Recruit Firefighter

Job Summary

This entry-level role provides essential training to new firefighters with a focus on protecting life and property and supporting Fire District programs. Candidates will be equipped with fundamental firefighting techniques, emergency medical skills, rescue operations, and knowledge of proper equipment, apparatus, and station maintenance. The training process includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, adhering to department standards. To continue employment, probationary personnel are required to complete the requirements for Bluffton Township Fire District's Firefighter I within the first year.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Learns firefighting skills and related rescue techniques, emergency medical techniques, fire codes, fire apparatus and equipment use, fire prevention and investigation methods, salvage and overhaul operations.
• Learn to perform essential firefighting tasks such as laying and connecting hoses, operating nozzles, directing water streams, raising, and climbing ladders, and using various firefighting tools and chemical extinguishers.
• Responds with assigned crew to emergency and non-emergency incidents; assists in providing Basic Life Support (BLS) for medical emergencies; assists in searches for and rescuing victims; and supports the performance of various types of technical rescue operations.
• Participates in required and non-required training for professional development.
• Test and inspect fire hydrants and participates in pre-plans within the district assigned.
• Participates in Public Fire Education and Life Safety activities.
• Provides professional and respectful service to the public in and outside of the fire station.
• Utilizes, inspects, and wears the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing firefighting tasks in environments that may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmospheres.
• Consistently reviews and studies department SOP’s and Policies.
• Assists in station duties including cleaning, maintenance, yard work, and equipment maintenance.
• Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The proper use of firefighting equipment and tools.
• Emergency medical and health techniques and methods in alignment with certifications/licenses held.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Firefighter I

• South Carolina Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations.
• District computer applications and software.
• Receive relevant information effectively from various sources.
• Diffuse verbal and physical confrontations.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely in both written and verbal form to a wide variety of audiences utilizing different modes of communication.
• Organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.
• Understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions, including following orders.
• Interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Maintain discretion regarding business-related information within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
• Work accurately with attention to detail.
• Read and Comprehend District policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; SDS sheets, safety manuals, maps, etc.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times and able to work both independently and part of a team.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications/Coursework

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License.

Experience:

• Entry level position.

Physical and Work Environment

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with Human Resources.

• This role occasionally requires the exertion of 75-100 pounds of force. Regular activities include sitting, while frequent tasks involve standing, speaking, hearing, using hands for handling, or repetitive motions. It also requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching with hands and arms.
• This position may require raising and extending ladders, assisting victims, or carrying equipment down ladders or stairs.
• Move and advance charged hose lines into burning buildings while standing or crawling.

Maintain control of a flowing hose line for extended periods and shut it off when necessary.

• Enter buildings under adverse fire conditions, such as smoke, extreme heat, and limited visibility, while wearing full protective gear, including SCBA with a facepiece. Search for fire victims by walking or crawling, often relying on touch alone, and, if found, drag, or carry them

JOB DESCRIPTION

Firefighter I

to safety. Emergency response and medical services may be provided in various settings, including buildings, vehicles, machinery incidents, mobile homes, and outdoor areas.

• Work in high places, open and/or confined spaces, and be exposed to extreme heat, cold, and wet environmental conditions.
• Operate power extrication equipment to assist in patient removal from motor vehicles. Lift and carry patients over rough or uneven terrain for extended distances. Perform physical tasks such as bending, straining, stretching, pushing, pulling, twisting, and carrying to remove victims from vehicles and place them on a stretcher.
• Operate power saws in challenging positions, such as on sloped roofs or from ladders.
• Respond to alarms by quickly transitioning from sleep to full activity and exertion within minutes.
• May be exposed to individuals with infectious or communicable diseases.
• May be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, electrical shock, hazardous materials, and vibrations.
• May be required to work extended periods, including 24-hour shifts or longer, involving intense concentration and physical exhaustion.
• Handles cleaning fluids, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, paints, and similar substances while using both routine and specialized protective equipment.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to assign or modify duties as needed. This document does not constitute an employment agreement and may be revised at any time.