JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, will operate and maintain a variety of fire apparatus and equipment; perform a wide variety of technical tasks in support of fire suppression and prevention; handle hazardous materials; participate in firefighting activities, fire prevention, and training activities; complete a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Fire Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Respond to emergency calls and provide appropriate services as required including emergency rescue.

Connect and lay hose lines, enter burning areas and buildings with hose lines, assisting in the operation of nozzles, directing the stream of water onto fires. Carry and operate chemical extinguishers; raise, lower, and climb ladders and make forcible entry into buildings.

Operate a variety of firefighting, rescue, and emergency vehicles, equipment, tools, and apparatus; clean and service firefighting equipment; inspect and test equipment carried on fire trucks.

Maintain a state of readiness for emergency response.

Provide overhaul, salvage, and clean-up services at fire scenes.

Clean and maintain station facilities, grounds, equipment, and apparatus; ensure that appropriate conditions are maintained at assigned station.

Participate in a variety of fire prevention operations and programs including training for natural disasters, fire investigations, incidents involving hazardous materials and other emergency situations, and equipment operation and maintenance.

Participate in continuing education on fire issues; maintain constant training in all areas of fire suppression, prevention, first aid, hazardous materials response and other operations and activities of the department.

Prepare and process assigned paperwork, reports, and other documentation.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES

High school Diploma or G.E.D.

Possession of Basic Firefighter Certification from the State of Texas

Possession of Basic Emergency Medical Technician Certification or higher from the State of Texas.

Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license for the level of vehicles operated.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

Minimum of two (2) years paid or volunteer firefighting experience with additional specialized training in fire operations and the operation of all relevant types of fire apparatus and equipment.

Must successfully complete a firefighter entrance examination and physical agility test.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a fire department

Principal practices and methods of fire suppression prevention, investigations, code enforcement, inspection, and emergency rescue

Methods and techniques of building construction

The geography of the city including water supply systems and hydrant locations in the city

Specialized fire suppression and communications equipment and vehicles

Various spreadsheets database and word processing software applications.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances

Ability to:

Work under stress and use good judgement in emergency situations; resolve a variety of situations characterized by conflict or danger.

Safely operate department vehicles, apparatus, and other emergency equipment

Perform fire and building investigations and prepare reports.

Maintain a variety of files and records.

Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental

Office and emergency firefighting environments with exposure to fire surroundings and intense heat, potential structural collapse, falls, and possible electrocution at emergency scenes. Exposure to animal and human blood, infectious diseases, and other fluids; hazards of emergency driving. Subject to inclement weather such as extreme heat, cold, dampness, and dry atmospheric conditions. Work may be performed in areas with grease and oils, radiant energy, electrical energy, explosives, silica, dust, asbestos, toxic chemicals, fumes, smoke, gases, and solvents.

Physical

Work in confined spaces, sometimes below ground, often climbing ladders and scaffolds. Work irregular hours, which is sometimes stressful. Will work with machinery and environment can get quite noisy. Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, crawling, kneeling, repeated bending, and climbing. Heavy lifting and carrying, physical and manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity, including the ability to distinguish color. Requires use of both hands and legs to carry, push, pull, drag, or hold moderate to heavy weight objects.

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical, criminal background check, and MVR check.

The City of Kaufman, Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources.