Firefighter
| City of Foster City |
| Estero Municipal Improvement District |
| Job Specification |
| DEFINITION: |
| Under general supervision to engage in fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, fire prevention activities to protect life and property; to operate and maintain fire fighting apparatus and equipment; set up hoses, ladders and use equipment to fight fires; participate in fire training and manipulative drills, the study of fire fighting science and techniques; maintenance of facilities and other related work as required. |
| DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS: |
| This is a full-time position requiring significant physical ability and mental alertness. Requires the ability to work shifts and contribute to a team approach in carrying out the duties. Incumbents must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. |
| IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES: |
| Responds to all alarms for fire, hazardous materials and emergency medical services with designated equipment while on duty and individually when off duty as directed; connects and lays hose lines, enters burning structures with lines, operates nozzles, carries, raises and climbs ladders. As assigned, drives fire apparatus, locating it at a fire; connects to fire hydrant, operates pumps to maintain desired pressures to support fire suppression activities. As an emergency medical technician (EMT-D), provides emergency medical services as required and performs light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies. Performs fire prevention activities, company level inspections as assigned and participates in public education for members and groups in the community. When performing Paramedic duties: respond to medical emergency calls; evaluate conditions of patient(s); take and monitor vital signs; communicate with Base Hospital and Emergency Medical Dispatcher; select and implement a course of medical action based on patient medical conditions; establish intravenous medications as required; interview patients and witnesses; observe evidence at the scene; coordinate with transport personnel; work closely with Fire Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene; complete reports, and ensure that all equipment and supplies are available in working order; may train other personnel or civilians in CPR techniques and EMT skills. |
| JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS: |
| Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: |
| Knowledge of: the basic skills of firefighting, methods and techniques used in modern firefighting for protection of life and property and how to render medical aid as required. |
| Ability to: Learn the location of streets, addresses, hydrants and mains; learn and maintain proficiency in basic first aid techniques; demonstrate physical endurance, agility, dexterity, and strength necessary to perform required duties; understand and act in accordance with department rules, policies and standard operating procedures and demonstrate skill in applying these toward specific situations; analyze fire and driving situations and adopt effective courses of action for them; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; understand and carry out both verbal and written directions in emergency and non-emergency situations; demonstrate the ability to perform in a manner that protects the interests of the community, city and department. |
| EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be: |
| Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent; possession of 30 semester units in Fire Science or an Associate Degree is highly desirable. |
| Experience: Prior firefighting experience or certification by the State of California as a Firefighter I, or the ability to obtain Firefighter I certification within 30 days after appointment; two (2) or more consecutive years of experience as a certified, practicing Paramedic is highly desirable. |
| SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: |
| Normal hearing and vision, or correctable to a normal level: possess physical strength, endurance, agility; produce extreme effort and energy for periods of time in highly stressful situations, retaining presence of mind, working as a team member to abate an emergency. Operate heavy equipment in accordance with traffic laws while demonstrating manual dexterity and safety for all concerned. |
| LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATION: |
| Licenses: Possession of a valid Class B, or Firefighter Restricted California Driver's License prior to completion of probation. Valid certificate to practice as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the State of California; Paramedic skill level desirable. |
