat, rescue and other natural and/or man-made emergencies. Carries out commands and tasks necessary to mitigate the emergency safely and efficiently; performs all duties and tasks assigned by supervisors.

• Provides immediate lifesaving care while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. Aids higher-level EMS personnel on scene at emergencies.

• Rescues victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.

• Dresses with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

• Assesses fires and situations and reports conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

• Moves toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

• Responds to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

• Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

• Drives and operates firefighting vehicles and equipment.

• Inspects fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

• Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.

• Selects and attaches hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and directs streams of water or chemicals onto fires.

• Operates pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.

• Maintains contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.

• Collaborates with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.

• Patrols burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.

• Collaborates with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.

• Participates in fire drills and demonstrations of firefighting techniques.

• Prepares written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.

• Maintains knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.

• Participates in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.

• Protects property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.

• Informs and educates the public on fire prevention.

• Salvages property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.

• Cleans and maintains fire stations and firefighting equipment and apparatus.

• Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.

• Takes action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.

• Extinguishes flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.

• Administers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provides emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.

• Searches to locate fire victims.

• Trains new employees to control and suppress fires.

• Trains and studies with fire tools and equipment to develop and maintain competency and proficiency in fire suppression and prevention procedures and techniques, lifesaving techniques, and to become familiar with developments in incombustible and fire hazards; conducts studies to learn locations of city streets and addresses, hydrants, standpipes, and physical features of property within a district.

• Performs hydrant, hose, and pumper tests to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of equipment; reviews building changes and contents; reviews maps and data of streets and road locations; reviews hydrants, churches, apartments, complexes, schools, and other building locations.

• Reviews pre-fire plans in order to keep abreast of structural layouts, power meter installations, fire department connections, and hydrant locations.

• Conducts Community Risk Reduction: public service calls, customer surveys, recruiting events, blood pressure checks, home safety surveys, smoke detector installations, fire plans, community meetings, school events, fire safety talks, apparatus displays.

• Cleans and maintains equipment: Bunker gear cleaning, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus maintenance, Industrial Firefighting Equipment, Pump Service, Hose Testing, Extrication Equipment, etc.

• Performs station cleaning and maintenance duties: windows and overhead doors; dormitories; apparatus floors; equipment and tools; kitchen; brass cleaning of fire poles; floors stripped, waxed, and buffed.

• Performs related work as required.

Additional Duties:

• Performs general administrative/office duties as required, including typing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, etc.

• Continually stays up to date on all policy, procedure, and/or process changes.

• Completes all work accurately, safely, and efficiently.

• Keeps work area clean and safe.

• Maintains any assigned equipment in safe and good operating condition.

• Reports to Supervisor any suggested improvements or areas of concern.

• Ensures professionalism and exceptional customer service during all interactions while performing job representing the City of Greer.

• Exhibits strong ethical standards; ability to create trust and integrity with co-workers, customers, and community.

• Adheres to Employee Handbook and other relevant policies and procedures.

• Maintains regular and sustained attendance.

• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE - REQUIRED

• High School diploma or GED.

• Must obtain within 12 months of hire NFPA/IFSAC Firefighter II, and National Registry EMT - B.

• Must possess a valid state issued drivers' license.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE - PREFERRED

• Prefer one (1) year of experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, and education.

• Prefer one (1) year of experience as a firefighter.

• NIMS ICS 100, 200,700 and Basic Auto Extrication (SC 3330).

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment) involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

• Extreme noise levels; Animals/wildlife.

• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

• Traffic; Moving machinery.

• Electrical shock; Heights.

• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.

Other extreme hazards not listed above.