Firefighter in Training/EMT I

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for regular, full-time Firefighter in Training/EMT I positions in the Kodiak Fire Department that is dedicated to protecting lives and serving the community.

Under direct supervision, the Firefighter In Training/EMT I will work to obtain specific job experience and/or certification related to fire suppression, fire prevention education, rescue, Hazmat, and emergency medical services. A recruit will be enrolled into a training program designed to deliver the required skills and knowledge to become a certified and licensed in the State of Alaska as a Firefighter 1 and/or Firefighter II.

The Fire Department provides all fire protection and fire prevention services within the City. The Department also provides emergency medical and ambulance service area-wide in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Firefighter In Training/EMT I perform as an individual and team member in the delivery of fire protection services through fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and related activities. The Firefighter In Training/EMT I must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department.

• Attends required training programs; reads necessary manuals, books, etc.; practices skills and techniques; completes required proficiency tests; participates in regular classes on firefighting, emergency medical techniques, rescue, hazmat, equipment maintenance, and related subjects.
• Responds to fire, emergency medical, rescue, and hazardous material alarms to protect life, property, and environment. Responds to non-emergency calls for service as necessary.
• Responds and performs tasks that support the activities of emergency medical services (EMS) workers in providing emergency medical care at appropriate certification and training level.
• Performs tasks to suppress, control and extinguish fires, limit damage, and reduce injury and death caused by fires, accidents or other calamities. Assists in all phases of fire suppression; places fire hoses; sets ladders; ventilates and enters burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operates pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators and pumps.
• Will learn how to maintain the station, grounds, and equipment/apparatus; clean and disinfect medical equipment and restock supplies.
• Assists with the cleaning and reloading of all equipment, tools, and apparatus upon completion of fire or emergency response activities.
• Will learn how to complete reports, repair orders, and maintenance checklists as required.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire station facilities and equipment; cleans living quarters, kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas of the fire station.
• Operates a variety of general office equipment and communication equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or General Education Development (GED). Must be at least 18 years of age. Must live within 12 road miles of fire station and maintain telephone service.

• State of Alaska Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I
• Ability to obtain State of Alaska Firefighter I and II certifications during probationary period
• Valid Alaska Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

Must be able to pass the Fire Department fitness test, medical exam, and pulmonary function test.

• Firefighter and rescue techniques;
• Firefighting equipment and apparatus;
• Fire suppression methods and techniques;
• Rescue principles and tactics;
• Emergency medical care;
• Physical fitness principles;
• Fire behavior;
• Street layout and geography of the City;
• Mechanical aptitude and maintenance of equipment.

• Making technical and emergency decisions quickly in emergency situations;
• Maintaining physical fitness;
• Applying applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately;
• Learn to drive emergency vehicles;
• Deal effectively with upset or emotional persons or patients;
• Retain presence of mind and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations;
• Work varied shifts, on weekends or during holidays;
• Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength, and stamina in the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions;
• Observe and follow safe fire fighting, EMS, and other work practices;
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including applicable software applications;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
Receives direct supervision from a Training Officer, or designee, who makes detailed work assignments, frequently reviews work in progress, and evaluates assigned tasks and work. No supervisory authority.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an emergency response setting; walk, stand, sit, run for prolonged periods of time, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, climb, balance, push, pull, lift, touch, finger dexterity, gripping with hands and fingers, talking, and hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. See within the normal range of vision with or without correction; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Possess basic swimming skills and water safety knowledge for potential assignments on ice and/or open water rescue incidents. Perform arduous and prolonged tasks under adverse and dynamic conditions; operate fire suppression and medical response equipment, apparatus, and tools; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations. Perform and maintain physical fitness to successfully pass the department’s physical fitness testing requirements.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Reactive emergency, natural or man-made disaster, and routine fire prevention environments with travel from site to site; the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in areas of limited and restricted entry and exit; regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and wet and/or humid conditions; works in high, precarious places; exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration; risk of electrical shock; possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level is occasionally very loud when responding to emergency calls and when working at a fire or other emergency incident.

Non-traditional work hours are required and must work nights, weekends, holidays; work is scheduled on a 24 hour shift basis; works a 212 hour schedule in 28 day period; must be available for standby duty.

APPLICATION PROCESS- The application package includes the documents listed below. Please carefully proofread and submit as one application package. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from further review.

1. City of Kodiak Employment Application
2. Optional, but highly encouraged; Cover Letter, Resume, and any other documents relevant to this position

SELECTION PROCESS- Successful applicants may be invited to participate in the following:

• First Round Interview
• Physical Fitness Assessment or current CPAT within 12 months
• Second Round Interview

PRE-HIRE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT- Successful completion of the selection process may result in an official conditional offer of employment, which includes successful completion of the following:

• Pass a background investigation
• Pass a pre-employment drug test
• Pass a pulmonary function test, blood draw, and medical evaluation