Firefighter Driver/Operator

An employee in this class is responsible for maintaining, servicing, driving, and operating fire apparatus; participates in fire suppression and rescue; maintains equipment and facilities; maintains maintenance log and files necessary reports; participates in continuing education training and instruction. An employee is subject to hazards associated with fire suppression work including working both inside and outside environments in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibrations, hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases or flammable liquids, and wearing a respirator. Worker is subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Shift Captain and Fire Chief and is evaluated through observation,monitoring radio traffic,discussion, proper judgment, community involvement, review of reports for adherence to laws and departmental policies and procedures, adherence to Town policies and procedures, compliance with other established standards for the position, quality and effectiveness of work completed, ongoing and timely feedback, and scheduled performance evaluations.

• Responds to alarms and assists in the suppression of fires including rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, salvage work, containment of hazardous materials, traffic control, crowd control, emergency medical care in emergency situations, etc.
• Operates pumps and apparatus at fire scene; regulates water pressure to ensure required pressure at nozzle; establishes and maintains water supply for fire suppression operations. 
• Performs cleanup and overhaul work.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
• Participates in continuing education training and instruction programs by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes; assists with training when required.
• Performs pre-fire incident survey and safety inspections.
• Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment; cleans fire station and grounds; ensures that emergency vehicles are completely stocked and maintained in a safe and efficient operational condition.
• Performs inspections; cleans and maintains fire hoses, pumps, hydrants, and related equipment.
• Maintains maintenance records and other reports as required by the Fire Chief.
• Works a 24.25-hour rotating shift, which includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of applicable NC General Statutes related to fire departments and activities.
• General knowledge of NFPA guidelines and IFSTA Firefighters Manual.
• General knowledge in preparing reports and other forms of correspondence.
• General knowledge in the use of standard office equipment.
• General knowledge of the Town’s street system, major buildings, and physical layout of the Town.
• General knowledge of the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment and apparatus and ability to operate such equipment and apparatus safely and effectively.
• Working knowledge of Fire Department’s policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the Town’s and Fire Department’s personnel policies.
• Ability to make mathematical computations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculation of rates, ratios, and percentages.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Proficiency in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue.
• Ability to act with sound judgement in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcementand investigative agencies in matters of common interest.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, academy recruits, other fire/ems agencies, associates, co-workers in all departments, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, sitting, balancing, stooping, crouching, walking, hearing, kneeling, reaching, feeling, grasping, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, crawling, fingering, lifting, talking, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. 
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine distinctions in sounds.
• Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Required Education and Experience Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or high school equivalency.
• Moderate experience in Fire Apparatus Operations.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class B driver’s license within 6 months of hire.
• Possession of NC Firefighter II certification upon hire.
• Possession of Hazardous Materials Operations upon hire.
• Certified Medical Responder certification upon hire.

Preferred Education and Experience Qualifications

• Possession of NC EMT or higher certification.
• Driver/Operator Pumps and Aerial certifications upon hire.
• Bilingual in both written and spoken English and Spanish.
• 2 years minimum Driver experience (career or volunteer).