Volunteer Firefighter

Overview

This job description identifies the requirement and expectations for both Attack and Support Volunteers, generally referred to as Volunteer Firefighter.

The Volunteer Firefighter serves the County and communities by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope and policies and procedures of Elko County Fire Protection District, and they perform their duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, emergency medical aid or rescue, hazardous material responses, training, public education, and other activities associated with the District and/or assigned Volunteer Department, including station and equipment maintenance.

The Volunteer Firefighter is required to attend regularly scheduled training in order to maintain the level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to function safely and effectively as a firefighter in accordance with state law, county protocols and standard operating procedures.

The work performance of a Volunteer Firefighter is continuously evaluated for general knowledge, skill proficiency, and ability to work as part of a team. Any deficiencies are corrected through remedial training.

The Volunteer Firefighter is a non-compensated position. Volunteers are not normally assigned shifts, but are expected to respond from home or work (as permitted) to District calls.

Individuals fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a Volunteer Firefighter will at all times present themselves in a courteous, professional and responsible manner.

• Drives or rides in an emergency vehicle in response to fire, rescue, and emergency medical events, hazardous materials response/mitigation, and routing requests for assistance.
• Responds to medical emergencies; ability to size up the situation, render aid based on personal level of certification, training, and Fire District service levels and document events in written report.
• Responds to fire emergencies; ability to operate engine and pump, and firefighting equipment, perform fire ground operations, establish an incident command system, evaluate the situation, and document events in incident reports based on level of certification and training.
• Responds to hazardous materials emergencies; ability to identify potential hazardous material solutions and determine appropriate actions based on personal level of certification and training and Fire District service level and document events in written reports.
• Performs rescue efforts; ability to determine tactics to use and ensures the safety of all rescue personnel and observers. Participates in search parties, enters hazardous environments, and administers appropriate techniques to accomplish rescues, based on personal level of certification training.
• Maintains equipment, apparatus, and fire station; ensures that all equipment is in a state of readiness at all times, checks equipment according to schedule, cleans and maintains the station in accordance with District policies and standards.
• Participate in training; ability to read and follow District policy and procedures, trade journals and fire science literature. Attends mandatory training classes, and participates in onsite training sessions.

• Modern fire service principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Applicable district policies and procedures.
• Fire protection systems, evacuation considerations, and building construction regulations for fire safety.

• Work with a combination fire district, which utilizes volunteer and paid firefighters on a daily basis.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions using the English language.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Solve practical problems with limited resources.
• Maintain physical conditioning necessary to perform efficiently in emergency situations; meet medical and physical agility standards as established.
• Learn the geography of the District, including street systems.
• Participate in training drills; attend classes on…