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SPEC 21.02

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (For Admission to the Examination)

All applicants for examination for this class must be citizens of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident; able to read and write the English language; possess an education equivalent to a four-year high school course or possess a Washington Certificate of Educational Competence as awarded by the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction as provided by Chapter 43 of the Regular Session Laws of 1971; be of good moral character and temperate and industrious habits; not less than 21 years of age at the time of closing date for filing applications; except candidates presently under the LEOFF Program who are over the age of 34 years may be considered as an entrance candidate; able to meet the medical and physical requirements required under Rule 21.01; and possess a valid State of Washington motor vehicle operator’s license.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The primary function of an employee in this class is the responsibility for fire fighting operations, individually and as part of a team, including the combating, extinguishing and preventing of fires, and the preservation of life and property.

Essential Job Functions are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.

Responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties, under emergency conditions and frequently involving considerable hazard.

The fire fighting duties include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance of fire fighting equipment and VRFA property.

The firefighter is responsible for carrying out the specific orders and directions as received from a superior officer.

The firefighter/EMT is a first responder position, with emergency medical care responsibilities in addition to firefighter duties. Depending upon the nature of the emergency, these personnel provide first aid and basic life support services, perform extrication and rescue, or act as firefighters in fire suppression or hazard control activities.

Responds to fire alarms as part of a team or company; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.

As assigned, may be required to drive and operate specialized fire fighting apparatus and equipment.

Ventilates fire to release heat and smoke; prevents the spread of fire and protects property from damage by water.

Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

Performs necessary basic life support and first aid on sick, injured or convalescent persons at the site of emergencies, or in route to hospitals or other medical facilities. Patient care may include: hemorrhage control and treatment for shock, automated external defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway maintenance, or fracture stabilization.

Record event information including patient condition, patient history, treatments, vital signs and scene observation.

Participates in fire training and attends classes in fire fighting and emergency medical procedures.

Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire property; cleans and washes walls, windows and floors; cares for, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment; makes minor repairs to station; maintains grounds; washes, hangs and dries hose; and performs other manual tasks as necessary.

When assigned to fire inspections, inspects buildings, checking fire escapes, exits and general compliance with VRFA fire prevention ordinances.

Lubricates, refuels, and makes minor repairs to fire automotive equipment and checks batteries and tires.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

a) Ability to learn the operation of all apparatus, equipment and methods used in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and in rescue work.

b) Ability to learn emergency medical procedures, evaluate patients’ condition and properly render emergency medical care.

c) Ability to attend and successfully complete a designated course of firefighter training at a state accredited fire academy may be required.

d) Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights.

e) Ability to readily acquire knowledge of the streets and geography of the VRFA area of responsibility.

f) Ability to perform physically arduous work requiring strength and agility and to perform the assigned duties in all types of weather, and often under adverse conditions.

g) Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

h) Ability to drive and operate VRFA apparatus and equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The work is performed generally under the direct supervision of a Fire Captain or may include supervision by a Battalion Chief or as assigned by the Administrator.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the ability to interact with patients, independently assess and treat medical emergencies, follow established protocols, and document findings and events for the patient’s medical record. Work is often carried out under stressful conditions in the presence of contagious disease, and environmental, chemical or physical violence hazards.

The primary duties of this class are performed in a work environment in which the employee is subject to potential personal danger.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively on the telephone, VRFA radio equipment, and in person, including during emergency situations;

Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, safely and effectively supervise at a fire or related emergency scene, and comprehend, prepare, review, and evaluate written documents and text materials;

Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to direct the use and operation of vehicles and equipment used in fire fighting and emergency situations and operate a personal computer;

Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform all duties involved in protecting life and property.

 

VRFA CIVIL SERVICE RULES, (Revised 06.12.18) RULE 21.02