FIREFIGHTER

State of careers Rhode Island

7d • $25 - $28

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the direct supervision of a Crew Chief, performs all duties as outlined in AFI 32-2001, NGR 5-1, NFPA 1500 and other regulatory standards. To serve as a Firefighter assigned to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity engaged in airfield, structural firefighting, crash-rescue, and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations and assist in reducing and/or eliminating potential fire hazards and reacting to the presence or potential releases of hazardous materials as a first responder to protect persons, property, or the environment. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Firefighter works under the administrative supervision of his/her assigned Crew Chief who provides general policy and guidance. The Firefighter is expected to use initiative and judgment in ensuring that work is accomplished in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed based on results achieved, inspection reports, etc. Guidelines are available in the form of USAF, NGB and FAA regulations, NFPA Standards, policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Must possess at least one (1) year experience as a firefighter and be IFSAC or ProBoard certified as a Firefighter II.
• Must be capable of performing heavy lifting during emergency situations.
• Must maintain physical standards in accordance with NFPA 1500 and NFPA 1582. Candidates must have successfully completed the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs Firefighter Physical Performance Assessment Test (PPA) or an equivalent, as determined by the Fire Chief, within the past year.
• Must maintain a telephone at place of residence.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to operate motor vehicles in Rhode Island.
• Subject to National Agency Check (NAC) and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check.
• At time of appointment must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician's certificate.
• Education: Possession of a high school diploma or a GED; and Experience: At least one (1) year of experience as a firefighter and be IFSAC or ProBoard certified as a Firefighter II.
• Certifications: Within the first 24 months of appointment the incumbent must be certified in accordance with the Department of Defense accredited firefighter certification program defined in DODI 6055-6-M to the following levels as a minimum: Within the first 12 months: (These are required prior to appointment)Airport Firefighter Hazardous Materials Operations Within the first 24 months: Driver Operator Pumper Driver Operator ARFF Driver Operator Mobile Water Supply
• Knowledge of hazardous materials emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification.
• Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.; and of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.
• Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
• Skill in operating communications equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs hazard and risk assessment techniques in completing initial incident analysis.
• Surveys the incident to identify materials involved, determines whether hazardous materials have been released, evaluates surrounding conditions; and predicting the likely behavior of a material and/or container.
• Estimates the potential harm to people and the environment.
• Establishes on scene control procedures, including control zones and decontamination.
• Utilizes hazardous materials response procedures and equipment, including protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus, spill containment materials, and extinguishing agents.
• Assist hazardous material technicians and other hazardous materials response personnel as needed.
• Drives and operates firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
• Drives to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament on aircraft, etc.
• Operates pumps, foam generators, nozzles, and other similar equipment.
• Determines proper pressures, the number of lines, and relays requirements to the pumper.
• When operating a crash truck, maneuvers vehicle to keep the fire in optimum range.
• Maintains constant awareness of levels in self-contained breathing apparatus and warns other firefighters when tanks are close to empty.
• Assists in training other firefighters on driving vehicles and operating equipment.
• Performs crash-rescue and structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities and where hazardous conditions are such that the expectancy for fire is high and potential for becoming destructive is great.
• Performs work at airfields handling aircraft carrying large volumes of fuel, conventional weapons, or highly flammable or explosive cargo; or handling a large number of air moves, or other air moves with high crash or fire potential.
• Support operations involve extensive flight line repair work, or the storage or movement of large quantities of gasoline and other fuels.
• Performs standby duty as required or other special circumstances.
• Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the frequent changes in cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to determine how they affect the difficulty of rescue and firefighting.
• Directs water through turrets and hand lines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue.
• Operates or deactivates specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems.
• Sometimes uses special tools developed for the particular mechanism.
• Participates in regular training and exercises as required.
• Structural firefighting duties may include large multi storied buildings, base storage facilities, and facilities which may be engaged in the production, storage, and testing of fuels, explosives, gases, or other chemicals and materials which are capable of producing extensive and hazardous toxicological, biological, or radiological products.
• Performs pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems.
• May assist in the development of special protective services for structures imposing extreme hazards.
• As a crew member, participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants.
• Performs rescue of personnel and a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility.
• Uses direct pressure and/or tourniquets to stop bleeding, checks windpipe for obstructions, performs CPR, and/or provides other appropriate assistance.
• Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
• Performs functional tests and inspections.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and housekeeping duties associated with assigned facilities.
• Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures performing work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees