Shire Jobs

TOWN OF CANTON, NORTH CAROLINA CLASS DESCRIPTION CLASS TITLE: FIREFIGHTER/EMT

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS: Under general supervision, performs specialized firefighting work in driving a fire apparatus and performs general firefighting work in the combating, extinguishing, and prevention of fires; performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Stands watch to receive alarms and answer phones.
• Responds to emergency situations within the Town's jurisdiction to perform fire suppression, hazardous materials incident response, and rescue duties.
• Respond to automatic aid calls outside of jurisdiction.
• Drives fire apparatus to and from emergency scenes; properly places apparatus to establish water supply or other needs; ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses; issues equipment to firefighters.
• Provides crowd and traffic control at emergency scenes; assists with salvage, overhaul, cleanup, and evacuation activities as necessary.
• Forces entry into burning structures and searches for and rescues occupants.
• Provide emergency medical treatment on fire and accident scenes.
• Participates in post-fire operations of cleaning and salvage.
• Monitors radio transmissions and relays messages as needed.
• Documents all fire and other emergency incidents and responses. Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition.
• Cleans and maintains fire apparatus, equipment, stations and grounds; tests and maintains fire pumpers and hoses; maintains emergency response equipment in a constant state of readiness.
• Assists in keeping fire station in good condition by cleaning furniture, fixtures, and interior of station.
• Participates in special projects such as maintaining fire hydrants; may participate in fire investigations.
• May provide leadership and instruction of lower-ranking fire personnel as assigned.
• Receives and responds to public inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility.
• Performs fire inspections for commercial businesses.
• Conducts pre-plans for commercial businesses.
• Performs other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of modern firefighting principals, practices, and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of the geography of the Town including the locations of streets, fire alarm boxes, water systems, and hydrants.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the various types of apparatus and equipment used by the Department.
• Ability to supervise the effective use of apparatus and equipment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, laptop, and tablet with a Windows operating system and Windows Office Suite.
• Ability to operate GIS-based software and common fire inspection software such as Emergency Reporter; ability to adapt to new computer software programs.
• Strong knowledge of emergency medical service techniques.
• Ability to analyze situations correctly and quickly and to adopt effective courses of action with regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• Ability to observe or monitor people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards, or to assess patient condition.
• Ability to make life and death decisions during emergency situations.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare fire related reports.
• Ability to meet extreme physical demands of the role.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School diploma or GED, supplemented by formal training, special courses or self-education that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of one year of college education or any equivalent combination of training and experience required to perform theessential position functions.
• A two-year Associates degree or two year technical degree is preferable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid North Carolina d iver's license.
• NC Certified Firefighter or equivalent.
• EMT certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The job may have exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals/wildlife, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, explosives, violence.

ADA COMPLIANCE The Town of Canton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Town to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Physical Requirements:

• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Ability to work in confined spaces such as attic crawl spaces.
• Ability to tolerate and endure extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Rely on sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions.
• Ability to work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Ability to perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground.
• Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.
• Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an ax or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.
• Ability to use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Ability to travel across wet, slipper, rough and uneven or rocky surfaces.