Firefighter

City of Cullman•Cullman, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position consists of job-related duties in fire suppression and is non-administrative. Employees in this class are responsible for protection of life and property through firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials and emergency medical activities usually performed under close supervision. Work requires performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions involving strenuous exertion under such obstacles as smoke and cramped surroundings. A large part of time is spent in supervised training, fire prevention pre-plan inspections, maintenance of equipment and apparatus, and maintenance of quarters. Work is normally performed under close supervision in accordance with well-defined procedures and assignments are received from departmental superiors in fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials responses.

Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or a GED is required.
Prior experience as a Certified Firefighter is desired but not required.
Candidate must successfully complete: Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness/Fitness Initiative Program – Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or other approved validated physical ability evaluation prior to employment.
Cullman Fire Rescue Firefighter Physical conducted by the department physician in accordance with NFPA 1582 – Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
Cullman Fire Rescue Physical Fitness Evaluation during first year of employment.
EMT – Advanced or above
Individuals must successfully receive the following certifications within 12 months of employment date: Firefighter I NFPA 1001 – Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, Firefighter II NFPA 1001 – Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
EMT – Basic
Hazardous Materials Technician Within 2 years: NIMS: Required courses as set forth departmentally
Rope I
Develop and maintain some knowledge of street systems and physical layout of the city
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Learn a variety of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical procedures
Perform mechanical work involved in operating and maintaining firefighting apparatus, equipment, and tools
Understand City of Cullman Personnel Rules
Understand and adhere to Cullman Fire Rescue policies and procedures
Follow Chain of Command set forth for Cullman Fire Rescue
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and in and around extreme heat.
Bending, lifting may be required
Must be able to rouse from sleep and function at peak performance with little or no notice.
Must complete an annual physical fitness evaluation
Must pass Firefighter physical as deemed necessary throughout employment
Subject to random drug testing
Must maintain a valid Alabama driver's license
All employees will be required to complete an orientation period with the fire department.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a Certified Firefighter
EMT – Advanced
Hazardous Materials Technician
Apparatus Operator certification

Responsibilities

Operate as both a member of a team and independently.
Perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions.
Spend extensive time outside exposed to elements and tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties.
Perform physically demanding work in hot, humid atmospheres while wearing equipment that significantly impairs body-cooling mechanisms.
Work in wet, icy or muddy areas.
Perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops or from ladders and in areas where sustaining traumatic or thermal injuries is possible.
Face exposure to carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as hydrogen cyanide, acids, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact and also may face exposure to infectious agents such as hepatitis or HIV.
Wear protective clothing that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing firefighting tasks and be able to perform physically demanding work while wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA’s).
Make rapid transition from rest to near maximum exertion without warm up periods and operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights and in enclosed or confined spaces.
Use manual and power tools in the performance of duties.
Rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic and potentially life-threatening environment throughout duration of the operation.
Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire department property; cleans and washes walls and floors; makes minor repairs; washes, hangs, and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes and tests apparatus.
Cleans and maintains tools and equipment used in fire service activities.
Participate in fire drills, attend classes in firefighting, emergency medical procedures, hazardous materials and related subjects; attend public gatherings to ensure observances of fire safety requirements.
Participate in pre-incident planning.
Conducts fire safety presentations and station tours.
May be called upon to drive and operate apparatus and other fire department vehicles under emergency situations if employee has Apparatus Operator certification and has met all training requirements.
Perform related work as required or assigned.
Maintain a positive attitude and respectful behavior.