County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to respond to fire alarms and other emergency (or non-emergency) calls involving the suppression, extinguishment, and prevention of fires (structural and wildlands); to protect life, property, and environment, including rescue and salvage operations and mitigation of hazardous materials incidents; to clean, maintain and repair (when possible) fire station property and environment; to train and drill for emergency preparedness; to use computers to log calls, log training data, and communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and the public; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Fire Engineer because the latter has primary responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a fire truck or engine, and may only occasionally act as a firefighter at the scene of an emergency. It is also distinguished from the lower class of Firefighter Recruit as the latter class is required to successfully complete the Alameda County Fire Department Firefighter Recruit Training Program in order to flex to the Firefighter classification.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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. Responds to emergency calls, fire alarms and non-emergency calls for assistance as a member of a fire company.

2. Operates resuscitators, EMT-D related equipment, radio, illumination generators, smoke ejectors, etc.; administers first aid; lays and connects hose lines; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; enters burning buildings to remove persons from danger; uses portable extinguishers, axes, bars, hooks, lines, power-driven tools, and other equipment.

3. Ventilates buildings to release heat and smoke; places salvage covers to prevent water damage; overhauls and cleans up after a fire; checks for fire extension and to prevent rekindling. May establish wildland fire lines by cutting, hoeing, raking and shoveling.

4. Returns company equipment to its proper place before leaving the emergency scene. On arrival at the fire station, cleans, services, and returns apparatus and equipment to emergency readiness.

5. Cleans and maintains station quarters and grounds; performs first-line preventive maintenance on automotive apparatus; cleans, maintains and tests emergency equipment; and participates in drills and training sessions.

6. Studies and becomes familiar with district streets, fire hydrants, building occupancy and contents and non-ambulatory citizens.

7. Conducts fire inspections of commercial, industrial and other public buildings and multiple dwellings for compliance with fire regulations and ordinances, and reports all hazards to the Fire Prevention section; pre-fire plans target hazards; issues voter registration forms; conducts station visits by schools, and may participate in other public speaking presentations.

8. Compiles and submits information on equipment, emergency runs; resuscitator use, accidents, gas and oil use, apparatus inspections and tests, and fire inspections using conventional and computerized methods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

Successful completion of the Alameda County Fire Department’s Firefighter Recruit Training Program.

License:

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
• Possession of a valid, current class "B" Firefighter restricted commercial license before end of probation.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current certification as an EMT-1 in the State of California.
• Completion of a Firefighter I course and possession of a current CPR certification.
• Having visual acuity correctable to 20/30 either eye.
• Is subject to emergency re-call while off duty.

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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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 building construction, fire chemistry, physics and automotive mechanics.
• Common office practices, including copying, typing, and basic computer operations.

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instruction.
• Deal effectively with the public and co-workers under adverse 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.
• Learn the proper operation and use of department equipment.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools (axes, porta-power, chainsaw, and most common hand tools.)
• Perform minor maintenance on tools and mechanical equipment.
• Use a computer for preparing reports, records and correspondence.
• Perform strenuous physical tasks such as carrying equipment up hills, pulling hoses, carrying injured persons, raising ladders and operating a hose line.
• Conduct tours, fire demonstrations, first-aid demonstrations, and other public relations duties.
• Read blueprints, construction drawings, and maps.
• Draw building layouts to scale.
• Work at various heights and confined areas.
• Use radio communications equipment and speak clearly.
• Remain calm and work effectively in stressful situations.
• Use initiative and independent judgment when necessary.
• Work a 24-hour shift.
• Function as a member of a team.
• Use good judgment in emergency or critical situations.
• Adapt to changing work assignments and duties.
• Climb ladders and fences.
• Reference and utilize training materials (manuals, fire codes, journals, etc.)
• Write legibly.
• Keep accurate records.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Retyped: 4/85
IR:lm-h Revised: 9/85
BG:dkt Retyped: 3/15/93
BG:lm Revised: 11/20/95
BG:lm Revised: 2/15/96
BG:jc Revised: 3/99
Old doc: 1290h.doc
New doc: 8140.doc
ys/3/01
CSC Date: 3/17/99
RC:pf 3/3/03
CSC Date: 4/2/03

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.