Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to drive and operate various types of fire apparatus, to operate and maintain fire and emergency equipment; to engage in firefighting and rescue activities in protecting life and property; to set up hoses, ladders, and other equipment in fighting fires; may oversee a fire station in the absence of a Fire Captain.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Firefighter Local #2434 bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime and call-back assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Fire Engineer performs all duties at the fire station under the direction of a superior officer and is distinguished from the Firefighter in that the Fire Engineer performs advanced journey-level duties requiring independent thought and responsibility, and the Firefighter does not serve in a lead worker or supervisory capacity, as required in the absence of the Fire Captain.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to fire alarms with assigned company; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders.
• Drives, operates and maintains fire apparatus including pumpers and aerials and performs minor maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• Selects the most direct route to fires and other emergencies.
• Operates all types of portable fire extinguishers, pike poles, hand lines, ventilation fans, salvage covers, forcible entry tools, saws, aerial ladder equipment, emergency medical equipment and other rescue equipment.
• Locates fire apparatus in the proper place at emergency scenes for most efficient operation.
• Provides basic life support at emergency medical incidents, applies techniques to control bleeding, administers first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)and defibrillator use, assists paramedics at medical emergencies.
• Responds to hazardous materials incidents.
• Participates in fire inspection activities and other fire prevention and public education activities as assigned.
• Participates in fire drills; attends training sessions which include firefighting techniques, emergency medical care and the proper use of all equipment and related tools.
• Cleans apparatus and equipment and performs general custodial duties as required.
• Issues bicycle licenses.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Emergency medical skills and techniques, including first aid and CPR.
• Hydraulics relating to engine and nozzle pressure and the operation of pumping equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn, understand, and act in accordance with departmental policies, rules and instructions in the field of firefighting.
• Learn to apply firefighting and medical techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrate physical aptitude (Strength, stamina, and endurance).
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Learn the layout of the City’s water main system and street numbering system.
• Operate fire apparatus in a safe and effective manner.
• Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Perform heavy lifting and physical maneuvering.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform office work as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

Eighteen (18) months of experience comparable to that of a full-time permanent Firefighter in the City of Turlock at time of appointment. Note: A minimum of three seasons firefighting experience with another public agency will be considered for equivalency. Volunteer firefighting experience shall not be considered as qualifying experience.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from high school.

The following license and certificate requirements shall be provided at time of appointment:

• Possession of a Class A California Driver’s License, Class B California Driver’s License, or a Class C California Driver’s License with Firefighter Endorsement, to be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Possession of a current National Registry and/or current California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License, to be maintained as a condition of employment.
• Possession of a Firefighter I Certificate of Completion approved by the California Fire Service Training and Education System, or a California Firefighter I Certification issued by the California State Fire Marshal at time of application, or equivalent Firefighter 1 certifications, if from outside the state of California. Certification must meet NFPA 1001 specifications.
• Possession of California State Fire Marshal Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A and 1B Certificates or equivalent certification as approved by the Training Division Chief.

For external candidates, possession of a candidate physical ability test (CPAT) card at time of application, issued within 12 months of the application deadline.

As a condition of continued employment, completion the following before the end of the probationary period, if not previously completed:

• Fire apparatus engineer academy, which must include a passing score on a competency/promotional exam or successful completion of the Turlock Fire Department or MST “Engineer’s Task Book” which shall include a manipulative skills competency exam.

• Paramedic License or current participation in an accredited Paramedic Program

• Completion of college-level coursework from an accredited university or institution

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbents must possess at the time of appointment to this position and maintain a completed CA DMV Health Questionnaire (DL 546) form and the physical ability and stamina to meet fire and safety protection line duties including: Vision corrected sufficiently to drive City vehicles and apparatus and meet medical standards established by the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain a current and valid driver’s license (Class A California Driver’s License, Class B California Driver’s License or Class C California Driver’s License with Firefighter Endorsement), read blueprints, fine print and MDT’s; hear well enough to identify mechanical noises, converse on the radio, telephone, and in person over incident noise; bodily mobility to crawl in attics, maintain balance on narrow platforms, to climb ladders, make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods; use of hands and fingers to write, drive vehicles and administer medical treatment; must be able to lift equipment and people as necessary; free from any physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise the duties of the position; tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 F), and humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing firefighting equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.