Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision, is responsible for both performing and preparing for handling any emergency or request for assistance from the public or any agencies in order to protect life and property. Actions could be, but not limited to, fire confinement and extinguishment, hazardous materials mitigation, various rescues, providing emergency medical assistance, as well as educating the public in fire prevention. Maintains all equipment on assigned apparatus. Assists in maintenance duties regarding station building(s), apparatus, equipment, and grounds. Maintains records and prepares reports as required. Reports to the Fire Captain and/or Battalion Chief.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Rides apparatus to and from emergencies; performs fire-fighting tasks such as hoseline operations, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, identifying dangerous building conditions, forcible entry, search and rescue, extrication, climbing ladders, salvage and overhaul, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, etc.; administers emergency first aid (including performing CPR and/or use of AED); performs rescues above ground level, rescues below ground level, rescues in swift water, rescues in lakes and ponds; and other means to control incident, performs duties under stressful conditions while possibly wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• May instruct other classes for the department, county employees, and outside agencies. Examples are emergency response, first aid, CPR, AED, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
• Participates in ensuring that all required station activities are completed.
• Participates in training and ensures required trainings as outlined by department policies are completed.
• Recognizes and preserves evidence of arson and other types of crimes.
• May serve as Fire Engineer in his/her absence provided meets training requirements.
• Maintains personal fitness to ensure job performance.
• Inspects, repairs, and/or maintains fire equipment, apparatus, hoses, tools, materials, turnout gear, medical response equipment, and vehicles for safe operation.
• Assists in evaluating and testing new equipment as well as giving input on specs for apparatus and other equipment.
• Works with Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Engineer, and co-workers, other county employees, fire and emergency response personnel from surrounding districts, business and/or property owners, medical personnel, sales representatives, and public on a daily basis.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of specialized firefighting equipment, machinery, and office equipment, such as radio equipment, hazardous monitoring equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE), to include Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fire apparatus, fire pumps, generators, saws, medical equipment, computers, printers, electronic devices, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring that assigned apparatus is clean and that equipment on the apparatus is organized, secure, clean, fueled (gas equipment), painted (tools), and is ready for deployment at an incident.

Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR, and state statutes as they relate to the fire service, South Carolina Fire Academy policies and procedures;

Knowledge of County ordinances related to the Fire Service, departmental policies and procedures, consensus standards related to emergency services, and apparatus; and emergency equipment operations,

Knowledge of current tactical trends in firefighting, operational trends related to hazardous materials incidents, law enforcement trends in relation to specific crimes such as arson, and possession of illegal drugs;

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;

Basic computer and typing skills;

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The educational requirement for this position is: High School Diploma or GED.

Education may be substituted for experience.

Related-experience required: No Experience required but must be able to obtain Firefighter certifications.

Experience may not be substituted for education.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Certifications, licenses, professional designations, or other qualifications required for this position include:

• Valid Driver’s License, Firefighter I Certification (IFSAC or Pro Board), Firefighter II Certification (IFSAC or Pro Board, Auto Extrication, EVDT, Pump Operations I, EMR- First Responder, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer, Haz-Mat Operations, Introduction to Tech Rescue.
• If not already completed all certifications, licenses, professional designations, or other qualifications listed in the Oconee County Emergency Services Policy 101.01 up through Firefighter I must be obtained at earliest opportunity.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Requirements:

The physical activities required for this position involve:

Standing: up to 2/3 of the time; walking: up to 2/3 of the time; sitting: under 1/3 of the time; using hands: over 2/3 of the time; reaching with hands and arms: over 2/3 of the time; climbing or balancing: under 1/3 of the time; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling: up to 2/3 of the time; talking or hearing: up to 2/3 of the time; and, tasting or smelling: under 1/3 of the time.

This position requires lifting:

Up to 10 pounds: over 2/3 of the time; up to 25 pounds: over 2/3 of the time; up to 50 pounds: over 2/3 of the time; up to 100 pounds: under 1/3 of the time; and, more than 100 pounds: under 1/3 of the time.

This position requires the incumbent to be able to obtain and maintain an Oconee County Level 1 Firefighter Clearance.

Vision Requirements:

This position has the following special vision requirements:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up or down or to the left and right when vision is fixed on a given point)
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following physical conditions and hazards may be encountered while working in this position:

• Indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Noise
• Odors
• Extreme temperatures
• Vibration
• Moisture and/or humidity
• Dust
• Fumes
• Gases
• Poor ventilation
• Electrical hazards
• Mechanical hazards
• Chemical hazards
• Explosive hazards
• Burn hazards
• Bio hazardous waste
• Moving mechanical parts
• Working in high places