CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER

Position is open until Friday, May 29, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Engages directly and performs skilled fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue work on a variety of all-hazard emergency scenes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Lieutenant, or the next in line of supervision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to hazardous material incidents.

Responds to all fire calls for reports of possible fire, confirmed fires, fire alarms. Drives and operates various kinds of fire apparatus.

Prepares and operates the necessary equipment at the emergency scene such as hose, ladders, extrication equipment, EMS equipment, power tools, hand tools, etc.

Performs lifesaving techniques and administers first aid to injured; and all other acts required of a Firefighter / EMT at the scene of an emergency.

Attends and participates in fire drills and instruction classes.

Performs fire prevention activities and conducts public fire education programs. Carries out all duties assigned by superior officers.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

Maintains all fire equipment, quarters and grounds in good order.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep and cleaning of all fire department property.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff, supervisors, and the general public.

Must have the ability to analyze problems quickly and act effectively in emergency situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalency required.

Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Program graduate within the past five (5) years. Other State or Municipal Fire Academy Recruit Program graduates within the past five (5) years may be considered in lieu of Connecticut Fire Academy. Must provide final transcripts from the Academy. Participants in the current CFA Recruit Program may apply prior to program completion for consideration upon graduation.

Valid CPAT card dated within one (1) year prior to appointment.

National Registry Emergency Medical Technician or State of Connecticut EMT certification required.

State of Connecticut Q-endorsement on driver’s license or State of Connecticut Class A or B driver’s license preferred but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be certified and maintain State of Connecticut EMT certification. Must become familiar with firefighting strategies and tactics, and sprinkler and fire alarm systems within a reasonable test period. Must learn the street system and physical layout of the City of Norwich within a reasonable time period. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut driver's license. If not already qualified, must qualify for a 2Q Endorsement on CT driver's license within the first year of service, unless you possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Class A or B driver’s license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Fire apparatus, ladders, personal protective equipment, hoses, extinguishers, axes, pumps, generators, breathing apparatus, first aid equipment, forcible entry equipment, ventilation saws, fire and rescue boats, ropes, and a variety of specialized equipment and tools.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops and ladders; and must make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods. Employee must wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 50 pounds while performing firefighting tasks. Must frequently lift 40 pounds and occasionally lift heavier weights. Must rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to help determine the nature of the emergency, maintain personal safety, and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life-threatening environment. The employee must tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties in hot, humid atmospheres. Must work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing loud noises and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and other hazards. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particulates, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be extreme in certain conditions.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.