Posting number: 201905540
Department: |Virgin Islands Fire Service- STT|
Job classification: Coxswain
Posting type: Open
Categories: Administration, Fire & EMS
An employee in this class is responsible for commanding, steering and controlling the speed and direction of the craft, as well as operating, and otherwise maintaining proper appearance and operating condition of the craft. Work involves commanding and operating the craft under varying weather conditions. Work is reviewed by observation of methods and techniques for compliance with instructions, use of acceptable trade practices and individual ability which result in the safety of launch and its passengers while embarking or disembarking from ocean-going vessels.
Operates and commands the boat launches when engaged in transporting patients to and from the waters in the USVI.
Trains Boatman/Seaman in the operation and handling of the ambulance boat.
Circumnavigates the islands safely and makes proper judgment with regards to weather conditions and other dangers and navigates safely within the U.S.V.I.
Operates and interprets all instruments available onboard the ambulance boat.
Supervises refueling operation of the ambulance boat and knowledge of how to properly report procedure and mitigation action in the event of an oil spill.
Operates the ambulance boat or other motorboats whenever requested by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Manager.
Instructs crew members in proper performance of their duties including handling of lines, performance of maintenance duties, making fenders and splicing of ropes and wires.
Makes periodic inspection of engines to insure safe operation.
Inspects and checks periodically all life-saving equipment.
Maintains tools in proper condition.
Calls the immediate attention of EMS Coordinator to any and all motor or electrical troubles.
Assists in maintaining a clean appearance of the ambulance boat or other motorboats, and performs such other maintenance duties such as chipping, painting and pumping bilge. All boats are required to be kept in a sanitary condition at all times.
Takes on-call assignment when off duty.
Performs other related work as required.
Completion of a twelfth grade high school education or GED
Three years' experience in navigating a launch or comparable craft around the waters of the Virgin Islands
One year experience in navigating a launch or comparable craft around the waters of the Virgin Islands and successful completion of the six (6) pack license boating course or above administered by the U.S Coast Guard or other institutions sanctioned by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Basic knowledge of vessel repair and maintenance in repairing diesel and gasoline engines
CPR/AED and First Aid Certified
General knowledge of seamanship.
Considerable knowledge of commanding medium size launches, including considerable knowledge of the techniques and regulations governing such command.
Considerable knowledge of the channels, obstructions and depths of harbors and waters immediately adjacent to the port and waters between the USVI.
Ability to detect mechanical defects in engines.
Ability to determine and control the speed and direction of the launch and to make needed compensation for difficult operating conditions.
Ability to splice ropes and wires and performs launch maintenance work.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with EMTs, crew members and all other persons connected with the activities involved.
Ability to react calmly, effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Work is performed under the direction of the EMS Coordinator who provides supervision over continuing assignments by generally indicating what is to be done.
Guidelines used are VIEMS Policy Manual, the VIEMS Exposure Control Policy and Plan, departmental policy and procedure and collective bargaining agreements. In addition, rules and regulation that governs marine vessels and Coast Guard rules and regulations.
Skilled work in commanding, steering and launching the ambulance boat within the waters of the USVI. The employee in this position must adhere to local and federal maritime rules and regulations.
Work involves responding to the request for medical transport by boat between the islands and commanding and operating the craft under varying weather conditions. It also involve maintaining the vessel in a ready position
During the course of work the employee may make contacts with co-workers, personnel within the Department of Health, patients, family members and/or the general public.
The purpose of the contacts is to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, to provide service, to settle matters and/or motivate crew members.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is regularly required to perform extensive physical activity which requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of objects over fifty (50) pounds. He/she will be require to climb, balance, kneel, crouch, reach or crawl while still ensuring their own safety as well as the safety of the client, their co-workers, and any other individuals or objects in the area.
Good health sufficient to permit moderately heavy manual labor, and physical agility to permit fastening and unfastening of mooring lines while launch may be in motion.
Work environment involves exposure to maritime operation serving both at sea and onshore. Work around the sick and injured patients and possible exposure to blood and airborne pathogen.
The Government of the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel is proud to be at the forefront of progressive public sector Human Resources Management.
Our goal is to address the Government of the Virgin Islands’ business needs with strategic and innovative solutions. We partner with departments and agencies to establish a workforce of excellence who are well-qualified, trained and highly motivated to serve the citizens and visitors of the United States Virgin Islands.
