How to become a part time firefighter

POSITION DESCRIPTION

PART-TIME SEASONAL FIREFIGHTER

Part Time/Seasonal Hourly: $21 per hour

FLSA/Classification: Non-Exempt

Revision:        September 2022

SUMMARY:  Performs duties associated with providing Wildland fire prevention, mitigation, and suppression, public education, scene size-up, rescue and emergency medical care to the sick in accordance with all applicable laws, and Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) policies and directives.

The PFA Seasonal/Part-time firefighters shall remain out of all fire ground perimeters that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Normally works 29 hours per week May through September. May work on an as needed basis during the remainder of the year.
• Receives calls from Fort Collins 911, and/or PFA Operations Division command staff, verbally acknowledges the call, reads road maps of the electronic and hard copy mapping system, assists in the identification of the most expeditious route to the scene, and observes traffic laws and regulations.
• Identifies, establishes, and comprehends fire-ground and safety perimeters.
• Operates emergency vehicles consisting of types not requiring driver operator certification (type six engine, water tenders or support vehicles only).
• Upon arrival at the scene, ensures that the vehicle is parked in a safe location, determines scene safety and situational awareness including the presence of hazardous materials. Identifies or establishes fire-ground or safety perimeters. Determines mechanism of injury or illness, total number of patients and requests additional help as necessary.
• Safely assists other first responders with water rescues.
• Identifies critical fire-ground factors.
• In the absence of other public safety personnel, takes safety precautions to protect themselves, the injured and those assisting in the care of the patient(s).
• Will be expected to make critical decisions and perform in a professional and ethical manner.
• Using body substance isolation techniques, protects the patient(s) and providers from possible contamination.
• Interacts with patients, family members, bystanders, and other public safety officials in a professional manner.  Communicates clearly during treatment and patient hand-off.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position.

• Ability to obtain knowledge of Poudre Fire Authority Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
• Ability to hear, read, write, communicate, and interpret instructions in the English language.
• Ability to complete annual “pack test.”
• Ability to hear and interpret spoken information from coworkers, patients, physicians and dispatchers and sounds common to the emergency scene.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend written materials under stressful conditions.
• Ability to verbally interview patients, family members, bystanders, other healthcare workers and be able to hear and interpret their responses.
• Ability to obtain knowledge of safe operations in and around water, to include boats.
• Ability to document physically all relevant information in a prescribed format.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and fine motor skills, with the ability to perform all tasks related to quality patient care.
• Meet minimum vision requirements to operate a motor vehicle within the state.
• Function in varied environmental conditions such as light or darkened work areas, extreme heat, cold and moisture.

• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Current COVID-19 vaccination, plus one booster. Required for initial placement and continued assignment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in good standing and be insurable by PFA’s insurance provider.
• National/Colorado State EMT certification by hire date.
• Successfully obtain and maintain Wildland S-130/190 course certification within six (6) months of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects; operate hand and power tools, and equipment and vehicle controls; stand, walk and sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, maneuver over uneven terrain; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and operate in a confined space with limited visibility; and talk, hear and smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds while wearing protective clothing, operating in hot or cold environments while performing an assortment of firefighting duties. Duties may include but are not limited to dragging hose weighing up to 100 pounds, carrying firefighting tools weighing 50 pounds, effecting rescue of any victims, and operating power tools weighing up to 40 pounds. Complete a “pack test” that will measure the ability to perform tasks related to the job of a seasonal/part-time firefighter. Specific vision abilities required to perform duties include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus with vision correctable to 20/20.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job PFA part time firefighters are required to work a weekend schedule, including holidays, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Work is performed in a variety of settings, including hazardous environments and medical/trauma situations. Work areas include a closed-office environment while preparing reports, fire prevention and safety demonstrations to a variety of community groups. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to vibration and frequently works near moving mechanical parts, boats, and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places, and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and possibly the risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PFA Volunteer firefighters shall remain out of all fire ground perimeters that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments.

EQUIPMENT UTILIZED:  A variety of hand and power tools; portable radios to communicate effectively to other emergency responders; and computers and software programs utilized by the department. The operation and familiarization with all apparatus at station 9 and 11.  Including but not limited to Squad 9, all Brush trucks, Tender 11 and any ATV units housed at station 9 or 11.

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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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