Firefighter I / EMT (Part-Time)

City of West Columbia•Fire Department, SC

12d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Firefighter I / EMT performs and prepares for emergency responses and requests for public assistance to protect life and property. Duties may include fire confinement and extinguishment, hazardous-materials mitigation, rescue operations, emergency medical care, and public fire-prevention education. The position maintains assigned apparatus and equipment, assists with upkeep of the station and grounds, and completes required records and reports. The position reports to the Fire Captain and/or Fire Battalion Chief. This is a part-time position working 24-hour shifts. The role includes emergency response and training, station and apparatus activities, public education and community programs, and coordination with city personnel, emergency responders, medical personnel, property owners, and the public. Work may involve stressful conditions, extreme temperatures, hazardous exposures, and use of personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and specialized training covering interior firefighting, incident command, hazardous materials, and medical response as outlined in SOP 600.2 Firefighter Position (A), or an equivalent combination of training and experience. The employee must possess or obtain National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification within 24 months of employment and possess a valid South Carolina driver's license.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Specialized training covering interior firefighting, incident command, hazardous materials, and medical response as outlined in SOP 600.2 Firefighter Position (A), or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must possess or obtain National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification within 24 months of employment.
Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and firefighting and rescue equipment, including SCBA, protective clothing, fire extinguishers, generators, pumper trucks, chainsaws, communications equipment, hoses, valves, and ladders.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and lift or carry approximately 150 pounds.
Ability to perform frequent reaching, handling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, and standing.
Ability to communicate, read manuals and reports, and prepare required records and reports.
Ability to work under high stress, make sound judgments in critical or high-risk situations, and perform while exposed to dangerous conditions.
Ability to work varying hours for extended periods.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain courteous relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other city employees, emergency personnel, and the public.
Ability to use firefighting equipment and tools safely and efficiently and apply emergency medical procedures.
Ability to meet the position's physical, coordination, manual-dexterity, hearing, and color-discrimination requirements.

Responsibilities

Ride apparatus to and from emergencies and perform firefighting tasks, including hose-line operations, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, extrication, ladder work, salvage, overhaul, and related incident-control duties.
Administer emergency first aid, including CPR and AED use, and perform rescues above ground, below ground, and in swift water.
Work under stressful and hazardous conditions, including extreme temperatures and potential exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological hazards, and heated gases, while using required protective equipment.
Participate in required training, classes, and meetings to maintain knowledge of modern fire suppression, rescue, and life-safety methods.
Assist with public education, community risk programs, probationary training, company inspections, smoke-detector installation, and department pre-plans.
Keep assigned apparatus and its equipment clean, organized, secure, fueled, maintained, and ready for deployment.
Instruct department, city employee, or outside-agency classes such as emergency response, first aid, CPR, AED, and bloodborne pathogens, as assigned.
Help ensure required station activities are completed.
Recognize and preserve evidence of arson and other crimes.
Serve as engineer in another employee's absence when properly trained.
Maintain personal fitness and appearance in accordance with department guidelines.
Inspect, repair, and maintain fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, medical response equipment, and vehicles for safe operation.
Help evaluate and test new equipment and provide input on apparatus and equipment specifications.
Perform additional station duties such as installing smoke detectors, conducting station tours, securing facilities, restocking supplies, preparing meals, painting, polishing station metal, and basic grounds maintenance.
Answer telephone calls, provide information and guidance, take and relay messages, direct calls, and return calls as necessary.
Maintain required incident, station-activity, dispatch, maintenance, and training records and prepare reports.
Perform other related duties as required.