Position Summary

This is skilled firefighting, and fire prevention work. Duties include extinguishing and preventing fires to protect life and property. Work also involves maintenance of fire station equipment, apparatus, and quarters, and operating equipment.
Firefighting, fire apparatus pumping operations, technical rescue and emergency medical services work are the essential duties of this position. However, a major portion of time is spent practicing skills, studying methods, and in the maintenance of property and equipment. Work is usually performed in accordance with general supervision and written procedures, under the command of a superior officer. Work is reviewed for progress.


Duties and Responsibilities

The following represent the essential duties of this position. Additional related duties may be performed as assigned.

• Responds to emergency fire and EMS calls dependent upon certification level and in accordance with standard practice guidelines, provides rescue and required basic emergency medical care.

• Operates cutting torches and saws, power jacks, and a variety of other rescue equipment and tools to disentangle trapped or endangered people, removes fire or accident victims to a safe location for the provision of emergency medical care.

• Inspects and maintains emergency equipment, radios.

• Responds to fire alarms and lays and connects hose, operates extinguishers, hose nozzles and directs fog and water streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses axes and similar power tools to ventilate buildings and expose hidden fire areas, participates in fire salvage and post-fire overhaul operations for property protection and preservation.

• Makes necessary adjustments or changes to operating equipment such as generators, foam units and similar equipment for performance as required for emergency operations.

• Checks engines daily and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes, and other equipment to ensure that the apparatus is in good working condition and reports defects, participates in the routine maintenance and basic mechanical repair of fire apparatus as directed.

• Decontaminates apparatus, equipment, and clothing exposed to potential airborne bloodborne diseases.

• Writes clear and concise reports.

• Demonstrates positive behavior in support of department and District policies, as well as the district’s mission, values, goals and objectives.

• Maintains a good level of overall fitness is physically capable and combat ready.

• Attends and participates in formal and intensive training and instruction sessions in firefighting methods, first aid and other Fire Department activities. This includes bi-monthly training sessions.

• Ability to wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and pass all required SCBA confidence testing

• Knowledge of the physical layout of the district, including fire hydrant and street locations.

Additional Examples of Work Performed

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire station buildings and grounds, cleans, waxes, polishes, and otherwise maintains assigned equipment and quarters; participates in a continuing program of training and instruction, including attendance at scheduled drills and classes.







Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

*********** We will train you to the levels below if you do not currently possess fire certifications. ***************

• Kansas Certified as a Firefighter I and Firefighter II, meeting the requirements of NFPA 1001 – Professional Firefighter Qualifications.

• Certified according to the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Competencies for a First Responder at the Operations Level.

• Possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the District’s insurance carrier.

• Must have current certification or licenses by an agency, recognized by the State of Kansas in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid.

• Knowledge of rescue and basic emergency medical principles, practices, and techniques.

• Knowledge of modern firefighting principles, practices, and procedures, including hydraulics.

• Knowledge of the operating and maintenance requirements of the various types of apparatus and equipment used in firefighting activities.

• Knowledge of building construction.

• Knowledge of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and fire suppression systems.

• Ability to perform basic and routine mechanical work involved in maintaining fire apparatus, equipment and tools.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, firefighters, other District employees and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

• Ability to maintain and/or improve knowledge, skills, and abilities, unassisted.



Physical Requirements

This is heavy physical work requiring the ability to lift, crawl, run, climb, etc. while wearing heavy protective gear weighing about 50 lbs.; ability to function in life/death situations relying on sight, hearing, smell and touch to make critical decisions while maintaining safety of others/self; ability to accept risk of bodily injury/death in performance of duties; ability to face exposure and take precautions against: carcinogenic dusts, toxic substances, infectious agents, and the visual/emotional shock of burn/trauma victims. This position requires the medical certification for use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

Physical strength and health to permit prolonged and strenuous work under adverse circumstances, including extreme heat and smoke. Must participate in physical fitness program and participate in and pass required agility test. Requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry or push extremely heavy objects. The ability to work in high or confined places, maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

* IDLH Entry level are personnel that will make entry into IDLH situations. These personnel will pass the district's annual SCBA confidence course.

Special Requirements

Must carry a pager.

Must be able to pass physical examination and drug testing before hiring.

Background and Driver’s license check will be required.

Duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. Omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the district’s needs and requirements of the job change.