Firefighter

City of Trussville•Trussville, AL

About The Position

The Firefighter performs specialized duties in preparing for and responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, vehicle accident, and other emergency calls, and provides general support within the Fire Department. The role maintains readiness for emergency response, takes appropriate action at dispatched incidents, educates staff and the public about fire safety and prevention, and supports City and Fire Department activities. Firefighters enforce and comply with applicable fire codes, ordinances, state laws, regulations, and supervisory instructions. They assess emergency scenes, communicate with dispatch and other responders, provide emergency medical care, suppress and extinguish fires, conduct rescues, and help protect life and property. The position also includes inspections, pre-fire planning, equipment and vehicle readiness, recordkeeping, training, and station duties. Work takes place at the fire station and at external businesses, residences, and emergency medical facilities. It involves firefighting and lifesaving equipment and may expose employees to hazardous weather, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry or irate citizens. The job requires physical ability to combat fires and respond to medical calls, including occasional prolonged exertion and lifting objects weighing up to 75 pounds. Minimum qualifications include a driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, customer-service experience, experience writing, interpreting, and maintaining reports and records, and being at least 18 years old by the announcement closing date. Certification and coursework requirements apply during probation and within specified periods after hire, including Fire Fighter I certification within 365 days of initial employment.

Requirements

Driver's license.
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Customer-service experience, such as working through complaints, resolving conflicts, and gaining compliance.
Experience writing, interpreting, and maintaining reports and records.
Must be at least 18 years old by the closing date of the announcement.
Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, objectivity, dependability, reliability, personal responsibility, good judgment, reasoning, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Knowledge of the Trussville Fire Department and its policies and procedures; local geography, streets, and hydrants; fire behavior and current firefighting tactics and strategies; current EMS practices and related medical equipment; and computers and job-related software.
Ability to follow orders and respect authority; show compassion and empathy; relate well to others and establish trust and rapport; make timely emergency decisions; understand written materials; write with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar; adapt to changing environments and duties; and perform sustained strenuous work and necessary physical tasks.
Fire Fighter I certification from the Alabama Fire College during the probationary period; Alabama law requires this certification within 365 days of initial employment.
Completion during the probationary period of the Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD) course, Emergency Vehicle Operator’s (EVOC) course, or prior FAO: Pumper certification.
Certified Hazardous Materials-Awareness and Operations level or higher during the probationary period.
NIMS courses IS-700.b and IS-800.c during the probationary period.
Within two years of hire: Certified Fire Fighter II; Certified Fire Apparatus Operator: Pumper; Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician; and NIMS courses IS-100.c and IS-200.b.
Within three years of hire: Certified Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial and Certified Hazardous Materials Technician.

Responsibilities

Enforce and comply with City fire codes and ordinances, state fire laws and regulations, and instructions from superior officers.
Respond to emergency calls involving fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, vehicle accidents, and other emergency situations; assess scenes, direct traffic, and control crowds.
Communicate over radio channels and exchange information with dispatchers, medical professionals, and department employees.
Select and operate fire-service equipment, including hoses, nozzles, appliances, and sprinkler and standpipe system components.
Provide emergency medical care within the stated EMT or paramedic scope, including assessment, first aid, life support, trauma care, medication administration, IV therapy, triage, and defibrillation.
Suppress and extinguish fires; conduct forcible entry, ventilation, victim search and rescue, salvage, and overhaul; recognize and preserve evidence of arson.
Locate water sources; lay and connect hose; direct water streams; use chemical fire extinguishers; and raise and climb ladders.
Identify dangerous building conditions, electrical emergencies, hazardous materials, and health hazards; apply precautions, inform or evacuate individuals, and implement medical protocols.
Use emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented; assist fellow firefighters and guide new recruits; wear and maintain protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Conduct building inspections, notify concerned parties of fire hazards, prepare pre-fire plans, and check fire hydrants for proper function.
Perform rescues, including vehicle or structural extrications, searches for possible drowning victims, and high-angle searches and rescues requiring rappelling; maintain knowledge of rope rescue equipment and techniques.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, manuals, policies, procedures, handbooks, and area maps.
Attend meetings, seminars, and training to maintain knowledge of department and City operations and current medical and rescue techniques.
Prepare forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and other documents related to daily duties.
Prepare, inspect, inventory, repair, and maintain fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, medical equipment, and vehicles; regularly test equipment.
Conduct station tours; raise and lower the flag; secure facilities; prepare meals; perform laundry, housekeeping, station cleaning, painting, metal polishing, and grounds maintenance.
Answer telephone calls, provide information and guidance, take and relay messages, direct calls, and return calls.
Recommend and support policies and procedures that guide quality Fire Department services.
Maintain effective working relationships with staff, coworkers, managers, and citizens, and substitute for coworkers when requested by a superior officer.
Complete the essential functions of the job in a timely manner, with or without reasonable accommodations.