Fire Fighter (Lateral)

Firefighter

This position is for lateral entry recruitment only. This position provides fire suppression, emergency medical, and other emergency and non-emergency services. The class is responsible for performing emergency firefighting and medical services and ensuring that fire stations and equipment are in a continual state of readiness. This class works according to set procedures under direct supervision. Incumbents may provide : fire suppression; emergency medical services; hazardous material response; technical rescue (confined space, trench / excavation, and structural collapse) and water rescue (swift water and diving); hazard inspections; fire cause / origination investigations; community activities; general fire station equipment maintenance; and operation of emergency vehicles. As assigned, incumbents may also assist with training other employees.

Duties include effectively responding to fire, medical, and other all hazard types of emergency and non-emergency situations which consists of : responding to fire alarms, structure, vehicle and brush fires, emergency medical service, and other all hazard emergencies to include but not limited to : active threats electrical, gas, and water utility incidents; elevator emergencies; responses to weather events; and responses to natural and man-made disasters for a diverse community. Responding to special operation incidents such as hazardous materials, heavy and tactical technical rescues, water rescues, and other all hazard types. Driving and operating all types of emergency vehicles and apparatus, and other emergency equipment. Removing persons from burning structures and other dangerous situations. Providing residential safety reviews and commercial buildings inspecting. Inspecting residential and commercial buildings for fire hazards. Participating in fire safety education and "Community Risk Reduction" (CRR) outreach initiatives. Participating in hazmat and pre-fire planning; performs hazardous materials mitigation activities. Performing general maintenance in and around the fire station and to various types of equipment. Completing general forms and preparing regular reports. Other duties as assigned.

General Requirements : Minimum 18 years of age, there is no maximum age limit. Virginia State Driver's License without restrictions / revocation that prohibits personnel from operating department vehicles and yearly submission of a valid DMV Compliance Summary or the ability to obtain one within 30 days. Pass an annual medical assessment consistent with national standards as well as random screens for prohibited substances. Successful completion of the City and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) background check / requirements. Upon completion of the Fire Training Academy, personnel will be reassigned to field suppression and will serve a one (1) year probationary period. Requires a minimum of two (2) years of consecutive sworn firefighting experience with a paid / career Fire Department at the time of application, not including time in the Recruit Academy. Last official employment end date as a Firefighter must be no more than 5 years prior to date of application. Must possess a current Virginia (VA) EMT certification in good standing at the time of application that does not expire within 6 months of the start date of the Fire Training Academy. National Registry EMT with eligibility to gain and obtain VA-EMT reciprocity by the end of the academy will be accepted.

Required Education : Highschool Diploma or GED

Required Training Certifications : Valid Virginia or National Registry EMT Certification

• VDFP or VDFP recognized Certifications : Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Material Awareness & Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course I, II, III, ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800, Valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Special Requirements Successful completion of all listed Training and Special Requirements. Selected applicants who are offered conditional employment must successfully pass the following 4 evaluations : NFPA 1582 Medical Examination, Psychological Test, Drug Test, and a National and State criminal history records check and FBI fingerprint check. Selected applicants who are offered conditional employment will be required to receive vaccines against various diseases or must provide proof of immunization. Selected applicant(s) must pass the Fireground Physical Ability Test within the established timeline for the City of Richmond Department of Emergency Services prior to admission to the academy.

Criminal Background and Driving Record : A conviction for any felony or entering pleas of no lo contendere in any felony charge automatically disqualifies an applicant. Conviction of more than one DWI / DUI automatically disqualifies an applicant. Conviction of one DWI / DUI within 3 years of the date of application or within 3 years of date of hire automatically disqualifies an applicant. An applicant is automatically disqualified if there are more than minus 7 traffic points on their Virginia driver's license (or the equivalent for an out of state license) at either their date of application or at their date of hire. An applicant cannot have been convicted of any offense that denies the applicant licensure as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). A list of those offenses can be found in the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Training Program Summary - 12VAC5-31-910.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary. Knowledge (some combination of the following) : Basic mathematics and science, Basic level of mechanical aptitude, CPR, Current strategies for all types of fire suppression, Electronic databases and related software applications such as FDM, mapping software, etc., EMT-B, Geography of the City, including street system, hydrant locations, layout and location of public utilities, and potentially hazardous materials or substances, Virginia Department of Fire programs such as Firefighter I and II, Hazardous materials- awareness and operations, and emergency vehicle operations, Working knowledge of first aid methods and emergency medicine. Skills (some combination of the following) : Completing various reports, Following simple oral and written instructions, adhering to policy and procedure, Maintaining technical knowledge, Operating, utilizing, and helping maintain fire department equipment, Participating in public education and community outreach programs, Performing custodial duties at the station, Providing fire suppression, firefighting, hazardous material response, different types of rescues, hazard inspections, investigations, and emergency medical services, Regulating water pressure, Rescuing people from harmful situations, Reviving people as needed, Staying physically fit, Suppressing and extinguishing fires, Using a variety of equipment such as fire engines, bag valve masks, ladders of various types and lengths, forcible entry tools, power saws, etc., Working under extremely stressful situations, day, and night. Abilities (some combination of the following) : Reading and comprehension, Conscientiousness, Dependability, Fluent in English, Good problem-solving, Mental alertness, Team player.

The following official documentation MUST be uploaded with this application as attachments. Failure to submit required documents will result in not progressing through the application. Valid Virginia or National Registry EMT Certification, VDFP or VDFP recognized Certifications : Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Material Awareness & Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operator Course I, II, III, ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, Valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Valid Driver's License.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and / or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV.