Job Descriptions

The Firefighter classification is the entry-level classification in the professional Firefighter series. Firefighters are responsible to perform the full range of fire suppression and emergency medical response duties.

This position is assigned to the Firefighter bargaining unit for labor relation’s purposes and is subject to call back and overtime assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Firefighter performs all firefighting duties at the fire station under the direction of a superior officer however, considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The principal function of an employee in this class is to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other emergency and non-emergency situations to ensure the protection of life and property of the general public in the City.

Works under the general supervision of a Fire Captain or other supervisor as assigned.

May assist in the training of paid personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to fire alarms with assigned company; lays and connects hose; maintains pumping apparatus; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders.
• Operates all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, smoke ejectors, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment and other rescue equipment.
• Provides basic life support at emergency medical incidents, apply techniques to control bleeding, administers first aid, C.P.R. and defibrillator, and assists paramedics at medical emergencies.
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents.
• Participates in fire inspection activities and other fire prevention and public education activities as assigned.
• Participates in fire drills; attends training sessions which include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
• Cleans apparatus and equipment and performs general custodial duties as required.
• Issues bicycle licenses.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Firefighting rescue methods and techniques;
• Emergency medical skills and techniques, including first aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

Ability to:

• Learn to apply firefighting and medical techniques and procedures;
• Learn the basic operation and mechanics of firefighting equipment;
• Maintain, inspect and make minor adjustments and repairs to fire apparatus and equipment;
• Analyze emergency and non-emergency situations and adopt effective courses of action;
• Identify fire hazards and conduct inspections;
• Interpret, understand and carry out City and Department rules and regulations, policies, procedures and training evolutions;
• Retain presence of mind, think and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations;
• Read and interpret maps, and pre-fire plan drawings;
• Learn the geography of the City, including the layout of the City’s water main system and street numbering system;
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the principles of mathematics;
• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Perform office work as assigned;

Minimum 18 years of age at time of application.

EDUCATION

Equivalent to graduation from high school. College level courses encouraged.

Possession of a valid California driver’s license at time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.

Possession of current national registry EMT or current California EMT certification at time of appointment. Must possess a California and/or National registry EMT certification at time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of employment.A course completion certificate isNOTadequate.

Possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate for the Health Care Professional.

FCTC Written Test:
Passing score of 70% or higher must be obtained within the past twelve months from the final application filing date.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certificate:
Possession of a CPAT Certificate issued within the past twelve months from the final application filing date.

Desirable Education or Experience

• Possession of either a California State Fire Marshal’s Office Firefighter I certificate or an IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I certificate from outside the State of California
• Completion of a California State Fire Marshal’s Office accredited Firefighter I academy
• Completion of fifteen (15) or more semester units of college course work in fire science or a related field
• Two (2) or more years active service with an honorable discharge from any branch of the US military

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents must possess at the time of appointment to this position and maintain the physical ability and stamina to meet fire and safety protection line duties including: Vision corrected sufficiently to drive City vehicles and apparatus and meet medical standards established by the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain a Class C Driver’s License, read blueprints, fine print and MDT’s; hear well enough to identify mechanical noises, converse on the radio, telephone, and in person over incident noise; bodily mobility to crawl in attics, maintain balance on narrow platforms, to climb ladders, make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods; use of hands and fingers to write, drive vehicles and administer medical treatment; must be able to lift equipment and people as necessary; free from any physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise the duties of the position; tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 F), and humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing firefighting equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.