Probationary Firefighter

Under the administrative direction of the Fire Chief or designee, this individual responds to fires, controls and extinguishes fires, protects life and property, and maintains municipal fire equipment. They also respond to medical emergencies and administer life support care to injured individuals. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Responds to fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies, and other emergency calls.
• Connects supply lines, controls, and extinguishes fires using hand lines, deck, ladders, and portable water monitors.
• Applies foam and chemicals for fire suppression and control.
• Searches buildings and rescues victims from buildings and motor vehicles.
• Contains, controls, and decontaminates hazardous material spills.
• Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance.
• Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures.
• Performs a variety of salvage and clean‑up operations, including removing water, chemicals, and debris.
• Maintains apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, grounds, and hydrants.
• Participates in drills, demonstrations, training, and courses in life support, emergency medical treatment, and firefighting techniques.
• Responds to calls for medical aid, including fires, traffic collisions, and rescue situations, to provide prehospital care.
• Administers initial treatment at the emergency scene and takes and records the patient's vital signs.
• Assesses the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures to be followed, or the need for additional assistance.
• Restores and stabilizes heart rhythm in pulseless, non‑breathing patients.
• Initiates intravenous fluids to administer medication or drugs, or to replace fluids lacking in the body.
• Assists in extricating trapped victims.
• Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances.
• Keeps current on treatment techniques, protocol changes, and application of new drugs, materials, and equipment.
• Prepares required reports and maintains records of activities.
• Makes presentations on fire safety, burn prevention, and fire prevention to schools and community groups.
• Cleans and performs minor maintenance on equipment, vehicles, and buildings.
• Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports.
• Performs other related duties assigned by the Fire Chief or designee.

• Functions effectively in emergency stress situations.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Keeps emotions under control and inspires respect and trust.
• Works with integrity and ethically.
• Ability to work well in group problem‑solving situations and use reason when dealing with emotional topics.
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity.
• Follows instructions, responds to management direction, and takes responsibility for own actions.
• Ability to prepare and compile departmental data for use in various types of reports; writes clearly and informatively.
• Follows policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, confidentially, and efficiently without direct or continued supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.

• Completion of four years of high school or equivalent.
• Ability to pass the Fire Basic Skills Examination.

• Working knowledge of the geography of the City of Mt. Vernon.
• Ability to organize duties and produce results in a timely manner.
• Good communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strict confidentiality in daily duties.
• Ability to successfully pass a background security and credit check.

The normal work cycle for employees assigned to 24‑hour shifts shall be 24 hours of work (one shift), followed by forty‑eight (48) consecutive hours off duty (two shifts). The normal work cycle for employees assigned to 8‑hour shifts shall be forty (40) hours of work based on…