Firefighter

Job Description

The Firefighter is an entry-level position in the City of Kenai Fire Department.  The Firefighter, under general supervision, performs the full range of duties associated with fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical care, including maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Firefighters have daily contact with the public and are routinely exposed to dangerous situations.  Work schedules provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hiring Process

All applicants must complete this application AND the testing process through the National Testing Network (NTN) as part of their application for consideration

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications should register with NTN to complete the required written examination and physical ability testing. Our process is designed to accommodate both local and out-of-state candidates.  Candidates may register here with NTN- https://candidates.nationaltestingnetwork.com/#/registration

Candidates who successfully complete NTN testing and are selected to move forward will be invited to participate in an oral interview board, which may be conducted either in person or remotely. Candidates who have not submitted a validated physical abilities test (CPAT or FPAT) will be invited to complete our preferred physical ability testing is the Kenai Physical Agilities Test (KPAT) in person in Kenai, Alaska.  Finalists will then undergo reference checks and a background investigation.

Final hiring decisions will be made upon completion of all steps in the process, and candidates will be notified accordingly.

Our current NTN job posting may be viewed here- https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm?mode=job_details&agencyjobid=3053

This posting has been extended to allow for additional applicants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to fire, emergency medical, rescue, hazardous material alarms and other types of calls to protect life, property, and environment.  Perform tasks to suppress and control fires, limit damage, and reduce injury and death caused by fires, accidents or other calamities; respond to non-emergency calls for service as necessary.
• Assist in all phases of fire suppression; place fire hoses; set ladders; ventilate and enters burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operate pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators and pumps.  Salvage, secure, clean, and preserve fire scenes.  Climb ground and aerial ladders, utilize rope and harness in accessing structures. Drive and operate fire apparatus as required.
• Perform emergency medical tasks in patient care and administer advanced life support at the EMT-III or AEMT level to victims of injury or illness; prepares patient and related medical reports to communicate to the hospital.
• Provide fire protection and rescue services for the Kenai Municipal Airport, including responses to aircraft emergencies. Inspect airport runways, navigation/safety aids, lights, and other airport systems for safe operational status per FAA regulations. Participate in specialized training and maintain proficiency in airport notification, rescue, and suppression activities.
• Inspect vehicles, equipment, and apparatus for proper operating conditions; assist with annual equipment testing; perform routine and minor repairs and maintenance; identify needs for major repairs; maintain records of maintenance work performed.
• Assist with the cleaning and reloading of all equipment, tools, and apparatus upon completion of fire or emergency response activities.
• Prepare, submit, and maintain incident reports on incidents, apparatus maintenance, and inventory; log data and information and maintain computer records.
• Assist in the investigation of fire scenes to determine causes; preserve evidence and provide observations to investigators.
• Maintain skill levels, new equipment and procedure familiarization, and certification that are relevant and/or required for assigned responsibilities; participate in drills and training exercises, classes, and activities, including but not limited to those related to fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, airport rescue, technical rescue, extrication, physical fitness, and other related areas.
• Participate in public relations, fire/safety education activities, and fire prevention activities, including station tours, fire safety/fire suppression education away from the station, school education programs, group activities, fire drills, courtesy walk through visits, and phone inquiries.
• Present classes and other training to various groups, including other employees, volunteers, and members of the general public in subjects related to fire service.
• Review building plans and layouts, conduct on-site inspections, and participate in developing pre-fire plans including physical layout, possible hazards, location of water sources, and potential life loss.   Participate in fire and life safety inspections; performs routine inspections of commercial, industrial, residential, and other buildings; identify fire and life safety hazards; provide suggestions for correction; schedule re-inspections for verification of correction; submit reports as needed.
• Work as an individual and/or team member with other departments and outside agencies and organizations; maintain cooperative relationships with neighboring fire departments and districts to ensure coordinated efforts to address common suppression, prevention, and emergency medical issues.
• Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire station facilities and equipment; clean and maintain living quarters, kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas of the fire station.
• Follow and understand department Standard Operating Guidelines, technical manuals, and pre-fire plans.
• Participate in City and Fire Department training activities, instruction, and drills.
• Communicate over Fire Department radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Interact effectively and tactfully with members of the public and with other public agencies.
• Communicate and coordinate with others in a stressful environment.
• Must be able to perform job duties with minimal or no supervision.
• Have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance at work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a current Alaska Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I Certification or National Registry Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• Possess or obtain a level of National Registry Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Possess or obtain State of Alaska, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or Pro Board certification as a Firefighter I within twelve (12) months of hire and obtain and maintain certification as a Firefighter II within twenty-four (24) months of hire.
• Possess or obtain basic and advanced Aircraft Rescue Certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire.
• Possess or obtain a valid Alaska driver’s license within thirty (30) days of employment and prior to operating a City vehicle. Applicants will be required to submit a Division of Motor Vehicles record upon request.
• The applicant (or employee after hire) must pass a drug screening test, written test, firefighter ability test, medical examination, criminal background check, and other background investigations. Semi-annual or annual physicals will be required to meet Department physical fitness standards.
• Within six (6) months from date of hire, the employee must establish residence within at least a 30-minute response time by roadway to the Kenai Fire Department in order to respond to emergency call outs at odd and/or inconvenient times. This residency must be maintained during the period of appointment.
• The employee will be required to submit current immunization records upon hire.

Supplemental Information

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• An associate’s degree in Fire Science
• Possess a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Certification at the Paramedic level
• Possess State of Alaska, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or Pro Board certification as a Firefighter II
• Possess State of Alaska, IFSAC, or Pro Board certification as an Airport Firefighter.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. The employee is exposed to sirens and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMS activities when noise levels may be loud.

Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in varied working environments. Inside work is usually in buildings or vehicles that are adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated.  The employee must be able to do strenuous work in all kinds of weather, during day and night, and often in inclement weather. ( e.g. , high temp., low temp., winds, snow, ice, fog, direct sunlight and on surfaces at, above, or below floor level). The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee may be exposed to smoke, fumes, airborne particles, radiation, noxious odors, dust and ash, chemicals (dry and liquid), solvents, oils, and other irritants and toxic/poisonous substances. The employee is required to drive a vehicle and perform work inside a vehicle, including operating radios and computer equipment. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires a high level of physical ability including vision, smell, hearing, speaking, flexibility, and strength. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers dexterously ( e.g. , operate computers, radios, and other equipment and tools); is regularly required to work both inside and outside in all types of weather as well as in confined spaces and in a vehicle; is required to climb ladders and stairs; is required to perform general duties that may include, but not be limited to, walking, running, climbing, pushing, pulling, reaching, dragging, carrying, jumping, balancing, and crouching; is required to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently; is required to work in stressful environments and make quick decisions under stress.  The employee is required to be able to function in and wear fire department personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 40 pounds. The employee will regularly be required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.  The employee will be required to work long shifts.  Specific vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships.  The employee must be able to hear and to talk and communicate verbally in-person as well as on a radio and telephone.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

The City of Kenai is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

*Upon initial appointment to a position, the employee will receive the minimum compensation for the position except in cases when unusual difficulty in filling the vacancy is experienced or when the appointee is exceptionally qualified.  When an employee is exceptionally qualified, the City Manager may approve compensation at a level above the minimum but not more than the maximum range.  Exceptional qualifications are in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications and include, but are not limited to possessing a degree in Fire Science, Current Firefighter 2 or 3 and ARFF Certifications (IFSAC; State of Alaska; Pro Board); or current Fire Instructor 2 or 3 certification. Qualification pay for Paramedic certification is an additional 5% of an employee's pay range.

The following information describes benefits available to City of Kenai employees working 25 hours or more per week. Actual benefits received may differ by position type or be prorated for other than full time work. All benefits are subject to change by the City.   Retirement Benefits - Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contribution plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire* - Supplemental Retirement Program six months after date of hire. Employer contribution of 6.2% of the first $37,500.00 of base wages earned in a calendar year - Option to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Program

Insurance Benefits - PPO or QHDHP Plan options available - Health Insurance Coverage 30 days after date of hire - Employee and Dependent Coverage Available - Employer Contribution of 87% Medical/Vision/Dental Plan Costs - Employee Contribution of 13% Medical/Vision/Dental Plan Costs - Employer HRA Contribution for medical deductible and prescription co-pay - Employer HSA Contribution for employees on the QHDHP

Optional Insurance Benefits - Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance with supplemental coverage available for employee and dependents - Employee-funded Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses - Employee Paid Group-Based Supplemental Insurance

Paid Leave & Other Benefits - Annual Leave Accrual Rate starting at 7.3846 hours each pay period (10.3385 for certain Fire Department employees) with an accrual rate increase based on longevity - Eleven and a half paid holidays each year - Paid Leave for a Death in the Immediate Family upon approval - Employee Assistance Program - Employee Wellness Program includes free use of the Kenai Recreation Center - Bona Fide Employer-Sponsored Medical Leave Sharing Arrangement

*The City of Kenai does not withhold Social Security taxes from wages earned by employees who participate in the PERS retirement system.