Reserve Firefighter

Compensation

• Quarterly stipend: $1,000

• Participation requirement: 48 hours per quarter

Primary Purpose 

Responds to all medical emergencies and administers life saving measures as defined by the State Department of Health and Sterling Fire Protocols. Controls and extinguishes fires and engages in search and rescue for the preservation of life and property. Maintains apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds as directed.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 

Under general supervision of the Fire Captain or incident commander, position works within prescribed standards and procedures; work varies somewhat, limited judgment is exercised, some leeway for discretion and independent action; adjust work methods to meet task requirements, supervisory guidance is readily available, any planning performed is for immediate application or short period up to one month; works regularly with some information which is generally limited, discretion and integrity are recognized requirements of the job. Position performs functions within the City of Sterling’s policies/procedures, quality standards and Fire Department policies and general orders. The position performs the following essential functions and responsibilities. (Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

• Respond to fire emergency calls as assigned, and perform tasks that may include search, rescue, ventilation, or suppression.
• Use department equipment as appropriate to extinguish fires of all types in buildings, grass, terrain, automobiles, or other sites.
• Respond to emergency medical care calls as assigned for assistance to sick or injured people and treat them according to guidelines.
• Drive and operate all department vehicles as qualified and appropriate to the scene of the incident.
• Perform daily equipment tests and upkeep tasks to keep all equipment and apparatus in state of readiness for emergencies.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, such as checking fluids, hoses, and air pressure, and making corrections. For mechanical maintenance and repair take to City shop. Design, recommend, and/or perform modifications and fabrication for equipment.
• Participate in pre-planning fire tactics to improve service and rescue.
• As directed, participate in training classes to maintain and upgrade knowledge, skills, and certification.
• Check hydrants and test available water flows on a regular schedule and as needed; maintain records, including location and types of hydrants.
• Perform work in accordance with all safety policies and procedures, including the protocols for infection control.
• Wash equipment and perform station maintenance, such as washing windows, washing and waxing floors, cleaning kitchen utensils and equipment, and doing laundry.
• On occasion, will make public presentations, conduct tours of the station, or assist in presenting training classes for other staff, volunteers, community groups, or fire personnel from other districts.
• As directed, use computers to enter data and generate reports, and maintain necessary manual and computer records.
• Participate in off-duty rotation call-back for standby and fire calls.
• Performs other related functions as otherwise assigned, delegated or required by the Fire Chief.

Supervision of Others

Generally the position responsibility for supervision of others is limited to assisting seasonal or new employees in routine work procedures; however, under some circumstances the position may supervise a small group of workers in office or field work; may act as a unit head as assigned in the absence of a higher authority.
 

Physical Requirements

Position generally performs moderate physical work including encountering and lifting weights of fifty (50) pounds; some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 100 pounds for short distances; some pushing, pulling, and climbing while performing station and vehicle maintenance; moves about on foot to accomplish tasks. Duties require a multitude of movements involving standing; lifting, stacking, walking, pushing and pulling.

•    Physical requirements may be extended dependent upon response circumstances to heavy physical work which will include: ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; exert up to fifty (50) pounds of force; lift over the head and carry weights of at least one hundred (100) pounds; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; bend body downward and forward by bending leg or spine; bend knees to come to rest on knee or knees; climb ladders, ascend or descend stairs, slide down a fire pole; use upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time (e.g. laying hose, acting as nozzle person, positioning ladders and other firefighting activities); and perform duties while wearing breathing apparatus and other cumbersome equipment. Very heavy strenuous labor work is defined as, for example, exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 175 pounds of body weight and occasionally, as a team member, to lift and maneuver onto a gurney body weight up to 600 pounds, or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue. Often the lifting must be done in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques is not possible.
•    Physical mobility sufficient to carry out the primary purpose of the position at various response sites under a variety of weather, climatic conditions.
•    Visual acuity with eyesight sufficient for work which deals largely with driving heavy trucks, operating pumper control panels, utilizing firefighting equipment, performing basic lifesaving measures sometimes in dim light conditions, preparing records and reports, and visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects in repairs and maintenance; normal depth perception and peripheral vision sufficient for work which deals largely with observing actions of others, driving vehicles, reading and writing clear and accurate reports, operating a typewriter and computer keyboard, and visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects, errors and defects.
•    Hearing acuity sufficient to receive, comprehend and understand detailed information through oral communications, telephone conversations, radio traffic, etc., and to make fine discriminations in sounds in order to perform duties safely, such as to use stethoscope to assess heart and lung sounds where ambient noise is a factor, communicating with team members, and the use of portable radios while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
•    Requires the ability to work long varied hours/shifts and adjust sleep patterns; ability to drive at night; ability to sit in and/or drive a vehicle for extended periods of time.
•    Cognitive ability sufficient to perform and understand and apply simple to complex mathematical concepts.

Working Conditions

Employee may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, smoke, toxic fumes or chemicals, biological and synthetic hazardous materials, heat, noise, vibration, heights or confining spaces, and must be able to perform tasks during inclement and sometimes extreme weather conditions. The position is required to wear protective gear, carry appropriate tools and wear a self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing a combined total of 100 lbs.

Marginal Functions

• May perform routine office tasks such as answering phone, taking messages, and preparing records or reports on departmental activities, emergency calls, and volunteer records;
• May present fire safety programs to civic, business, and school groups;
• May attend evening meetings and work extra hours;
• May serve on special City task forces
• Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions;
• May assist in special projects as needed or otherwise delegated or assigned.
• May assist emergency medical personnel in transportation of patients to hospital.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The degree of knowledge, ability and physical requirements as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactory perform the essential functions of this position. Employees should be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to perform safely the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of

(The listed knowledge requirements are not necessarily mandatory for entry into the position but will be required to be demonstrated as part of the performance evaluation process.)

•    Fire suppression and prevention techniques, practices, procedures and methods;
•    Fire protection systems, including sprinkler and alarm systems and fire hydrant location;
•    Safety standards, procedures, and precautions utilized in firefighting activities;
•    Geography and street system of the City and location of major buildings;
•    Emergency medical practices and CPR procedures;
•    Safe and appropriate use of firefighting equipment and related tools.

Ability to

• Participate in and attend training courses, perform self-directed reading and studying of assigned materials related to firefighting, prevention and emergency medical services, and effectively apply new information to enhance departmental operations.
• Meet physical agility test standards set forth in Sterling Fire Department Operations;
• Operate effectively and safely a variety of City vehicles in emergency situations and routine operations; and to use a variety of hand and power tools appropriate for emergency and fire situations;
• Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases;
• Represent Department/Division and the City of Sterling in a positive responsive manner to the public, fellow employees, volunteers, and supporters.
• Communicate in an effective, cordial, tactful, and professional manner suitable for the situation, using appropriate English, while performing activities in which employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to fellow employees and other members of the general public;
• Receive, comprehend and follow complex written and/or oral instructions of moderate length or complexity; to compile information, to complete and file accurate reports, within City and departmental time parameters;
• Exercise sound judgment, reasoning and decision making which produces logical and consistent results and outcomes.
• Operate a computer utilizing such software programs as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Education, Experience, & Training
Education

• High School or G.E.D.

Experience

• None, experience in operating heavy trucks or in the fire service is preferred.

Training/Certifications

• Current valid National Registry and/or State of Colorado EMT/ Intermediate/Paramedic certification, AND Colorado Firefighter I Certification

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain of a valid Colorado driver’s License or ability to obtain same within 30 days of employment
• Must maintain licensing and certification, once attained, continuously throughout employment.
• Minimum 20 years of age at time of hire.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled.

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.