Fire Engineer

This position will close on September 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Responsible for performing firefighting work and be the designated operator of fire apparatus and other equipment during emergency situations and combating fires.   An employee in this class is responsible for safely driving and operating fire apparatus during emergency situations. Emphasis of the work is on equipment operation, determining water pressure rates for fire hoses, size of fire hoses required, and use of ladders, hand tools, and cutting tools. This employee is a Firefighter and retains the requirement to serve in the absence of a supervisor since the position may work up or down the command structure as the need arises. The employee also responds to emergency medical calls, provides emergency medical services, participates in training classes, and cleans fire equipment and station house. Work standards and procedures are well established and understood; however, significant independence of action and judgment are required during a fire or emergency medical call. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Fire Lieutenant or Captain and is evaluated through observation, reports, and discussion regarding effectiveness of performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Drives fire apparatus to and from fire scenes or emergency scenes; connects pump to water source and hoses to the pump; calculates friction loss pumping water and maintains correct pressures for nozzles based on hose sizes and fire conditions; monitors radio transmission and relays messages as needed.
• May serve as the on-scene fire officer until arrival of the officer-in-charge; takes charge at the scene of fire and assesses situation, determines method of suppression, makes first attack on the fire, and determines placement of the engine.
• Participates in post-fire operations of cleaning and salvage; covers furniture and fixtures, sweeps and mops water to minimize water damage, and participates in retrieving, cleaning, and replacing all equipment.
• Conducts fire prevention education demonstrating fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and helps develop escape plans; attends lectures, studies manuals, participates in fire drills and learns modern fire suppression techniques to maintain and develop skills.
• Participates in training to ensure proficiency in all firefighting techniques; trains for knowledge of all equipment and apparatus as well as their operations; conducts residential and business fire prevention inspections; inspects and prepares scale drawings and pre-plan firefighting strategies; maintains knowledge of sprinkled buildings and hydrant locations.
• Participates in routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including checking and filling self-contained breathing apparatus, washing and waxing trucks, checking batteries, checking fuel and oil levels, cleaning and drying hose, and inspecting hose and hose connections for damage and wear, sweeps, mops, paints and washes windows of fire station
• Performs daily apparatus checks, which includes checking the pump, lights, warning devices, and generator on the apparatus.
• Performs daily equipment checks, which includes checking saws, portable combination tool, water cooler, portable fan, Air packs with spare bottles, all gas monitors and thermal imagining camera.
• Checks and flushes city fire hydrants for flow and pressure.
• Conducts tours of the fire station and other public relations work with schools.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalency; and three (3) years of experience with a Firefighter Level II certification; a Firefighter/EMT who has successfully completed their probationary period; Obtained the rank of Senior Firefighter.

Special Qualifications:                                        

• Possession of a valid Class B driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

The following requirements must be IFSAC or Pro-Board certifications:

• Firefighter Level II
• Certification at Hazmat Operations Level
• Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
• Driver Operator Pumps
• Driver Operator Aerials

Additional requirements:

• NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800
• NC Emergency Medical Technician EMT-Basic (or National Registry)
• NHTSA Child Passenger Safety Certified Technician (within one year of hire date)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the City’s geography, street locations and hydrant locations.
• Knowledge of current firefighting practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the operation of and maintenance requirements of fire equipment, pumps, hose pressures and other aspects of operating one or more variations of fire trucks.
• Knowledge of firefighting hazards and related safety precautions.
• Skills in operating apparatus such as trucks, pumps, levers, hoses, radios and other apparatus.
• Skills in using firefighting tools and equipment such as a pry bar, axe, hose, nozzles, air packs, fans, shovels, rakes, sledgehammers, jaws-of-life, defibrillator, engine trucks and others.
• Ability to navigate to a fire scene with the shortest and most expedient route possible using knowledge of streets and GPS equipment.
• Ability to operate and maintain various motorized fire equipment; ability to determine hose size, pump pressures, and water flow rates required to use in specific firefighting situations.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with members of the squad, company, station house and the general public.
• Ability to present fire prevention/safety training to school age children through senior citizens.
• Ability to represent the city fire department in a positive manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work in this classification is defined as heavy work requiring the physical exertion of and/or in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds to move objects. Physical demands require climbing, crouching, crawling, standing, walking and lifting. Vocal communication is required for responding to inquiries, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for extensive reading, to prepare and analyze written or computer data, determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and extreme cold. Employee is subject to noise, vibration, and hazards including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, and exposure to chemicals. Employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin including oils and greases and is also required to wear a respirator or self-contained breathing devices in certain instances. Employee frequently works in close quarters and areas which could cause claustrophobia. Employee may be exposed to blood or blood-borne pathogens when providing emergency medical services. At times the work is performed in conditions of extreme temperatures and danger for prolonged periods of time during which time one’s vision may be partially or totally obscured. Work is performed under emergency conditions and involves personal hazard.