- Directs and evaluates fire station personnel and operations during assigned shift
- Assists with the development and enforcement of rules, regulations, and procedures in accordance with federal, state industry best practices, and policies
- Participate in drills, attend classes, and assists in training of on-shift personnel
- Carries raises and takes down ground ladders ranging from 12 to 55 feet; operates aerial ladders
- Lays, charges, and operates a hose (line); collects, folds, and re-loads the hose on the engine
- Carries and throws tarps; operates portable pumps and saws; breeches walls, moves or removes furniture and obstacles
- Climbs stairs and ladders carrying forcible entry equipment, protective gear, and uncharged hose lines with nozzles
- Wears a respirator (SCBA) to safely perform firefighting operations or rescues in conditions where smoke or gases may be present; duties may require wearing an SCBA for thirty (30) minutes to several hours at one time
- Cuts or creates openings in structures to ventilate smoke/gases using a power saw, ax, or other tools
- Searches premises and rescues victims by carrying them downstairs or on ladders; administers first aid to victims (includes CPR, placing victim on a backboard, etc.)
- Sizes up a motor vehicle accident scene; operates extrication tools such as hydraulic jaws, ram, and cutters; dismantles vehicles to extricate victims safely
- Maintains equipment and apparatus on a daily basis, performing repairs as needed; washes engines and trucks
- Performs household duties at fire station such as sweeping, mopping, power washing, and lawn mowing
- Inspects business/industrial locations for compliance with fire codes
- Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics
- Other related duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
- Operate a variety of tools, equipment, and machinery
- Drive and operate special apparatus
- Knowledge of current firefighting, hazmat, and rescue techniques and methods
- Knowledge of fire prevention codes and building codes
- Emergency medical procedures and CPR
- Act effectively in emergency and stressful situations by using good judgment, self-discipline and courtesy
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, LICENSES
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Minimum high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Valid Texas class B driver's license required
- Possess Intermediate Firefighter & Wildland Firefighter certification from TCFP or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC); Certified Fire Inspector certification preferred.
- Must have completed at least six (6) credit hours of post-secondary education at an accredited college or university, with a grade of "C" or better
- Texas DOH or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or higher, certification is required
- Minimum of three (3) years prior full-time paid fire department experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Perform firefighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry) while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Operate under stressful conditions including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, crawling, kneeling, repeated bending, and climbing. Heavy lifting and carrying, physical and manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity, including the ability to distinguish color. Requires use of both hands and legs in order to carry, push, pull, drag or hold moderate to heavy weight objects.
Climbing stairs while wearing a fire protective ensemble, including SCBA, weighing at least 50 lb and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb; navigating narrow and uneven surfaces that might be wet or icy, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines or other hazards
Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without the benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration
WORK CONDITIONS
Work is regularly performed in outside weather conditions often near moving mechanical parts and occasionally in high, precarious places, with exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock and vibrations.
The work may require strenuous exertion for extended periods and is sometimes performed in emergencies where death, trauma, and property damage have occurred.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical, criminal background check, and MVR check.
The City of Kaufman, Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources.