Firefighter at City of Porterville in California

Under general supervision, responds to life and property protection emergencies including fire, medical, vehicular accident, hazardous materials incidents, rescue efforts and other emergency calls; participates in fire suppression and prevention, station and equipment maintenance, and training activities; performs related duties as required.

The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by the employee of this class. Not all assigned duties may be listed and some assigned duties may not be listed below.

1. Responds to fire emergencies; operates various firefighting, control and rescue equipment; performs fire ground operations; and responds to and participates in emergency situations involving toxic/hazardous materials.
2. Renders emergency medical aid and CPR to the sick and injured in fire and other emergency situations.
3. Inspects, cleans and services firefighting equipment and apparatus; maintains clean and orderly conditions in and about the fire station; and tests and maintains hydrant systems.
4. Attend and participates in training activities, practice drills and physical fitness programs.
5. Conducts inspections of public and commercial buildings for fire prevention, target hazard identification and review and fire code enforcement.
6. Assists with programs such as weed abatement, arson investigation, public information programs, staff development, pre-fire planning, and maintaining pertinent maps, assists in various City operations by performing assigned tasks.
7. Participates in public education programs; makes presentations to schools, service clubs or other public gatherings on fire and burn prevention; represent the department at public functions to promote fire and burn prevention by the general public.

Certified by the California State Board of Fire Services as a Firefighter I or successful completion of an approved Firefighter I Academy and eligibility for a Firefighter I Certification at the time of appointment.

Knowledge of:

Basic fire behavior and suppression techniques; universal fire vocabulary and expressive techniques; emergency medical care and basic life support techniques; basic mechanical and building construction maintenance principles; universal safety precautions when providing medical attention; safety inspection procedures; and the proper handling of toxic/hazardous materials.

Ability to:

Operate all fire, emergency and telecommunication equipment and apparatus; put on and work in safety gear; administer medical care and life support procedures; identify and solve problems; think and act quickly in emergency situations; communicate effectively with individuals of all ages in various emotional states, from different backgrounds and in a variety of mental conditions; rapidly shift among communication styles; control situations involving irate and emotionally distraught persons; communicate in person and by any form of communication device; understand and follow directions; retain sense of direction in total darkness, respond and make decisions under stress; remember and make a written record of observations and actions taken; comprehend reading materials; and use a computer to enter and retrieve information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, peers, subordinates, and the general public.

Special Requirements: Candidates must possess and maintain a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must also possess a current EMT Certification Card at time of appointment and maintain current throughout employment.

All candidates must pass the department’s physical agility test, which will be provided during the testing process.

All full-time Fire Department personnel must reside within Tulare, Kern, Kings and Fresno counties. (Newly appointed personnel must abide by the department order within four months after appointment as part of their conditional offer.)