Firefighter

The Healdsburg Fire Department is seeking a qualified Firefighter to join its team! Firefighters perform fire suppression and prevention activities, provide emergency medical assistance, and operate specialized equipment in support of protecting lives and property. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding career in public service, while protecting the Healdsburg community.

This recruitment will be used to fill one 56-hour work week Firefighter vacancy, and will establish an eligibility list valid for 1 year which may be used to fill future Firefighter vacancies for either 56-hour work week or 40-hour work week positions. 

Located at 601 Healdsburg Avenue, the Healdsburg Fire Department, established in 1858, is responsible for protecting the life, environment, and property of its citizens and community from the dangers of fire and hazardous materials incidents and by providing emergency first aid response to medical emergencies. Additionally, the department supports and maintains programs in fire prevention, disaster preparedness, hazardous materials management, public education, and weed abatement. The Mission of the Healdsburg Fire Department is to provide the highest level of service to our community by protecting and preserving life, environment, and property in a safe and efficient manner.
 
 The Healdsburg Fire Department consists of the Fire Chief, one Division Chief/Fire Marshal, three Captains, three Engineers, three Firefighters, two Fire Inspectors, an Office Assistant, and a roster of 18 Reserve Firefighters.

By joining our team at the City of Healdsburg, you can take advantage of our amazing benefits, such as low to no cost health insurance rates, City-paid life insurance, 13 paid holidays, CalPERS retirement pension, and generous paid time off! Additional benefits include monthly incentive pay for Bilingual English/Spanish, Education, and Hazardous Materials Scene Management certification. The salary range for Firefighter (56-hour work week) is $32.55 to $39.72 per hour.

DEFINITION

To perform technical duties related to fire suppression, prevention and rescue activities; to respond to and assist with medical and other emergencies; and to provide technical support to an assigned supervisor.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level in the technical Firefighter/ Fire Engineer series. Incumbents initially perform the more routine duties assigned to positions in this series and work under close supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence.

This class is distinguished from the Fire Engineer in that the latter drives and operates specialized fire and emergency response vehicles and equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Respond immediately to emergency and non-emergency calls when dispatched; perform fire suppression, and prevention activities including lay hose lines, pull working lines, hold nozzle to direct the stream of water on the fire, and place, raise, lower and climb ladders.

Respond to medical emergency calls as part of an engine or truck company; administer first aid medical care; assist paramedics. 

Respond to and perform rescue operations including rope rescue, water rescue and vehicle extrication.

Operate a variety of apparatus, power and hand tools, medical equipment and equipment related to fire suppression, communications, rescue and other emergency activities including the handling of hazardous materials. 

Inspect, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance and repair on rescue equipment, fire apparatus, hoses, fire hydrants and other support equipment; assist in the maintenance of clean and orderly conditions in and about the fire house.

Participate in training related to medical response, rescue operations, fire suppression, fire prevention and inspection through both simulated and on-the-job exercises.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.

Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of emergency response, fire suppression, and prevention.

Principles and practices of technical rescue techniques, including rope rescue, water rescue and vehicle extrication.

Methods and procedures of emergency medical and life support skills.

Methods and procedures of the operation, maintenance and mechanics of a variety of power and hand tools, medical and communications equipment, fire pumps, hydrants and other firefighting equipment.

Geography of the local area including the location of hydrants, mains and major traffic and fire hazards.

Relevant local, State, and Federal laws, rules and regulations related to area of assignment.

Ability to:

Perform fire prevention, suppression and emergency response activities; respond to and perform rescue operations and provide medical assistance.

Intermittently, review and evaluate documents related to department operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve issues for the public and with staff.

On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time or stand at public counter; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 50 pounds or less.

Apply fire prevention, suppression and emergency response protocols, rules, regulations policies and procedures of the Fire Department in a variety of situations requiring quick thinking and action. 

Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair a variety of apparatus and equipment related to fire services. 

Successfully complete the required physical examination prior to hire. 

Use, maintain and understand the operating and mechanical principles of the full range of apparatus, tools and equipment related to fire suppression, rescue and hazardous materials emergency activities.

Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.

Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.

Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of responsible firefighting, fire prevention, medical and/or emergency response experience.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License and Certificate

Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. 

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Possession of a Class B California Driver License with tank and air brakes endorsement, or valid California Class C Driver License with Fire Fighter endorsements, within six months of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. 

Possession of a Firefighter I certificate issued by the California State Fire Marshal or have successfully completed a California State Fire Marshal approved Firefighter I Academy.

Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate through the California EMT Central Registry. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your online application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may not be reviewed as part of the application screening process, unless the application specifically requests supporting materials. 

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN APPLYING:  

• Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
• List all employers and positions held within the last ten (10) years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
• You may include history beyond ten (10) years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one (1) employer, list out each position separately.
• Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

BACKGROUND SCREENING:  

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to fingerprinting and a background investigation prior to employment. Failure to comply with the background will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Healdsburg values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment that is representative of the community. The City is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.   The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by contacting Human Resources within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring. You may also contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 431-3376.