DEFINITION:

The employee is responsible for work performed in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and protection of life and property through firefighting activities. Duties also include driving pumper truck and operating pump, as well as other support services under close supervision of shift captain. Independent judgement is used according to the situation and sometimes different courses of action must be considered to complete the task.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

The employee will operate fire trucks and pumper and other firefighting equipment to include: nozzles, hoses, self -contained breathing apparatus, power saw, pumps, and generators.
A large part of duty time is taken up in city-wide inspections, performing supervised training, and maintaining equipment and quarters.
All firefighting and emergency operations must be performed during all kinds of weather conditions.
The employee is exposed to extreme heat, smoke, hazardous chemicals, and falling materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

Drive fire truck and operates pump.
Responds to fire alarms, connects hose, holds nozzle and directs water streams.
Forces entry of premises for firefighting, rescue and salvage operations, uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment.
Removes persons from danger, administers first-aid to injured persons.
Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings.
Performs salvage operations such as throwing covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
Carries charged hose line into structure for fire extinguishment.
Physically able to wear complete set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, first-aid, and related subjects.
Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may involve extreme exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings.
Performs extreme strenuous and physical labor for extended periods under some unfavorable climatic conditions, frequently lifting objects weighing 50 to 100 pounds.
Performs duties requiring bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, and climbing in buildings and close quarters that may be filled with smoke.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed or duties which may be performed.)

Performs general maintenance work in the up-keep of fire department property: cleans and washes walls and floors, makes minor repairs, washes and dries hoses, mows yard, washes windows, paints, and otherwise maintains quarters.
May operate departmental radio communications on special assignments, receives alarms, and notifies appropriate personnel, summons on-call personnel.
Participates in annual hose test, which involves unloading and reloading fire hose back on truck.
Participates in flow testing fire hydrants, which involves taking caps off hydrant and opening up hydrant and checking water flow.
Performs duties of captain in absence of captain.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of fire prevention and State and City regulations as applied to fire fighting and prevention.
Knowledge of geographic area of the City.
Knowledge of general first aid.
Knowledge of fire fighting equipment and its intended uses.
Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and to determine the proper course of action.
Ability to learn to operate a variety of fire fighting equipment.
Ability to learn to operate a large truck safely.
Ability to work under extreme weather conditions and dangerous heights.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and other employees.
Ability to wear heavy protective clothing for extended periods of time.
Ability to climb ladders.
Ability to operate power equipment.
Ability to drive at fast speeds consistent with safety, considering traffic, weather, road conditions, and also including knowledge of laws regarding operation of emergency vehicles in route to scene.
Ability to regulate and operate pumper at the capacity or pressure for which it was designed.
Ability to physically and mentally to climb to different heights and function in close quarters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of Tennessee.
Must complete basic fire fighting course at State Fire School.
Satisfactory completion of pump operator's school.
Must comply with the City's "Weight Control Policy.”
Must pass a medical examination by licensed physician.
Must pass a drug screen by licensed physician.