County of Alameda

Reserve Firefighter is the entry-level position in which incumbents receive training and experience in fire prevention and suppression techniques.  Reserve Firefighters respond to emergency and non-emergency calls to prevent or extinguish fires and to protect life and property including rescue and salvage operations.  Incumbents are also responsible for cleaning, maintaining and repairing fire department property and equipment.    

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

Reserve Firefighter is a voluntary, non-paid classification within the Alameda County Fire Department.  Incumbents are placed in the Reserve Program at the Reserve Trainee Level (I, II, or III).  Upon successful graduation from the Alameda County Fire Department Reserve Academy, incumbents will be considered to be at the level of Reserve Firefighter.  Under close supervision, incumbents in the Reserve Firefighter classification gain understanding of lifesaving and firefighting methods through academic instructions and specialized training.  Reserves receive supervision from the assigned Division/Battalion Chief who administers the Reserve Program.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Participates in the assigned Alameda County Fire Reserve Program meetings and training (didactic and manipulative exercises).
2. Takes part in education and training to develop awareness of the functions and responsibilities of Firefighter Recruit/Firefighter.
3. Actively participates in the Alameda County Fire Department Public Education Program.
4. Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents to assist professional firefighters.
5. Cleans and maintains station quarters, classroom, grounds, apparatus and equipment.
6. Participates in the ride-along program.

License:  

Possession of a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License by the date of appointment.

Special Requirement:  

Will be required to successfully pass a background investigation.  

Reserve Trainees and Reserve Firefighters are required to maintain a current Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT).  

Age:    

Must be at least 18 years of age by the date of appointment.  

Physical:   

Will be required to successfully pass a medical examination (NFPA 1582) prior to attending the ACFD Reserve Academy.  

Residency:  

Must live within Alameda County or 50 miles travel distance to the Alameda County Fire Department Administrative Headquarters, located at 6363 Clark Avenue, Dublin, CA  94568, by the last day for filing of the application.   

Certification:  

If you are in possession of a NREMT certification at the time of application, you must be California EMSA accredited by time of appointment.   

Must obtain a Firefighter I certification and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I certification within two (2) years of entry into the Reserve Program. 

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Basic construction, fire chemistry, physics and automotive mechanics.
• Common office practices including filing, indexing and cross-reference methods.  

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Read, comprehend and remember training materials.
• Deal effectively with the public and co-workers under circumstances requiring presence of mind, sensitivity, interest and understanding.
• Adapt to changes in work assignments and duties.
• Write clear, concise and complete reports.
• Perform physical tasks that require coordination, strength, dexterity and stamina.
• Communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.

RC:pf  12/8/04

Newspecs:   8316.doc

CSC Date:   1/5/2005

RC:po 1/6/2006 Admin. Change

MAH:cs  Revised 7.28.14

CSC Date: 8/20/14

MAH: cs  Revised  9/2/14

CSC Date:  9/17/14

DR:cs  Revised 6/8/16

CSC Date:  7/20/16

DR:sa Revised 11/05/2020

CSC Date: 11/18/2020

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.