The Firefighter recruit will respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, EMS incidents, Haz Mat incidents, wildland fires or other emergencies. The Firefighter recruit will conduct safety training for the public and assist with EOC operations when needed. Job includes but is not limited to providing defensible space around structures (prevention), constructing fire-lines, hose lays, utilizing power saws, performing structure protection, conducting mop-up and patrol operations, assisting with burn out and backfire operations, hauling and packing fire-related equipment and supplies in steep terrain, and maintenance of repair of tools and equipment. The recruit operates various firefighting equipment, searches out and extinguishes burning material by moving dirt, applies water by hose or backpack pump, patrols fire line to locate and extinguish sparks, flare-ups, and hot spots that may threaten the control line. He or she would also clean, recondition, and maintain fire tools and equipment in addition to other assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as crewmember on an engine company.
• Operates radios, telephones and other necessary equipment to exchange information for dispatching, fire weather, and other fire suppression activities.
• Inspects, cleans and services firefighting equipment and apparatus; maintains clean and orderly conditions in and about the fire station.
• Attends and participates in training activities, practice drills, community events, and physical fitness programs; represents the department in a respectful and professional manner.
• Assists with department programs, i.e. staff development, pre-fire planning, and maintaining pertinent maps; assists in various department operations by performing assigned tasks.
• Performs prescribed burning and or provide defensible space to reduce fuel or disease vegetation while protecting residents and wildlife; ability to chop, carry and pile logging slash for prescribed burning purposes.
• Ability to lay hose in the use of water, move dirt, chop brush, and fall small trees to build fire line using various hand tools such as axes, shovels, Pulaskis and McLeods to control wildland fire spread and / or to prepare lines prior to burning.
• May be assigned to other fire line positions as red card (NWCG) qualified or CICCS
• Comprehend reading materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers, subordinates, and the public.
• Respond quickly to oral commands or signals in emergency situations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment (date of hire)
• Must be insurable through the tribe to drive department vehicles.
• (Pass / Fail) Current CPAT or Biddle certification accepted in lieu of passing the Cahuilla Fire Dept’s physical ability test.
• Must be AHA BLS CPR / Basic First Aid certified.
• Must pass department physical agility test, CPAT certification, or Biddle certification.
• Must have Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• California State Firefighter 1 highly desirable
• California State Fire Marshall LARRO certification highly desirable
• California State Fire Marshall Vehicle Extrication certification highly desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING ENVIRONMENT/SCHEDULE:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The duties of this position involve field work, which may be in remote and / or rugged terrain where climatic conditions are variable and extreme. This position may require extended hours and widely varied work environments, including remote physical areas, high altitudes, physical exertion, and some degree of physical danger.

Strength, stamina, and dexterity to work with equipment on all types of incidents and withstand extended periods of physical exertion; moving from place to place at emergency sites; repeatedly stooping, standing, sitting, and walking on uneven or slippery surfaces; dexterity and coordination to handle fire equipment, apparatus and tools; occasional lifting and varying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIOINS

Work in outdoor and indoor environments with intermittent to frequent exposure to a variety of extreme weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold, wind and dust. Work under significant risk conditions such as fire, injury, and death. Occasional work in confined areas. Exposure to hazardous materials may occur. Willingness to work in remote areas and on weekends and holidays and remain assigned to fire assignments for up to two weeks away from home.

TRAVEL

Position could require extensive travel, particularly during fire season. Travel away from the primary duty station is determined by the type of fire season and incumbents red-card qualifications. Standard fire assignments are 14 days in length, exclusive of travel from and to the home unit, with possible extensions. After completion of 14-day assignment, two mandatory days off are required. During periods of non-routine or extended activity, employees will have a minimum of one day off in any 21-day period. Employees may be required to remain in the vicinity of the assignment on days off.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive medical examination that includes a drug and alcohol screening.

• Driver License Clearance Eligibility under Cahuilla Insurance

• Background check clearance