Volunteer Firefighter

DEFINITION

The Volunteer Fire Fighter is an “At-Will, Volunteer” employee who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief may cancel the appointment, with or without cause, at any time without a right of appeal.

The Volunteer Fire Fighter is a two-tiered program, members can be involved in either the Support role and an Active Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) role.

The Active Fire and EMS role is responsible to protect life and property using skills obtained through experience, education and training. These skills may be used in a wide variety of tasks including, but not limited to, emergency response, public education and community involvement.

The Support role will support fire operations, miscellaneous training, public education and community involvement details, which support the mission of the fire department. These roles will not be involved in hazardous operations and will be in a support function only.

Under general supervision the Volunteer Fire Fighter will be expected to perform multiple functions using sound judgment and good decision-making skills. This pertains to both roles of a Volunteer Fire Fighter.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from a Fire Captain, Volunteer Coordinator and/or general direction from Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or Fire Chief.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Active Firefighting and EMS Role Volunteer:

• Performs a full range of firefighting duties in the suppression of structural, wildland and other types of fires; may be required to drive apparatus; performs scheduled maintenance of stations, fire apparatus and related equipment; performs other duties as required.
• Responds to alarms as a member of a Auxiliary fire apparatus crew; connects and lays fire hose lines; enters burning areas and structures with charged hose lines; operates and climbs fire ladders; participates in the rescue of persons trapped in burning buildings and autos; renders first aid; opens up structural impediments which interfere with firefighting operations utilizing various manual and power equipment; ventilates buildings to relieve smoke, heat and gases.
• Participates in a wide range of emergency and rescue activities, including emergency medical services, extrication, heavy rescue, hazardous materials and others; operates two-way radios as necessary.
• Participates in regular training activities and exercises; assists in making fire inspections and fire prevention activities.
• Responds to emergency calls as dispatched within the city and Mutual Aid areas within the County and State.
• Performs firefighting activities including driving fire support apparatus, operating firefighting equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment, rehab, extinguishment and overhaul.
• Performs salvage operations including throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• Assist with writing reports accurately and in a timely manner, documenting incident data, patient assessment and patient treatment, if qualified.
• Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Participates with on-duty crews with inspections of buildings, hydrants and pre-planning target hazards.
• Participates in building, grounds and equipment maintenance; will inspect, clean and maintain fire hoses and equipment; performs general housekeeping and ground maintenance duties in the fire station; assists in the preparation and/or presentation of fire prevention programs to the public.
• If qualified, presents programs to public on safety and fire prevention topics.
• Completes Department minimum required training hours annually.

• Maintains required certifications in fire and emergency medicine.

Support Role Volunteer:

• Provide assistance with Rehabilitation duties and support duties that overall enhance Fire Department Operations and Administration.

• Participates in regular training activities and exercises and may assist in making fire inspections and fire prevention activities.
• Operates radio and other communication equipment.
• Operates Department staff and support vehicles in a safe manner
• Assists Administration and Suppression staff with special events and Fire Prevention related education and events.

** Note: Support Role Volunteers will not be involved in active operation of hazardous fire, EMS or Hazmat incidents.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Remain calm and focused during emergency situations.
• Apply principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting and protection of life and property. (Active Firefighting Role)
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and observe safety rules; intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; explain work to other employees.
• Intermittently, sit while driving equipment; stand, walk, bend, twist, kneel, squat and climb ladders or up on equipment; perform simple power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; lift or carry weight of 100 pounds or less.(Active Firefighting Role).
• Maintain a physical condition and endurance equal to the needs of this position. This includes a full range of motion and physical abilities, including lifting, carrying, driving, etc.
• Safely drive, operate and maintain fire support equipment and vehicles.
• Understand and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules, and regulations.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Establish and maintain a high level of integrity and trust.
• Work various shift assignments as part of the Volunteer Program.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be age eighteen (18) by date of application.
• Possess a valid California’s Driver’s License, Class C or greater.
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Must have a valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) at the time of application. (Active Firefighting & EMS Role Only)
• Must Pass a Public Safety Background Check
• Must Pass a City of Los Banos Pre-employment physical

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACTIVE FIREFIGHTING ROLE:

• Possession of a California State Fire Marshal, IFSAC or PRO-Board Firefighter Certification as a Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2.
• Possession of a California EMT certification
• Prior Firefighting experience in either a Volunteer or Paid capacity.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUPPORT VOLUNTEER ROLE:

• Prior experience with C__ E__ R__ T__ (CERT) community Teams
• Prior public sector or non-profit volunteering