Jurisdiction: City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Revised: 1/11/83, 4/01/88, 3/28/94; 9/11/95; 1/11/00

FIREFIGHTER

DISTINGUISHED FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is hazardous work involving the performance of a variety of fire fighting and fire prevention duties. The incumbent also performs routine maintenance and minor repair work on buildings and fire equipment as directed. A firefighter may be required to provide emergency medical treatment. The work is performed under the supervision of the Fire Chief or duty officer in accordance with established policies and procedures. Code Enforcement activities are performed under the supervision of the Assistant Fire Chief II. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

When Engaged in Firefighter Activities:

Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls;

Lays and connects hose lines to water supplies such as hydrants and fire trucks;

Controls the water supply to hose lines;

Manipulates fire hose to direct the stream of water and achieve maximum extinguishing effect;

Erects and climbs ladders to remove people and property from burning buildings;

Manipulates hand tools such as fire axes to create openings in burning buildings to provide access and ventilation;

Installs and operates specialized fire fighting equipment such as smoke ejectors and portable extinguishers;

Drives fire fighting vehicles to and from the scene and operates related attachments such as extension ladders and water pumps;

Performs a variety of salvage operations at the scene of fires such as clearing away debris and covering furniture with tarpaulins;

Participants in training sessions to acquire skill in the use of various fire fighting methods and equipment;

Inspects dwelling and commercial building for applicable fire, building, health and safety requirements in accordance with established procedures and prepares report in findings;

Responds to hazardous materials incidents;

Performs a variety of building maintenance tasks such as sweeping, mopping and painting at a fire station;

Cleans, maintains and makes minor repairs to fire fighting equipment;

Administers emergency medical treatment to injured individuals;

Receives calls for assistance and relays orders and instructions when assigned to communications duty;

Performs special fire watch duty at public gatherings as directed;

Performs miscellaneous clerical work when assigned.

When Engaged in Emergency Medical Technician Activities:

Provides basic life support services to stabilize accident or fire related victims, or any other medical emergency;

Provides medical emergency service to minimize trauma such as splinting, immobilization, administration of oxygen, sectioning, airway insertions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and assists with emergency childbirth;

Applies rescue and extrication techniques to effect the safety of people trapped in damaged vehicles or endangered by other unusual circumstances and gives emergency medical treatment;

May assist in the planning for control in the event of major disaster or catastrophes;

May give lectures or provide emergency medical training to members of the public;

Applies temporary casts and mast pants to reduce trauma at the scene;

Performs administrative duties such as medical reports and incident reports.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of modern fire fighting principles, practices, and equipment; good knowledge of emergency medical treatment; working knowledge of the methods, tools, and terminology of building maintenance; skill in the exercise of modern fire fighting techniques; skill in the safe and efficient operation of fire fighting vehicles and equipment; ability to administer emergency medical treatment; ability to make minor repairs to fire fighting equipment; ability to conduct inspections; ability to communicate effectively with others; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to work under hazardous conditions; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Candidates must be not less than 20 years of age at the time of written examination;

2. Candidates must be eligible for an operator’s license issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. Possession of the license at the time of appointment. Failure to maintain a valid operator’s license will result in disciplinary action or dismissed.

3. Candidates must posses a certification as New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to be eligible for appointment. Failure to maintain an EMT Certification after appointment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

NOTE: Firefighters must meet and maintain all post employment state mandated requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who currently do not possess an Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT) may file for and take this examination. Candidates will not be certified from the eligible list until proof of an EMT Certification has been received by the Personnel/Civil Service Office.