Job Description

Job Location: City of Wheeling - WHEELING, WV 26003
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: High School
Job Shift: Any
Job Category: OtherDefinition:  Under general supervision of a Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief or Chief, operates as a team member for on-duty manpower to perform Fire Department services including fire suppression, fire prevention, pre-hospital care, emergency medical services and hazardous material handling services.
Essential Functions:  (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Tasks:
Performs fire suppression activities to extinguish fires.  Performs search and rescue efforts for individuals in various forms of danger such as being locked in a building, drowning or lost in wilderness areas.  Conducts emergency medical services on individuals as requested.  Maintains apparatus and equipment in a continuous state of readiness for any emergency.
Operates fire department equipment to provide on-scene safe assistance with fires, major automobile accidents and hazardous materials incidents.   Lays and connects hose.  Maintains pumping apparatus.  Holds nozzles and directs water streams.  Raises and climb ladders.  Operates all types of portable fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools, and related equipment such as forcible entry tools, pike poles, and axes.   Performs fire and life safety inspections and provides other fire prevention and public education as assigned.  Performs general custodial duties.  Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics:
- Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting.
- Knowledge of the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code.
- Knowledge of fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities and their proper use and maintenance.
- Skill in establishing and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Skill in thinking and acting quickly and effectively in emergencies.
- Skill in retaining presence of mind in emergency situations.
- Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions.
- Skill in learning and remembering the street system and physical layout of the City.
- Skill in calmly handling sensitive or hostile public contacts.
- Skill in operation of personal computers.
- Skill in using fire department equipment and tools.
Materials and Equipment:
- IFSTA manuals
- Standard Operating Procedures
- West Virginia State Code
- Computer
- Standard Office Equipment
- Automobile
- Standard Firefighting equipment
Mental and Physical Abilities:  Mental work efforts involve independent decision-making, assuming responsibility which may have devastating impact on fire victims and the ability to remain calm and think clearly during periods of high emotional and physical efforts.  Physical requirements include the ability to move heavy (over 100 lbs.) for distance of up to 100 feet, ability to maintain physical exertion levels for extended periods of time under stressful conditions and the ability to climb stairs and ladders.
Working Conditions:  Work involves professional participation in fire suppression, emergency medical rescue and hazardous materials handling, sometimes in adverse weather and often in stressful situations.  Occasional proximity to smoke and hazardous materials.
FLSA Status:  Non-exempt

Qualifications  High school diploma or GED equivalency, must be 18 years old and must possess a valid driver’s license.
Civil Service Examination Notice:
The written portion of the test is to be given on Wednesday March 4, 2026, at 6pm. Please contact Human Resources at 304-234-3694 to register a spot by February 28, 2026.  The agility portion of the examination is scheduled March 21, 2026, at 9am.
Hiring preference will be provided to individuals possessing national registry or WV paramedic credentials.
The Fire Civil Service Commission will be awarding veteran’s preference points in accordance with §6-13-1 of WV State Code.  Applicants who wish to be considered for veteran’s preference points should submit a DD-214 or other suitable military documentation at the time of application.  Failure to submit documentation by the deadline date will waive your eligibility for veteran’s preference points for this examination.
Last date to file applications and military verification is Saturday, February 28, 2026.