FIREFIGHTER

Position is open until Friday, April 3, 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 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 scene of the fire 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 / Emergency Medical Technician 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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must learn and apply first aid and complete a course to become a certified State of Connecticut or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within the first year of service, and maintain 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. Must qualify for a 2Q Driver's License endorsement within the first year of service. Must successfully complete the Connecticut State Fire Academy Recruit Program.

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 oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk or electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be extreme in certain conditions.

Important Information

In order to be considered applicants must demonstrate on their application that they meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.

You must reside within the City of Norwich 60 miles from Norwich within one year of appointment.

Applicants must successfully pass:

1.) Written examination to be held Wednesday April 15th and Thursday, April 16th, 2026

2.) Oral board examination to be held the week of April 27th

3.) Must possess a Connecticut Physical Ability Test card (CPAT) within the date range of June 30, 2025 – June 30, 2026

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN A CPAT CARD, GO TO:

https://portal.ct.gov/CFPC/Candidate-Physical-Ability-Test OR https://www.certifyfit.com/cpat/