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Firefighter / Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Rice Lake Fire Department

4051 Martin Rd
Duluth, MN 55803
218-728-1315


Description
POSITION TITLE:
Volunteer Firefighter – First Responder

GENERAL DUTY STATEMENT:
Performs protective services work by preventing and responding to emergency situations. Under the direction of a supervisor, administers life and property saving actions. Maintains fire department equipment, apparatus, facilities, and property. Work involves frequent strenuous physical involvement. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. This position is unscheduled and will have varying hours and days as required. Commits to the ongoing training and progression of the Fire Department and its Mission, Values, and Beliefs.

Volunteer Category: Firefighter, Other


Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
● H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent.
● Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
● Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Driver’s License and provide a driving record at time of completed application.
● Reside within a 10-minute drive-time response to Rice Lake Fire Station 1 determined by Google Maps.
● Successful Completion of Physical Abilities Exam

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
● EMS certification (Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic).
● Firefighting experience.
● Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board certifications (Including FFI, FFII, Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, etc.).
● Excellent physical condition.
● MN Class A or Class B Driver’s License.
● 2 year Associate Degree in Fire Science or related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
● Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local emergency operations for the protection of life and property.
● Knowledge of principles and processes for providing exceptional customer service.
● Knowledge of driver safety and the importance of maintaining a safe driving record.
● Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
● Adjust actions in relation to a changing problem and others’ actions in a high stress environment.
● Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a device is working properly.
● Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself and others to make improvements or take corrective action.
● Actively looking for ways to help others.
● Teaching others how to do something well.
● Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose appropriately.
● Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriately.
● Ability to manage one’s own time effectively.
● Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
● Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
● Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff members, other agencies, and the general public.
● Ability to think and act effectively in emergency situations compounded with intense stress and physical exertion.
● Ability to quickly respond and recognize a situation that is likely to go wrong.
● Ability to apply general rules to specific problem to produce effective answers and solutions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent. Post-secondary education no required. However, experience and/or professional certifications and achievements will be taken into consideration when determining successful candidates.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED:
Standard equipment used in this position includes but is not limited to: firefighting and emergency medical equipment including automatic external defibrillator (AED), hydraulic equipment, electric and air-operated rescue tools, SCBA, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, ladders, radios, pagers, gas meters, thermal imaging cameras, computers, phones, and cleaning/maintenance equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS:
We encourage all candidates to be in good physical condition Because firefighting is incredibly physically demanding, it is highly recommended candidates have excellent cardiovascular fitness, upper body strength and endurance abilities for this career.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL FIT:
The Rice Lake Fire Department prides itself in being there to answer our communities call in a time of need. The fire and medical service is a dynamic and ever-changing environment; therefore, training and education is a major part of your time as a member of the Rice Lake Fire Department. It is important that you understand this and are willing to take on that responsibility. As a family environment, it is also extremely important that you are supported by a strong network in your personal life. The commitment and dedication required to this service is unparalleled. While we do not profile for a typical firefighter candidate, there are characteristics that will benefit you throughout this process. The successful candidate is rooted in the community and typically works another full-time occupation. The successful candidate is physically fit and is committed to his or her personal health. The successful candidate is driven, trustworthy, honest, committed, loyal, helpful, friendly, joyful, respectful, courageous, brave, self-motivated, calm, dependable, sensitive, humble, empathetic, a team player and a hard worker. The Department does not discriminate against age, nor gender or race. While a member of the Department, all personnel shall maintain a clean and professional appearance to meet or exceed OSHA standards. All members shall also sign an annual agreement that prohibits the use of tobacco products while on duty.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Convictions for felony offense and/or misdemeanor charges will be taken into consideration when determining successful candidates. Any convictions will not automatically disqualify any candidate from consideration.


REQUIREMENTS AFTER ACCEPTANCE:
● Serve a minimum of one year probationary period.
● Attend all meetings within your probationary period (typically one year). May make up missed meetings with prior approval.
● Attend all trainings held at Rice Lake unless prior absence notification is approved by Chief, Asst. Chief, or Training Officer. Drill must then be made up.
● Complete FF1 and FF2 training within the first year. (Paid for by the department)
● Complete at minimum EMR medical training within the first 2 years (EMR paid by department).
● Complete radio communications class.
● Attend the majority of extra functions, public community events, the department takes part in during the first year.
● Have an working knowledge of Departmental SOP/SOG’s.
● Understand how to operate and drive all fire department apparatus, Captain will report competency to Chief staff for check off.
● Know where all equipment is located on all trucks.
● Respond to as many calls as possible outside of work/schooling hours. This is why we are here.