General Description
The purpose of this class within the organization is to work in fire suppression, fire prevention code enforcement, hazardous materials mitigation, emergency medical services, public fire safety education, home and business inspections and disaster management.
This class works under close supervision according to set procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
Essential Functions:
Responds to fire alarms and a variety of emergency calls.
Connects hose to hydrant, and pulls and deploys pre-connected hose lines.
Operates a nozzle and places a stream of water on a fire.
Mounts and operates master stream appliances from an aerial ladder or elevating platform.
Performs salvage operations (e.g., removes fire debris and water, locates hidden fires, and operates shut-off valves for gas, electricity, oil and water).
Raises, lowers and climbs ladders.
Drives motorized apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions.
Operates fire pumps at proper pressures and flows.
Searches for victims in burning, smoke-filled buildings or other hazardous environments.
Removes persons from danger.
Performs heavy rescue operations.
Administers first aid to injured persons.
Conducts assessment for treatment of a patient with trauma-induced injuries.
Operates self-contained breathing apparatus in hazardous environments and confined spaces.
Identifies and protects flammable or hazardous materials at fire scene.
Restores apparatus and equipment to service after use.
Refills self-contained breathing cylinders.
Maintains specialized fire equipment and personal protective equipment.
Instructs citizens in fire prevention and life safety techniques.
Participates in the inspection of businesses and public places for fire and life safety hazards.
Inspects exits at public assemblies to ensure they are clearly marked, operate properly, and are clear of obstructions.
Prepares inspection reports.
Recognizes and preserves evidence on the causes of fires.
Additional Duties:
Performs routine fire station and grounds maintenance activities to maintain a clean and orderly environment
Performs related work as assigned.
Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts
Data Responsibility:
Data Responsibility refers to information, knowledge, and conceptions obtained by observation, investigation, interpretation, visualization, and mental creation. Data are intangible and include numbers, words, symbols, ideas, concepts, and oral verbalizations.
Computes or performs arithmetic operations using data or information.
People Responsibility:
People include co-workers, workers in other areas or agencies and the general public.
Speaks with or signals to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature.
Asset Responsibility:
Assets responsibility refers to the responsibility for achieving economies or preventing loss within the organization.
Requires some responsibility for achieving minor economies and/or preventing minor losses through the handling of or accounting for materials, supplies or small amounts of money.
Mathematical Requirements:
Mathematics requires the use of symbols, numbers and formulas to solve mathematical problems.
Uses basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes and/or compute discounts and interest rates.
Communications Requirements:
Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak.
Reads technical instructions, procedures manuals and charts to solve practical problems, such as assembly instruction for tools, routine office equipment operating instructions, and methods and procedures for investigations and in drawing and layout work; composes routine reports and specialized reports, forms, and business letters, with proper format. speaks compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.
Judgment Requirements:
Judgment requirements refer to the frequency and complexity of judgments and decisions given the stability of the work environments, the nature and type of guidance, and the breadth of impact of the judgments and decisions.
Responsible for the actions of others, requiring development of procedures and constant decisions affecting subordinate workers, crime victims, patients, customers, clients or others in the general public. works in a very fluid environment with guidelines, but significant variation.
Complexity of Work:
Complexity addresses the analysis, initiative, ingenuity, concentration and creativity, required by the job and the presence of any unusual pressures present in the job.
Performs supervisory work involving policy and guidelines, solving both people and work related problems. requires continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressures.
Impact of Errors:
Impact of errors refers to consequences such as damage to equipment and property, loss of data, exposure of the organization to legal liability, and injury or death for individuals.
The impact of errors is extremely serious -- affects entire organization and impacts other activities/organizations and the general public or loss of life and/or damage could occur and is highly likely.
Physical Demands:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs very heavy work that involves constantly lifting, shoveling, and carrying 50 to 75 pounds on a regular and recurring basis and exerting 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
Equipment Usage:
Equipment usage involves responsibility for materials, machines, tools, equipment, work aids, and products.
Leads or handles apparatus, power tools, equipment or work aids involving moderate latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items.
Unavoidable Hazards:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
Bright/dim light; dusts and pollen extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions; extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife vibration; fumes and/or noxious odors traffic; moving machinery electrical shock; heights; radiation; disease/pathogens toxic/caustic chemicals; explosives and violence.
Safety of Others:
Safety of others refers to the level of responsibility for the safety of others, either inherent in the job or to ensure the safety of the general public.
Requires considerable responsibility for the safety and health of others and/or continuous enforcement of the laws and standards of public health and safety.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent. Must be 18 years of age.
Requires any combination of education and training equivalent. An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
An Associate’s Degree in Fire Science is desirable.
Firefighter I & II, HazMat Ops and Awareness, EMT-B, and EVOC Class III certifications. All Fire certifications must be Virginia certified or capable of reciprocity, while all EMS certifications must be Virginia certified, national registry or capable of reciprocity. Have two years verifiable experience with a career department will receive two weeks of department orientation/training; followed by on-the-job training. The “on-the-job training” will be determined by availability of personal protective equipment. Individuals which have all certifications with no experience will have to complete four to six weeks of training with the Petersburg Fire Training Division, followed by on-the-job training.Special Certifications and Licenses:
Valid Virginia Driver’s License.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Petersburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City of Petersburg to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.