Paid-On-Call Firefighter

NATURE OF WORK: Protects life and property by performing firefighting and rescue skills, providing medical care as a first responder, response to hazardous materials incidents, and fire prevention duties.

I. Performs firefighting and rescue activities within the scope of the individual’s level of training and ability. Under general supervision, the following work may be performed: technical rescue; rope rescue; water rescue; confined space rescue; trench rescue; and vehicle and machinery extrication. Applies fire suppression methods to rescue victims from fire or other hazardous environments and to control and stop property damage. Includes activities that require the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus in IDLH atmospheres such as interior structural firefighting. Includes driving fire apparatus, raising and climbing ladders, laying and connecting hoses, applying water streams, use of fire extinguishers, rescue tools, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment at fire and rescue scenes. Operates specialized fire apparatus and equipment such as aerial apparatus, hydraulic rescue tools, or other equipment as approved by the Fire Chief or designee. Responds to other types of emergencies and disasters that may occur in the community. May be required to assist neighboring communities as assigned.

II. Administers emergency medical care at the first responder level to injured persons, using advanced techniques to restore cardio-pulmonary functions such as Automatic External Defibrillation.

III. Participates in fire training, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.

IV. Operates radio and other communication equipment.

V. Search for and / or rescue victims at fire and accident sites under adverse or
hazardous conditions.

A. Observe or monitor people’s behavior to assess patient condition.
B. Make life and death decisions during emergency situations.
C. Works safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

VI. Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

VII. Performs general maintenance work in the up-keep of the Fire Department.

VIII. Participates in fire safety and prevention activities.

IX. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

EXTENT AND TYPE OF INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC:

I. Communicates orally with customers, clients or the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOL OPERATION:

I. Individuals in this position will operate, but not be limited to, the following pieces equipment: emergency medical rescue unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, standard firefighting equipment, extrication tools, generators, ventilation fans, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, telephone, personal computer, copy machines, fax, and calculators.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Understands and follows oral and written instructions in the English language. No specific firefighting experience required. Must live within twelve (12) minutes of the Owatonna Fire Station.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS:

I. Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Minnesota driver’s license, with an acceptable driving record.

II. Must be a United States citizen.

III. Must be able to read and write the English language.

IV. Must be 18 years or older at the time of employment.

V. No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past five years.

VI. Must meet the Applicant Screening Requirements that are included with the application packet.

VII. Must maintain 40% response percentage to emergency calls, and 80% attendance to training sessions.

VIII. Must attend the required annual training to maintain certification of First Responder.

I. Firefighters are assigned to a day shift or night shift and are paged for emergency response as needed. There are no designated working hours because there are times when all firefighters are paged for emergency response. Readiness is maintained 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The duration of each emergency incident varies and firefighters are required to work until the Incident Commander releases them from the incident.

II. All firefighters shall have a response requirement of 12 minutes, with the time measured from their residence to the station. All traffic regulations, including speed limits must be adhered to.
III. Office environment and construction job site activities, which may include walking, climbing, and bending, in a normal construction environment. Individual may be required to lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or force entry into automobiles using specialized tools. This may include exposure to the natural elements, dust, insects, and conditions that could be hazardous or dangerous relative to construction sites. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils. Individual will use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases. Individual occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and places greater than ten feet in height. Individual may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions and outdoor elements, including wet/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Works for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands: This position requires an equal amount of time spent standing, walking, and sitting. Lifting, pushing/pulling, or carrying objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds is sometimes required, with a maximum of one hundred (100) pounds infrequently required. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, and bending are sometimes required. Repetitive movements of the hands are sometimes required. Makes fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust control mechanisms. Audio, visual, and verbal functions are essential functions to performing this position. Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors. Rely on sense of sight and hearing to help determine the nature of emergency and operational decisions. The majority of the workday is spent indoors.