Firefighter Trainee

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to prevent, suppress and extinguish fires and to perform other related firefighting activities.

City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE

Grade 5

Salary: $37,751.22 (minimum pay)

This is the first level in the Firefighter series. Incumbents in this classification are enrolled in training at the agency level, the SC Fire Academy, and then complete on-the-job training in the field under the oversight of the Fire Division Training Officer.

• Receives general direction from the Fire Lieutenant or other superior officer.
• Reports directly to the Firefighter or Fire Engineer.

• Attends training sessions as required to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, rules and regulations, reads professional literature and training materials; completes tests and skills assessments; and obtains and maintains professional affiliations.
• Responds to emergency calls for fire suppression, medical assistance, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, explosions, bomb threats, downed power lines, and other emergency situations, responds to instructions from dispatcher; and contacts appropriate related agencies as needed.
• Provides protection of life and property: suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; establishes openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; assists with cleanup activities; and exercises control of emergency situations until relieved by a superior officer.
• Responds to a variety of emergency calls requiring the administration of basic first aid and medical treatment.
• Maintains a state of readiness and preparation for emergency response: checks and maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; reloads equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses and pumps, and other tools and apparatus; and ensures the emergency medical service equipment is properly stocked and operational.
• Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and other fire and life safety education activities: conducts fire safety, building safety, passenger vehicle safety, and residential and public building code violation, fall prevention, hazardous materials programs or other programs as assigned; conducts apparatus displays and skills demonstrations; conducts tours of fire station and fire trucks; and participates in community events and fundraisers.
• Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, buildings, quarters, apparatus, equipment and tools in operable condition: inspects and tests equipment; replaces fluids and greases equipment; replaces parts; washes and cleans equipment, cleans quarters, and performs grounds maintenance; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work.
• Responds to non-emergency calls, such as lift assists, assisting ambulance services with lifting and moving bariatric patients, routine welfare checks, routine vitals checks, investigating disconnected 911 calls, clearing trees from roadways, checking downed power lines, investigating potential gas or water leaks, and assisting business- and homeowners with fire alarm system issues, and providing medical stand‑by at community functions and sporting events.
• Operates, utilizes, and maintains various specialized firefighting equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies to complete work assignments, such as personal protective and safety equipment, extrication equipment, emergency medical equipment and supplies, fire suppression equipment and apparatus,…