Fire Apparatus Operator

Fire Apparatus Operator

This position operates fire apparatus in support of fire suppression and other emergency response functions.

Major duties include:

• Responding to emergency calls involving fire, hazardous materials, natural and manmade disasters, rescue, and other critical incidents; transporting firefighting crews to emergency scenes; assuming command until relieved by a superior officer.
• Operating and controlling fire apparatus; driving fire apparatus to and from emergency scenes; operating fire pumps, aerial apparatus, and other equipment; positioning apparatus at incident scenes; reading gauges and adjusting controls; setting pump pressure; opening and closing engine valves; determining available flow from water source; flushing and refilling pump and booter tanks.
• Implementing actions necessary to save lives and property; extricating victims from structure fires and vehicle accidents; administering emergency medical care; performing structure ventilation duties; responding to hazardous materials incidents.
• Providing emergency medical care to patients in different settings as certified, including homes, public areas, and accident scenes; assessing patient conditions, obtaining vital signs, and determining appropriate treatment plans based on established protocols and guidelines; communicating with dispatchers, partners, other emergency providers, and medical personnel via 2-way radio and telephone regarding sick or injured persons' condition, vitals, and other relevant treatment information; administering medication and therapy or treatment to patients on site or in transit.
• Inspecting apparatus and equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order; performing routine maintenance of equipment as assigned; inspecting and maintaining hoses and other equipment.
• Maintaining and cleaning the station, grounds, and living quarters.
• Participating in public relations functions with schools, churches, and other organizations.
• Participating in continuing training and drill activities; providing training to other department personnel as certified.
• Remaining familiar with area streets, geography, and landmarks; learning roads and alternate routes to populated areas; learning fire hydrant locations.
• Conducting and assisting with public safety education, including fire safety and prevention.

Fire Apparatus Operator completes required reports of incidents occurring during an assigned shift. Completes hose and hydrant testing. Performs related duties.

Knowledge required by the position includes:

• Modern firefighting techniques and equipment.
• Laws and regulations relating to the control and prevention of fires.
• Department and city policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Computers and job-related software programs.
• Capabilities and uses of emergency vehicles and equipment.
• Operating assigned fire apparatus under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
• Provision of medical care in emergency situations.
• Use of radio/communications equipment.
• Planning, organization, and decision making.
• Oral and written communication.

The complexity/scope of work consists of apparatus operation, fire suppression, rescue, and other emergency response duties. The variety of emergency situations encountered contributes to the complexity of the work.

Physical demands/work environment includes:

• Sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching.
• Frequently lifting heavy objects, climbing ladders, using tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishing between shades of color, and utilizing the sense of smell.
• Performed in an office, except while at fire or other emergency scenes. Exposed to machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures, hazardous situations, and inclement weather.
• Use of protective clothing and devices.

Minimum qualifications include:

• At least eighteen (18) years of age.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of related firefighting experience.
• Served as a Driver in a career fire department in a position such as Fire Apparatus Operator, Driver/Engineer, Engine or Quint Operator, or a comparable role requiring a department-issued pumper license or driver certification.
• Valid State of Georgia driver's license (Class E or F) with an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), or have the ability to obtain one by the date of hire if currently licensed in another state.
• Meet all current requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act, and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain, the following certifications:
  • Georgia Firefighter I
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • NPQ Fire Officer I (or equivalent, if applicable)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations (HAZMAT Ops)
  • All federally required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications
  • State of Georgia EMS certification, if applicable
• Must have no felony convictions.

An equal opportunity employer

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

We do not accept e-mailed resumes as a part of the application process.

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