Firefighter I

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONING OF WORK:
Performs basic firefighting and emergency response work requiring technical knowledge of fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical care.
An employee in this class performs varied tasks vital to the overall fire suppression and emergency response efforts.  

• Work includes responding to emergency calls and maintenance of equipment, apparatus, buildings, and grounds.  
• Employee responds on emergency calls and functions as firefighter, rescue technician, or EMT-Basic. 
• Employee is subject to hazards associated with fire suppression, emergency medical, and rescue work in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and in the proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working in high places. 
• Employee is exposed to atmospheric conditions, may be required to work in close quarters, and is subject to the OSHA requirements on bloodborne pathogens.
• Employee is required to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and may be required to work in close quarters.
• Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Captain or his designee and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work performed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:
THE EMPLOYEE MAY PERFORM A COMBINATION OF SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND OTHER DUTIES WHICH MAY BE ASSIGNED BY THE TOWN OF SMITHFIELD:

• Responds to emergency calls, lays and connects hose lines, dons self-contained breathing apparatus, operates nozzles and directs water streams, climbs ladders, uses portable fire extinguishers, tools, and appliances as directed.
• Enters and works within burning structures and other hazardous environments as directed.
• Ventilates burning structures by opening windows and skylights or by cutting holes in roofs, ceilings and floors as directed.
• Removes persons from danger and frees trapped victims using a variety of power tools.
• Performs salvage operations such as spreading salvage covers and removing water and debris.
• Participates in fire apparatus practices and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical treatment and related subjects.
• Maintains and improves station, grounds apparatus and related equipment.
• Assists in cleaning kitchens, sleeping quarters, dayroom, apparatus floors, etc.
• Performs other related and non-related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge in fire suppression and emergency response.
• Considerable knowledge of fire equipment operation, maintenance, and skill in its operation and use.
• Ability to learn street location and mapping.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent with courses and seminars in fire service and experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successfully completed the following certification and training programs:
• NC Firefighter I and II Certification; 
• NC Hazardous Materials Responder I Certification; 
• NC EMT -B Certification;
• National Incident Management ICS-700, 800 Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months;
• Ability and willingness to obtain the required State level certification as mandated by the Town within 12 months. 
• Willingness to obtain additional certifications as required by the Town.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.