VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER JOB DESCRIPTION

This is advanced firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, responding to hazardous materials incidents, and emergency medical calls which include special rescue situations such as vehicle and steep angle rescue.

Work involves training for and participating in duties of protecting life and property through the performance of firefighting and emergency medical service activities. Volunteer Firefighters are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous task under emergency conditions which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke, fire, heat and cramped surroundings. Although firefighting and emergency medical services work constitutes the primary and most difficult and responsible areas of work, the volunteer is also required to drill at least twice a month for two hours. These drills consist of practice sessions dealing with various aspects of firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials awareness, and emergency medical work. Time spent at the station may consist of studying, custodial care and a wide variety of maintenance of departmental facilities, apparatus and equipment. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions and well defined procedures, however, performance of the work requires initiative and the exercise of independent judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of a lieutenant or Captain.

Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies with an engine company, brush company, ladder truck, or ambulance. After being certified drives apparatus, operates fire pumps, and auxiliary equipment. Lays and connects hose, holds nozzles, and directs fog, chemical and water streams. Raises and climbs ladders, uses chemical extinguishers and a variety of other portable and related equipment.

Participates in training sessions and attends classes in firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, and emergency medical treatment, and related subjects.

Responds to calls for emergency medical services, performs life saving techniques and other on-site care of victims of accidents, heart attacks, strokes and other traumatic cases.

Responds to emergency calls for drowning, various rescue situations, accidents and natural or other catastrophes.

Performs a wide variety of general custodial and maintenance work in the upkeep of the department apparatus, equipment and station. Cleans and washes walls and floors. Washes, hangs, and dries hose. Washes, cleans, and polishes apparatus. This listing of “Examples of Work Performed” is intended to describe the principal functions of the Volunteer Firefighter. The listing of examples, however, shall not be construed as a complete listing of miscellaneous, incidental or substantively similar duties which may be assigned during the normal operation of the Fire District.

Shall hold a current valid Oregon Drivers License, or have the ability to respond to calls.

Considerable knowledge of Fire District policy and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of firefighting and fire prevention work.

Considerable knowledge of departmental apparatus, tool, and equipment and their proper use.

Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

In addition to those physical and mental functions required to perform the duties set forth above, this position of volunteer firefighter requires the following:

1. Ability to carry a ladder weighing approximately 75 pounds, to raise and extend the ladder, to assist victims down ladders, and to carry fire hose and other heavy equipment up and down ladders and stairs.
2. Ability to move and advance a charged hose line, weighing approximately 180 pounds into a burning building, while standing or crawling on the floor.
3. Ability to hold flowing hose line for long periods of time and to shut off a flowing line while maintaining control of the hose line.
4. Ability to enter a building under adverse fire conditions which might include smoke, extreme heat, and no visibility, in full protective clothing, including air pack with face piece. Ability to search for fire victims (sometimes searching by feel only), while walking or crawling, and if victim is found, to drag or carry the victim to safety.
5. Ability to work in high, open places and confined spaces.
6. Ability to operate a power saw in awkward positions, such as overhead cutting, cutting on a sloping roof, and cutting from a ladder.
7. Ability to use a variety of tools to remove walls and ceilings, requiring pulling and pushing motions with arms extending overhead for long periods of time, or to force entry into a building.
8. Ability to perform firefighting and rescue duties while exposed to extreme cold and/or wet environmental elements.
   Ability to operate power extrication equipment to assist in patient removals from motor vehicles. The ability to lift and carry patients over rough or uneven terrain for considerable distances. Ability to bend, strain, stretch, contort, push, pull, twist, carry, walk with weight, or lift to remove a victim from a motor vehicle and place the victim on a stretcher.
9. Once certified, have the ability to drive a medic unit or large fire apparatus during both the day and night, using depth perception and peripheral vision in emergency situations involving speed in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
10. Ability to complete firefighter and emergency rescue functions and tasks which are physically demanding over a period of time, without breaks, recovering quickly when given a short break.
11. Ability to respond to an alarm, wake, and go from a sound sleep to full activity and exertion within a matter of minutes.
12. Ability to hear and orally respond to verbal orders, calls for assistance, and radio communications, as well as the ability to hear, identify, and appropriately respond to various sounds in an environment of substantial background noises, such as sounds produced by structural collapses, back-drafts, breaking glass, fire, other firefighters, sirens, traffic, and victims. Ability to shout orders, warnings, and responses when necessary.
13. Ability to identify hazardous materials codes by color.
14. Ability to communicate with a diverse range of people and deal with verbal and physical confrontations.
15. Ability to interview people and to gather information on their medical history or circumstances surrounding an incident