Probationary Firefighter

Baltimore County•Various locations throughout Baltimore County, MD

About The Position

Under close supervision, the Probationary Firefighter receives Fire-Rescue Academy and on-the-job training in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care, emergency rescue, and related departmental functions. The role includes driving a medic unit and providing basic life support to sick or injured people. Employees learn to respond to alarms, conduct firefighting and rescue operations, maintain apparatus and equipment, follow departmental procedures, and learn the geography of their district. The position requires successful completion of the Fire-Rescue Academy and, upon completion of academy training, possession of Firefighter II and Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificates. Candidates must pass the required examinations and selection steps, including written and physical ability examinations, interviews, a comprehensive background investigation, and psychological, physical, medical, and drug evaluations. Employees must abstain from tobacco use for the duration of employment and maintain required licenses and certifications. Work involves heavy physical labor, emergency medical and rescue operations, and exposure to potentially hazardous public safety activities. Employees may work rotating or fixed shifts that include nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays; may be recalled during emergencies; and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice. The regular schedule is 40 hours per week.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, state-accredited equivalent, college degree, or college transcript; applicants may apply while high school seniors or GED candidates on track to graduate, subject to the stated conditions.
Be at least 17.5 years old at the time of application and at least 18 years old at appointment.
Valid non-commercial Class C Maryland driver's license or equivalent at application; driving record must have fewer than four points.
Pass the written examination, physical ability examination, and oral interview(s).
Complete a comprehensive background investigation and pass the required psychological examination, physical and medical examinations, and drug test.
Abstain from tobacco products for the duration of employment.
Ability to learn and apply fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical care, and rescue principles and practices.
Ability to learn and follow County and departmental rules, policies, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work, including lifting, carrying, and dragging ladders, hoses, and firefighting equipment.
Ability to operate a medic unit and departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment in emergency and non-emergency conditions.
Ability to act calmly and decisively in emergencies and communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform duties while wearing personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, in potentially hazardous environments.
Possess Firefighter II and Maryland Emergency Medical Technician certificates upon completion of Fire-Rescue Academy training and maintain required licenses and certifications throughout employment.
Be of good moral character and emotionally stable, as determined through the background investigation and drug test.
Safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of oneself or others.

Responsibilities

Attend and successfully complete the Fire-Rescue Academy and participate in on-the-job training, drills, and specialized training.
Respond to alarms and perform firefighting, fire-extinguishing, fire-prevention, and rescue operations.
Provide basic life support to sick or injured people, including patient assessment, taking vital signs, CPR, and rescue breathing.
Communicate information about a patient's condition to other medical staff.
Drive or ride safely in departmental vehicles, including medic units, under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
Remove or lead people from buildings or hazardous situations and assist in saving lives and property.
Carry, drag, handle, or lift patients and firefighting or rescue equipment, including hoses and ladders.
Operate, test, and maintain firefighting, rescue, and other departmental apparatus and equipment.
Follow Department rules, regulations, procedures, and orders; learn the geography of the assigned district.
Prepare and maintain logs and reports.
Assist with maintenance of grounds, buildings, fire hydrants, and quarters.
Perform clerical functions and other related duties as required.