Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00007

Department: Fire Department

Division: FIRE DEPARTMENT - SELECT THIS OPTION

Job classification: Firefighter

Posting type: Open

Categories: Fire & EMS

Summary

*This opening is restricted to Lateral Firefighter applicants only. Please review the minimum qualifications.*

Job Summary:

The Firefighter’s primary duty is to prevent, educate, and respond by providing direct services, individually and as a member of a team, in the areas of community risk reduction, public education, emergency medical response, suppression and control of fires, and other kinds of emergency and non-emergency assistance to the public as circumstances may require. In addition to the essential duties and responsibilities, firefighters are assigned and trained in one specialty discipline to meet the needs of the community. The specialty areas include surface water and swift water search and rescue, technical rescue (rope, confined space, trench, and structural collapse technician levels), hazardous materials (haz mat technician, haz mat incident commander, haz mat specialist (to include, tank car, cargo tank, intermodal, flammable liquid bulk storage, air monitoring and sampling, science officer), or fire investigator.

Scope of Responsibility:

Work performed is considerably hazardous and requires the firefighter to follow instructions provided by superiors and to draw upon the extensive training and/or experience they receive on-the-job to make quick judgments in extremely volatile situations. The firefighter is responsible for care and safe operation of department equipment of a high monetary value. The firefighter is required to complete annual physical agility and medical testing. The employee is required to complete a minimum 192 hours of company-based training, 18 hours of fire suppression training, 12 hours of driver training, 12 hours of officer training, 6 hours of hazardous materials training, 20 hours of EMS training and at least 60 hours of training on their assigned specialty annually. Based on staffing needs a firefighter may assume the duties of a fire captain.

Examples of duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
2. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
3. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
4. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
5. Conducts fire prevention inspections of public buildings and local businesses requiring application of national fire codes and City standards. Works independently or as part of a team. Establishes relationship with building managers to effectively communicate fire codes and safety procedures.
6. Identifies deficiencies, completes appropriate paperwork, references fire codes and notes explanations for property owners;
7. Initiates corrective action according to established procedures;
8. Creates rough drawings for every structure investigated and submits these to office staff to input into computer system;
9. Conducts follow-up inspections and forwards violations to Fire Prevention Bureau.
10. Performs public relations and education activities.
11. Conducts fire stations tours;
12. Gives presentations, demonstrations and instruction on fire and safety procedures to schools, community groups and other interested parties;
13. Takes fire trucks to schools, block parties, and other events as scheduled.
14. Responds to emergency and non-emergency situations including medical emergencies, fires, hazardous materials releases, technical rescues, surface and swift water search and rescue, false alarms, flooding, natural and manmade disasters, and other situations. Provides emergency medical assistance to ill and injured persons, operates emergency vehicles, nozzles, pumps, hydrants, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and other firefighting equipment.
15. When assigned as a driver for a shift, the firefighter is responsible for ensuring equipment is on trucks, in working order, and ready for emergency calls; drives and operates fire trucks including placement of truck, operation of pump, etc.;
16. Directs volunteers at emergency situations when necessary, until additional responders arrive on the scene, or as assigned.
17. When assigned as a shift fire investigator, the firefighter is responsible to.
18. Conduct systematic investigation of origin of fire; directs crews at site to assist with investigations;
19. Interviews witnesses, residents, etc.;
20. Takes photographs and collects evidence ensuring chain-of-custody is preserved;
21. Determines cause and prepares and submits report;
22. Works with Police Department to send evidence to State Lab and to turn over arson cases to PD.
23. Testifies in trials, hearings, and depositions.
24. Maintains equipment in a state of readiness and performs preventative and routine maintenance to prolong the useful life of expensive equipment.
25. Performs routine checks of equipment such as generators and air compressors, and records condition;
26. Performs preventative maintenance and repairs to equipment and apparatus, including but not limited to medical equipment, masks, hoses, nozzles, couplings, ladders, pumps, specialized equipment and monitors, etc.;
27. Cleans and services equipment following use in order to remove corrosive dirt, salt, etc. from equipment;
28. Maintains personal protective gear and requests replacements when the functionality of equipment is compromised.
29. Performs general fire station building and grounds maintenance as required.
30. Participates in and/or conducts training exercises, demonstrations and instruction to prepare for emergency situations.
31. Provides on-the-job training, mentoring, and some work direction to new firefighters;
32. Trains peers on any specialized training received.
33. During the absence of the Fire Captain, the firefighter fills this shift supervisory position; may fill in for a Captain for extended periods, or on a daily basis, depending on the assignments of the Battalion Chief.
34. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
35. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
36. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.
37. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: Drive Operator:

Scope of Responsibility:

When an employee has two years of service and has completed the 60-hour Fargo Fire Department Driver Operator class, the employee may be asked from time to time to drive the apparatus. The driver operator responsibilities are distinguished from that of a firefighter by the focus on apparatus operation to and at emergency scenes, although the work may also involve all duties performed by a firefighter.

1. Drives the apparatus when assigned and performs necessary vehicle and equipment checks
2. Drives assigned apparatus of fire vehicle to and from emergencies, determine appropriate route for timely response,
3. Maneuvers vehicles through heavy traffic,
4. Utilizes lights, sirens, horns, and other signal devices to communicate to traffic and pedestrian oncoming emergency vehicles are en route,
5. Maintains knowledge of road closures, out of service hydrants, and construction activities,
6. Appropriately positions apparatus for optimal use of equipment,
7. Participates in laying and connecting hoses,
8. Operates pumps and controls, regulates water pressure, air pressure,
9. Connects to a variety of water supplies from emergency vehicle,
10. Maintains assigned fire apparatus in condition of readiness,
11. Inspects, tests and maintains all equipment and tools carried by fire apparatus.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities Firefighter Special Assignment - Training

Special Assignment Summary & Scope

Under limited supervision, assist with coordinating and conducting annual training for the Fire Department and ensuring all certifications for department personnel are maintained. This position reports directly to the Battalion Chief of Training.

Special Assignment Essential Duties

1. Assist with and occasionally lead Joint Training Academy, Firefighter I & II and certifications, and ongoing training programs to meet NFPA national standards.
2. In collaboration with the Training Division, develops and revises training program content;
3. Assists with and occasionally conducts classroom and hands-on training, including live burn training;
4. Maintains burn building and develops new props for use during training;
5. Assists with drivers training and truck equipment training.
6. Evaluate and document the performance of personnel during training sessions, providing constructive feedback to improve skills.
7. Assists with annual department Fire and EMS training programs.
8. Assists with classroom and hands-on training;
9. Provides community education for CPR-AED;
10. Assists with Fargo Fire Department Community PAD (Public Access Defibrillator) Program;
11. Assists with and performs public relations, recruitment, and education activities;
12. Assist with care and maintenance of training grounds and equipment;
13. Assists with logistical support for training operations;
14. Operate and maintain training equipment, including props, vehicles, and tools used in exercises.
15. Participate in departmental meetings and provide input on training needs and program improvements.
16. Ensure all training activities comply with safety protocols and industry standards.
17. Assists with records maintenance for training conducted and attended.
18. Identifies new equipment available and determines what equipment would benefit the Fargo Fire Department. Analyzes costs and benefits and recommends purchases of new equipment.
19. Assists with annual departmental respiratory protection face piece/mask fit testing.
20. Assists with annual ground ladder testing.
21. Assists with developing the department’s annual calendar.
22. Perform other duties as assigned by the Battalion Chief of Training.
23. Must be Firefighter I/II, Haz Mat Awareness/Operations, Fire Instructor I. EMT, and Acting Captain certified.
24. Must attend NFPA 1403 course within first year of appointment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

The job requires a high school diploma, general educational development certificate (GED), or a high school equivalency certificate (HiSET). College credits are preferred. A valid driver’s license is also required.

Must successfully obtain ProBoard certification of Firefighter 1 & 2, Hazardous Materials Awareness, and Hazardous Materials Operations, and obtain certification as an EMT through NREMT during recruit training Successful completion of Emergency Vehicle Operation Training within the first two years of employment. Required to maintain specified continuing education training hours and ongoing certifications including annual physical agility test, medical/physical exams, Emergency Medical Technician, and others.

LATERAL FIREFIGHTER:

The job requires a high school diploma, general educational development certificate (GED), or a high school equivalency certificate (HiSET). A valid driver’s license is also required.

Must have a minimum of 2 years of paid, full-time experience as a firefighter (within the last 12 months) with a career municipal fire service agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service (time in a training academy does not count toward the two-year experience requirement). Successful job performance and no prior disciplinary action within the prior two years of experience (copies of performance evaluations will be required as part of the background process). Possession of the following certifications (copies must be provided at the time of application):

• Current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
• AHA Basic Life Support Health Care Provider
• Firefighter I & II Certification (must be The ProBoard, IFSAC)
• Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Certification (Must be ProBoard, IFSAC)

Knowledge, skills and ability include:

• Knowledge of emergency medical assistance procedures;
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of fire suppression and prevention to understand the need for immediate response and organization and teamwork in carrying out the firefighting functions;
• Knowledge of building construction as applied to fire suppression, building inspection and pre-planning programs;
• Knowledge of hazardous materials at the operations level;
• Knowledge of general requirements for vehicle rescue;
• Knowledge of basic math, physics and chemistry, medical terminology and concepts related to emergency medical care;
• Skill in performing manual tasks requiring mechanical aptitude such as minor repair to motorized equipment;
• Skill in driving and operation of emergency response vehicles;
• Skill in manual tasks requiring strength, endurance and coordination;
• Skill in written English sufficient to read operating/procedure manuals and to maintain logs, write reports, etc.;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Basic computer skill and ability to learn NFIRS to maintain information, use email system, and run reports;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects; ventilate roofs or walls using power or hand tools, force entry while wearing protective ensembles including SCBA.
• Ability to climb ladders, operate from heights, walk or crawl in dark narrow and uneven surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and other hazards.
• Ability to function as a team member, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.
• Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).
• Ability to maintain certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Supplemental information

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Work involves response to unpredictable emergency situations for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medications, or hydration. There is regular exposure to very disagreeable working conditions such as fumes, fire, smoke, extreme weather conditions including ice, snow, extreme high and low temperatures, humidity, rain, dirt, mud. The work involves exposure to hazardous conditions such as toxic chemicals, slippery conditions, working in traffic areas and adverse road conditions. While at emergency scenes, incumbent may have exposure to injury, trauma, blood-borne pathogens, traffic accidents, and visual and emotional trauma. Incumbent is required to take appropriate safety precautions and wear protective equipment. Have an elevated probability of injury or illness, which may result in permanent injury or death due to the frequency of interaction with the public and frequency of emergencies.

While wearing personal protective equipment, including SCBA, perform firefighting tasks (e.g. hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods. While wearing personal protective equipment, including SCBA incumbents must be able to stand, climb ladders, balance, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and reach; to walk or run on uneven surfaces; and to drag up to 200 pounds for a distance of 50 feet. There is fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, occasional lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 100 pounds, frequent lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds and regular moving of objects up to 20 pounds. Operate a fire apparatus through heavy traffic while responding to emergencies and routine duties, very frequently. The position requires dealing with individuals who may be extremely emotional or distraught over a situation. Moderate attention to detail and deadlines is required in completing reports and paperwork. Working 24-hour shifts is required, where sleep is frequently disrupted.

Incumbents must be able to perform the following physical demands: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 60 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.