Firefighter Trainee

Overview

City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE

Grade 5

Salary: $37,751.22(minimum pay)

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

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 and 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 readiness for emergency response: checks and maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; reloads equipment and apparatus; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses and pumps, and other tools and apparatus; ensures EMS equipment is properly stocked and operational.
• Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and other fire and life safety education activities: conducts safety programs, code violation investigations, demonstrations, tours, and community events.
• Performs general maintenance tasks to keep vehicles, buildings, quarters, apparatus, equipment and tools in operable condition: inspects and tests equipment; replaces fluids and parts; cleans equipment and quarters; monitors operations and reports faulty equipment.
• Responds to non-emergency calls such as lift assists, assisting ambulance services, welfare checks, investigating disconnected 911 calls, clearing obstructions, checking leaks, and providing medical stand-by at events.
• Operates and maintains various firefighting equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies including PPE, extrication equipment, EMS equipment, and hazmat equipment.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; participates in physical fitness training and continuing education; attends meetings and training as appropriate; ensures annual certification hours as a certified Firefighter.
• Communicates with supervisor, public, law enforcement, medical personnel, and others as needed to coordinate work activities and resolve problems.
• Processes documentation related to department/division operations within designated time frames and per procedures; compiles data and maintains records.
• Operates a personal computer and/or tablet to enter, retrieve, review or modify data using standard software; uses office equipment as needed.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• High school diploma or GED required; no previous work experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for…