Structural Firefighter Type 1

Introduction

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Structural Fire Fighter, and firefighting crew member.

Duties

• Serves as a firefighting crew member protecting life and property.
• Utilizes a variety of firefighting tools and equipment to attack and extinguish fires requiring the full performance level of firefighting skills, including hazard material awareness techniques.
• Unreels and connects hose, lays hose lines, operates charged lines, and places and raises ladders.
• Makes forced entries, ventilates structures, and performs or assists in rescue operations.
• Operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus such as hydrants, pumps, and other related equipment.
• Utilizes all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Provides emergency medical care within the scope of training and certification.
• Performs cleanup, salvage, overhaul, and scene preservation.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

• Basic knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Knowledge of firefighting operations and procedures gained through direct experience and/or completion of the requirement to meet minimum standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1001) or equivalent.
• Ability to locate and remove victims trapped in a structure.
• Ability to provide basic emergency medical care such as first aid for minor injuries, and CPR.
• Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and its appropriate use in firefighting operations.
• Knowledge of situational awareness fundamentals including personal equipment, essential firefighting equipment, hazardous material operations, and general all-risk hazards.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Supervisory Control

Work direction is provided by a Supervisory Firefighter or other designated supervisor who makes assignments and procedures to be followed.  Most firefighting duties are performed independently with instructions provided for unfamiliar or unusual situations.  Closer supervision or oversight is provided when performing rescue operations.  Completed work is reviewed for operational effectiveness and compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for doing the work have been established and a number of specific guidelines or standard orders are available such as oral instructions, manuals, health and safety codes, and on-the-job (OJT) or formal training.  Some problems encountered may not be specifically covered by guidelines.

The incumbent works in accordance with the guidelines, references and procedures.  Deviations or questions are referred to the supervisor or higher graded firefighter for resolution.

Complexity

The incumbent performs a variety of firefighting assignments which require full performance firefighting skills, such as defensive and offensive firefighting, structure entry and ventilation, rescue operations, and assisting with emergency medical situations.  Emergency responses often involve action in extremely adverse physical and emotional conditions and ability to function effectively in sensitive situations.

Work requires application of established firefighting practices in areas of assignment.  Individual discretion and judgment is expected in emergency situations.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of this position is to act as a full performance team member in implementing firefighting objectives for a safe operation while effectively performing fire suppression operations.  The effectiveness and timeliness of the decisions and actions taken impacts the efficiency of assignments and the safety of operations performed.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with local agency firefighting personnel or incident management team personnel during the duration of the incident.  The incumbent may also interact with media operations, family members, special interest groups, and others with interests in the incident.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain briefings and orders, as well as to relay incident information to and from the incident management team and other fire team members, and to provide general and specific information and assistance.

Physical Demands

Firefighting work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity.  Incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out responsibilities including the ability to pass an arduous duty physical, and handle a variety of heavy and cumbersome firefighting equipment.  Emergency firefighting situations often require clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.

Work Environment

Work environment is predominately outdoors in all types of weather, night or day, for extended periods of time.  The incumbent is subject to cold, hot, windy, wet, or snowy conditions, and subject to extreme heat, burns, falling objects, exposure to smoke and noxious fumes.  Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in firefighting operations is mandatory.