Firefighter - Certified

General Definition and Conditions of Work

Performs intermediate protective service work responding to fires and emergency medical service calls, performing fire suppression, emergency medical response and related duties, maintaining station and equipment, participating in continuing training; driving and operating fire apparatus and fire suppression equipment as a relief operator, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Fire Lieutenant and Fire Captain. Limited supervision is exercised over subordinate personnel in the absence of a company officer.

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements
This physically demanding role requires superior fitness to perform strenuous tasks in hazardous environments while wearing over 50 pounds of protective equipment. It is classified as very heavy work, requiring the exertion of over 100 lbs. of force occasionally, 50-100 lbs. frequently, and up to 20-50 lbs. constantly. This strength is critical for advancing hoselines, carrying victims, and raising ladders, while agility is needed to navigate unstable terrain. The role demands a full range of physical agility (climbing, stooping, crawling), as well as keen vision and hearing for situational awareness.
Successful applicants must pass a physical ability test and a comprehensive medical examination. All requirements are based on the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), including NFPA 1001 (Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications) and NFPA 1582 (Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments).

Essential Functions

• The Firefighter performs critical tasks and duties in accordance with departmental policies and the Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) of NFPA 1001. All functions are performed under hazardous conditions and often require wearing heavy personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Emergency Response & Fire Suppression: Executes fire attack and suppression operations by responding to alarms, establishing a secure water supply, and strategically advancing hoselines. Performs critical fire-ground duties including forcible entry, ventilation, and utility control to effectively extinguish fires in structures, vehicles, and exterior settings.
  • Search, Rescue & Emergency Medical Care: Conducts rescue operations within hazardous environments to locate and extricate victims. Performs rescues functions using specialized tools. Administers emergency medical care and basic life support (BLS) to patients, operating within established protocols.
  • Hazard Mitigation & Control: Mitigates hazardous materials incidents at the Operations level by identifying potential hazards, isolating the area, and performing defensive control measures to confine or contain hazardous substances.
  • Property Conservation: Performs property conservation (salvage) and loss control operations to protect structures and contents from damage. Conducts thorough overhaul of the fire scene to locate and extinguish hidden fires and prevent rekindle.
  • Apparatus, Equipment & Facilities: Ensures a constant state of operational readiness by conducting routine inspections, cleaning, and maintenance on all fire apparatus, power tools, rescue equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Drives and operates fire apparatus and all related emergency equipment as required.
  • Communications & Reporting: Utilizes incident command system (ICS) terminology and operates department radio equipment for clear communication. Prepares and submits accurate incident reports and other required documentation.
  • Community Risk Reduction: Contributes to community risk reduction by conducting fire safety surveys, participating in pre-incident planning, and presenting fire and life safety education programs to the public.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required, supplemented by accredited fire training courses and experience in fire suppression.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting principles, fire ground hydraulics, pump operations, hazardous materials response principles, and basic technical rescue operations. Proficient in the safe operation and maintenance of all fire apparatus and equipment.
• Medical Proficiency: Requires proficiency in basic life support and emergency medical care.
• Geographical Competency: Extensive knowledge of the Town of Carrboro's geography, including streets, hydrant locations, and major buildings.
• Core Aptitudes: Possesses strong mechanical aptitude and physical endurance. Able to follow complex instructions, prepare clear reports, and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.

Disclaimer

CARRBORO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Town of Carrboro considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their skills, dedication and service, to the diversity and excellence of our organization.

The Town of Carrboro offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all permanent employees.

View a summary of our benefits HERE!

Health Insurance

The Town provides a group medical insurance including family coverage through our medical provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Town pays 100% for the cost of employee-only coverage and shares the costs of adding family members (including domestic partners) to the town plan. Health insurance is effective the first day of the month following a new hire's start date.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is an optional benefit administered through our dental provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Dental coverage is paid for by the employee. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.

Vision Insurance

Vision insurance is a benefit offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Vision coverage is paid for by the Town. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available.

Flexible Spending Account

An optional benefit offered through our provider, Flex. Eligible health and dependent care expenses can be paid for with pre-tax dollars allocated onto a Visa card.

Paid Time Off

• Annual Leave: Permanent full-time employees earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon years of service. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Sick Leave: Permanent full-time employees accrue at a rate of one day per month of service or twelve days per calendar year. Shift employees of the Fire-Rescue Department earn sick leave at the rate of five, twenty-four-hour tour-of-duty days per calendar year. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Paid-Time Off: Permanent full-time employees receive three (3) days (36 hours for Fire-Rescue personnel) per calendar year of time to be used as needed. Time is pro-rated to employee's start date. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked.
• Paid Caregiver Leave: Qualifying employees receive 240 hours of Paid Caregiver Leave to care for an immediate family member including birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from employee's leave bank.
• Paid Holidays: There are 13 official Town holidays. Employees in full or permanent part-time positions are eligible for paid holiday time.

Local Government Retirement System

All employees in a permanent full or part-time position are required to contribute to the NC local government retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.

Supplemental Retirement Plan

The Town makes a contribution of 5% for law enforcement officers and 3% for all other employees to town sponsored 401(k) administered through Empower. NO employee match is required; however, employees have the option of making contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis. Employees also have the option of contributing to an NC 457 retirement plan.

Disability and Life Insurance

• Town Paid: The Town covers both long term disability and life/AD&D insurance for permanent employees.
• Employee Paid: Employees have the option of enrolling in accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and purchasing supplemental life and dependent life insurance at their own expense.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their dependents are eligible to receive free and confidential 24/7 counseling through the Town's Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Benefits

• Service Level Benefit payment based on years of service beginning year zero (0) of permanent full-time employment. Paid in December before holidays each year.
• O2 Fitness membership paid for by the Town for permanent employees and dependents.
• Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Carrboro are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union.
• Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period.
• Bilingual/ Multilingual Compensation Program: $1250 annual stipend for certified bilingual/multilingual employees who provide translation and interpretation services for the Town once they successfully complete proficiency certification.