LATERAL FIREFIGHTER

Firefighter / EMT

Protect life and property through fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical aid.

General direction and oversight are provided by the Fire Captain. Additional supervision and / or assignments may be received from a Lieutenant.

Essential duties and responsibilities include :

• Model and foster the City's core values : Service Integrity Collaboration Equity Leadership Community.
• Model and foster the Department's core values : Integrity Ownership Professionalism Compassion.
• Participate in fire suppression including structural, automotive, chemical, aircraft, and wild land, and operate pumps, aerial ladders, and other auxiliary fire apparatus.
• Participate in engine and pumper hook-up at scene of fire; lay connector hose; hold nozzle and direct water stream to combat fire; raise and climb ladders; use chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, ropes, and other equipment to suppress and extinguish fires.
• Perform salvage and overhaul operations; sweep water; remove debris; search for and extinguish hidden fires; investigate for causes of fire.
• Search for victims in hazardous environments; participate in rescue services to include low to high angle, swift water, confined space, and trench rescue activities. Participate in training and continuing education in fire suppression, emergency medical aid, and use of equipment, special assignments, and other matters; provide training to others as required.
• Perform general maintenance duties for firefighting equipment, apparatus, building, and grounds including light to medium repairs, testing and inventory control as needed.
• Perform fire prevention inspections of commercial and residential buildings; check for fire hazards; seek abatement of hazards through education, demonstration, and enforcement of regulations; test fire hydrants; provide fire prevention training as assigned; and participate in developing pre-incident emergency plans.
• Provide tours of the facilities to the public and school children; provide educational programs to teach safety and fire prevention both at the station and in the field.
• Participate in physical fitness activities to assure physical readiness to participate in emergency operations.
• Function at operations or technician level on hazardous material scenes; respond to incidents involving hazardous materials; wear self-contained breathing apparatus; and use specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires.
• Drive ambulance and administer emergency medical aid within certification level; prepare medical incident report.
• As an EMT, perform medical triage of patients, determine appropriate action within established protocols, and provide appropriate medical treatment in emergency situations.
• Maintain EMS certification by completing required training as mandated by the WAC and National Registry Standards.

Other job functions include :

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include :

Tools and equipment used include : specialized fire equipment and apparatus, ambulances equipment and apparatus; pumps, hoses, and related hydraulic equipment; self-contained breathing apparatus; specialized tools and equipment to save lives, protect property, suppress fires.

Physical demands include : heavy lifting, bending, stooping, crawling, and pulling hoses to suppress fires and rescue victims; reaching overhead and above shoulders; carrying victims; standing and walking for extended periods of time; climbing ladders for rescue; utilize hand and power tools for medical and fire emergencies. Seeing, speaking, and hearing to evaluate and communicate emergency situations, and dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized fire and EMS equipment.

Work environment includes : indoor and outdoor environment; adverse weather conditions; subject to working around fumes and smoke. Fire, smoke, and fumes inhalation; working with people with unknown medical problems; working at heights; extreme weather conditions; exposure to contagious diseases and blood; working with hostile or abusive individuals; toxic fumes, hazardous materials; working in confined spaces; falling objects.

Required minimum qualifications include : Must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the time of hire, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and be a high school graduate or equivalent. Valid State driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to obtain an Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certificate within the first 3 months of hire. Non-user of tobacco products on and off the job. Two (2) years of current continuous full-time employment as a Firefighter / EMT or Firefighter / Paramedic. Current WA State EMT or Current WA State Paramedic certification. National registry EMT or Paramedic certification is accepted, but the employee must complete the transfer of the certification to the State of Washington within 30 days of the date of hire. Ability to meet the City's physical and medical standards.

Desired qualifications include : Bilingual in Spanish.