Performs responsible fire suppression activities including operating fire apparatus and participating in firefighting.
An employee in this class participates in the 24-hour operation of fire suppression at the city’s fire department. This employee operates fire equipment and apparatus, performs firefighting, maintains equipment and apparatus, and participates in various public relations activities. This employee is responsible for participating in required suppression training and inspections in accordance with State requirements. Work requires that the employee maintain a current knowledge of state-of-the-art fire suppression techniques and equipment. The ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of work, particularly during fire response. This employee must follow established policies and procedures while also exercising considerable independence and judgement. Work is performed under the general supervision of a lieutenant or fire captain and is evaluated for quality and effectiveness of suppression activities and adherence to training requirements. Positions in this classification are not exempt from the overtime pay requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Responds to major alarms and participates in firefighting operations including operation of fire apparatus and other equipment.
Drives vehicle to fire scene, connects hoses to hydrants, uses hoses to apply water or chemicals to fire.
Connects pump to water source and hoses to pump, maintains correct pressure for the nozzles based upon the sizes and lengths of hoses, fire conditions, and activities of the fire scene.
Monitors radio transmissions and relays messages as needed.
Ensures that all equipment is available for use by fire personnel.
Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and operation.
Maintains and cleans fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities.
Develops relationships with the community, provides general information regarding fire safety, conducts station tours, and conducts fire extinguisher classes for businesses.
Participates in community improvement projects as directed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Considerable knowledge of the operation of firefighting equipment.
Considerable knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of the geography, streets, and layout of the city and location of hydrants.
Skill in the use of firefighting equipment.
Ability to exercise sound judgement in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with citizens of the community, firefighting volunteers, and coworkers.
Ability to comply with physical fitness and training requirements and standards.
Work in this position is heavy work (exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects). Physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. This employee must have the visual acuity to make visual inspections and operate the equipment of the position. The employee is exposed to the usual hazards of public safety and emergency response work including having contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids. The employee is subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions that may include extreme heat and cold, noise, vibration, exposure to high heat and chemicals, atmospheric conditions, oils, close quarters, and narrow passageways. This employee is required to wear a respirator.
Position requires minimum of 1 year of service as Graham Fire Department Firefighter or 4 years of fire service equivalent with completion of previous requirements set forth in Firefighter and the following additional certifications.
Certification Requirements
NC Firefighter Level II
NC Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
NC Haz-Mat Responder
NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800
NC Class B (Non-CDL) Driver’s License
NC Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD)
National Child Passenger Safety Technician (within 1 year of hire or promotion date)
NC Driver-Operator Pumps (within 1 year of hire or promotion date)
NC Driver-Operator Aerials (within 1 year of hire or promotion date)
NC Fire Service Instructor - General I (within 1 year of hire or promotion date)
and any 2 of the following certifications
NC Fire Officer I
NC Instructor II
NC Fire Inspector I
NC TR (General or Ropes)
NC TR Vehicle Machinery Rescue
NC TR Common Passenger Vehicle
NC TR Heavy Vehicle Rescue
NC TR Trench Rescue
NC TR Surface Water Rescue
NC TR Swift Water Rescue
NC TR Structural Collapse
NC TR Confined Space
NC Hazardous Materials Technician
NC Fire Investigation Technician
NC Rescue Officer