Firefighter

Qualified applicants may apply via our website by downloading a public safety application packet at www.cityofcovington.org or may apply in person at the City of Covington, 2194 Emory Street, Covington, Georgia 30014. The position will remain open until filled. The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB SUMMARY

This is skilled work in combating, extinguishing and preventing fires, in answering emergency calls, providing emergency medical services and in the operation and routine custodial maintenance of department equipment, apparatus and quarters.

Work involves training for and participating in the duties of protecting life and property through the performance of firefighting, emergency medical care and rescue activities. Employees of this class are required to learn and participate in the operation of apparatus and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke, fire, heat, and cramped surroundings. Employees are required to perform routine duties in the custodial care and maintenance of department facilities, apparatus, and equipment. Work is usually performed in accordance with explicit instructions, as well as defined procedures; however, the performance of work requires initiative and a thorough understanding of firefighting, emergency medical care, and fire prevention principles and methods.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Firefighter I (FS 1)

• Entry Level

Firefighter II (FS 2)

• National Post Qualification (NPQ) FF2
• Georgia certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• Relief Driver check-off

Firefighter III (FS 3)

• Interior Search and Rescue
• Structural Fire Control
• Crash Victim Extrication
• Pressurized Container
• Handling Flammable and Combustible Liquids

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to alarms of fire, medical emergencies or other emergencies with a company; operates pumps and auxiliary equipment; lays and connects hose, ventilates burning buildings, raises and climbs ladders, uses chemical extinguishers, lines and related equipment; uses emergency medical equipment such as oxygen units and automatic external defibrillators.
• Removes persons from danger; administers emergency medical care to injured persons; and performs salvage operations such as throwing protection covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
• Participate in fire drills, public education and attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical care, and related subjects; inspects buildings and premises for compliance with fire prevention ordinances, for pre-planning and familiarization activities.
• Performs general custodial work in the upkeep of departmental apparatus, equipment, and structures; cleans and washes walls and floors; washes hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, and polishes apparatus.
• Participates in the program to inspect and become familiar with buildings, fire hydrants, and alarm boxes.
• Communicates with other firefighters and supervisors during fire and emergency calls by mobile and/or portable radio.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment;
• Must be of good moral character as determined by investigation;
• Must be in good physical condition as determined by a medical exam;
• Must pass the physical fitness requirements as established by the Covington Fire Dept.
• Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Georgia Driver's License.
• Must possess reliable transportation to and from work.

Education and/or Experience:

• Possession of State of Georgia Firefighter I certification or ability to obtain certification within one year.
• To obtain Firefighter III status you must either have National Registry EMT-B, Ga.Registry EMT-B or EMT-I85.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Skill to operate the tools and equipment necessary for combating and extinguishing fires, performing emergency medical care and any other duties so described by supervisor;
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to learn the street system, physical layout, and principal buildings of the city and adjacent areas;
• Ability to learn a variety of firefighting duties, evolutions and methods including the operation, lactation, and use of firefighting tools and apparatus, within a reasonable working test period;
• Ability to climb ladders and work at considerable heights;
• Ability to learn complex emergency medical care;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other employees, city officials and the general public;
• Ability to perform arduous tasks frequently under strenuous and adverse conditions; good physical condition;
• Ability to perform moderate lifting (25-50 pounds) of firefighting equipment, and the ability to move objects in excess of 100 pounds during emergencies or as necessary;
• Ability to frequently bend by flexing upper body forward during emergencies or as necessary;
• Ability to crawl along a surface during emergency situations;
• Ability to frequently turn, twist, push, or pull with upper body extension.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Fire apparatus, breathing apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment, ladders, emergency medical equipment, radio, personal computer, phone.

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, lift patients, or crawl; talk or hear.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, the risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMT activities when noise levels may be loud.

The City of Covington 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 encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.