CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
CITY OF MARYSVILLE, CA Date: August 2023
CLASS TITLE: Firefighter JOB CODE: xxxxxx
WORKING TITLE: Firefighter FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Fire Captain HIRING STATUS: Career
JOB SUMMARY
Performsfirefighting, rescue, fire prevention, equipment operation and equipment maintenance activities to protect life and property; provides emergency medical and rescue services to the community; and performs related duties and responsibilities as required. The Firefighter classification receives direct supervision from the Fire Captain and may receive functional direction from the Fire Engineer.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level paid classification in the field of firefighting. It is distinguished from the classification of Fire Engineer in that the latter is assigned more responsible and varied duties which require knowledge and experience in driving motorized fire fighting vehicles and operating related pumping, hydraulic and other specialized fire equipment.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Responds to fires, emergency rescues, first aid, fire alarms, natural and manmade disasters, and public assist service calls.
• Operates a variety of tools, power driven equipment and vehicles related to fire suppression and rescue activities.
• Connects and lays hose lines; assists in holding nozzles to direct streams of water; carries and operates various fire extinguishers and other firefighting appliances; operates engine pumping equipment as required.
• Raises, lowers and climbs ladders; makes forcible entry into buildings when necessary; ventilates buildings and searches for victims.
• Assists in overhaul, salvage and cleanup operations at any incident. • Performs housekeeping and station maintenance.
• Studies Fire Department rules and regulations, fire hazards, firefighting techniques and related subjects.
• Participates and assists in administration of on-going training programs; attends drills, meetings, and staff conferences.
• Operates ventilation equipment; administers first aid. • Cleans, services, inspects and test firefighting equipment and apparatus. • Conducts inspections of building, structures, and properties for compliance with building, safety and related City codes.
CITY OF MARYSVILLE
Firefighter
2 • Answers general questions from the public.
• Prepares and updates reports, logs, maps, and other departmental records as needed. • Makes recommendationsto improve the manner in which the job is performed and to deliver the highest quality of service to the public.
• Studies and trains on Fire Department rules and regulations, fire hazards, firefighting techniques, and other related emergency subjects.
• Maintains regular, consistent and timely attendance.
• May be assigned to drive and operate fire department vehicles.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (position requirements at entry) Knowledge of:
• Principles, practices, and procedures of modern fire prevention and suppressionmethods. • Operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, tools and devices. • Applicable local, State and Federal laws, and departmental rules and regulations. • Water hydraulics, principles of fire streams and proper pump pressures, and fire behavior. • First aid, CPR, and other rescue procedures.
• Safety practices, fire hazards, and potentially dangerous situations as they relate to fire prevention, fire suppression, fire investigation, rescue, emergency situations and hazardous materials.
• Geography of the local area including location of hydrants and mains, major traffic areas, and fire hazards.
• English usage, spelling and grammar.
• Modern office equipment, computers. and software.
Ability to:
• Perform fire suppression, fire prevention and fire inspection activities in emergency situations in accordance with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations. • Demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude asrequired in the operation and maintenance of the firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies within established guidelines. • Administer first aid including CPR.
• Drive fire and rescue vehicles with care and safety in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances. • Keep simple records and prepare reports.
• Utilize basic arithmetic, including decimals, ratios, percentages and fractions. • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. • Communicate clearly and concisely with individuals or groups, both orally and in writing. • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Tactfully and effectively interact with all people regardless of race, ethnicity,sex, age or economic status.
• Meet the physical requirements established by the department. • Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
CITY OF MARYSVILLE
Firefighter
3 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (requirements at entry)
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade. Related college level training is desirable.
Experience
Some experience performing firefighting activities. Additional specialized training in fire science or a related field is desirable.
Licenses, Certificates and/or Requirements:
• The candidate shall be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. • Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C driver license with a Fire Fighter endorsement is required within six months of appointment. Loss or suspension of the driver license may be cause for discipline, up to and including termination. • Possession and maintenance of a valid EMT license and CPR card. • Possession of CSFM Firefighter I Certificate or Firefighter 1 Academy completion from an accredited college.
• Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200 & National Incident Management System (NIMS) 700/800.
Examination procedures
The pre-employment examination process may consist of the following:
• A written test to determine knowledge and skills.
• Applicant must show evidence of successfully completing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the last year.
• Applicant must present proof of a passing score of the FCTC written examination with a passing score of 70% or above within the last year.
• An oral evaluation.
• An interview with the Fire Chief or his representative. • A psychological evaluation.
• A background investigation.
• A California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License record review. • Appointees must pass a mandatory drug test.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Performs tasks requiring: strength and stamina, such as lifting and moving equipment and objects weighing up to 100 pounds; pushing or pulling objects of up to 100 pounds; sitting, standing, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, kneeling, bending, twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, grasping and crawling; ascending and descending stairs and ladders; working both inside and outside with exposureto extreme weather conditions, odors, dust and pollen; exposure to chemicals, skin irritants, fumes and solvents; frequent hand and arm motion; hand and finger dexterity sufficient to use small tools; turning and bending the neck; the ability to see well enough to read gauges, documents and street maps; accurate depth perception; the ability to communicate verbally, including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment; the ability to hear and distinguish various sounds, such as alarms, voices of co-
CITY OF MARYSVILLE
Firefighter
4 workers, and warning horns or sirens in both quiet and noisy environments; the ability to stand, walk, bend , and reach at, above or below shoulder height for extended periods oftime;sustained concentration and prolonged commitment to job tasks; interpersonal skills sufficient to work closely with others on a team; high level cognitive, interpretive and judgement skills; ability to demonstrate flexibility in the work environment, performing a variety of frequently changing tasks; ability to plan, negotiate, direct, control and monitor other’s activities and the ability to work alone effectively understressin situations dangerous to self or others.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is conducted both in a fire station and in the field in varioussettings. Some of these include exposure to smoke, odors, heat, steam, fumes, and dust, as well as periodic exposure to dangerous or life threatening situations. Work involves irregular hours during days and evenings, and on weekdays, weekends and holidays.