Volunteer Reserve Firefighter

Description

The City of Canyon Lake is seeking qualified men and women for the position of Volunteer Reserve Firefighter. The City is funded for up to 15 positions and has a continuous filing period.

Compensation: Volunteer Reserve Firefighters receive a $100.00 stipend for each completed 24-hour shift. This stipend is intended to offset expenses associated with training, response availability, and shift participation.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Volunteer Reserve Firefighter performs a full range of firefighting duties to include the control and suppression of various types of fires, rescues persons from buildings, traffic accidents, and hazardous situations; provides advance life support services; participates in fire training, community risk reduction, and community engagement activities; performs fire station, equipment, and apparatus maintenance; extricate trapped individuals from motor vehicles; and performs other related duties as required.

Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are the fourth person on an engine providing supplemental staffing and can’t be used to replace full-time personnel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Volunteer Reserve Firefighter is a volunteer classification within the Fire Department responsible for performing a variety of duties and responsibilities in support of the Fire Department’s fire suppression, emergency medical, and community risk reduction mission. This classification is distinguished from the higher classifications in those higher classifications, such as Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Engineer/Paramedic and Fire Captain/Paramedic, are responsible for operating and maintaining a variety of fire equipment and apparatuses and perform supervisory duties.  Volunteer Reserve Firefighters work as part of a firefighting unit under the direction of the Fire Chief or their designee and are expected to use sound judgement and discretion in handling routine and emergency situations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Responds to fire alarms, rescue alarms, medical emergencies, and other emergency calls, as the fourth person on an engine, to protect life and property; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzle and directs water streams in the control and extinguishing of fires in structures or other objects; uses forcible entry tools, bars, hooks, life-safety lines, ground ladders, chemical extinguishers, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Raises and climbs ladders up to 35 feet and may climb a 100 foot aerial ladder; ventilates structures using such techniques as opening windows and cutting or chopping holes through the roof; accomplishes rescue work; removes persons from danger which may include dragging up to 165 pounds up to 70 feet; accomplishes salvage operations such as placing or throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; completing all the above while wearing full firefighter personal protective equipment and breathing from a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Responds to requests for medical emergencies, as the fourth person on an engine, to provide immediate care; observes and reports vital signs, cares for victims of accidents or illness; administers basic life treatment to injured or ill persons; provides emergency care at the scene; carrying heavy equipment such as trauma bags, drug boxes, monitors, and burn kits; moves patients from various locations to prepare from transportation.
• Works at least two 24-hour shifts per month and must attend at least four monthly training sessions annually.  Volunteer Reserve Firefighters are also used to represent the Fire Department at many community events and community engagement activities.
• Performs daily inspections on fire apparatus and equipment; participates in routine daily housekeeping and maintenance of fire facilities; cleans, washes, and services fire apparatus; tests, washes, hangs, and dries hoses; changes hoses on fire apparatus; reports worn, damaged, or lost parts and tools.
• Studies technical material on modern firefighting techniques and water systems; maintaining medical continuing education by studying medical journals, literature, and case studies; accomplishes general maintenance work in the upkeep of the fire station and grounds; accomplishes routine housekeeping chores such as sweeping, mopping, cooking, washing and cleaning.
• Secures and maintains all certifications and licenses as required by Fire Department.
• May be required to drive and operate Fire Department staff vehicles.
• Performs other duties as required.

POSITION SUMMARY DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The City reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional responsibilities as necessary to meet operational needs, consistent with applicable laws. At the discretion of the City Manager or their designee, adjustments to the job description may be made to address changing organizational requirements, provided such changes do not substantially alter the overall nature, essential functions, or classification of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Basic fire prevention and suppression techniques and practices.
• Pre-hospital emergency medical technician 1 level assessment, treatment, and medical aid techniques.

Abilities:

• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Perform moderate to strenuous physical activity.
• Use and operate a variety of firefighting equipment and tools.
• Work safely.
• Learn and apply firefighting principles and techniques.
• Understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures.
• Understand and apply mechanical and physical principles related to fire suppression.
• Climb ladders.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and the community at large.
• Meet the physical requirements established by the City.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• College coursework in fire science, emergency medicine, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Prior experience in a municipal fire agency or emergency medical services agency (ambulance operator) is preferred.
• Additional years of applicable experience may be substituted for education.

Certifications and Licenses

• Possession of a valid Class “C” California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a California Firefighter 1 or completion from an accredited Firefighter 1 academy is required.
• Current Certification as a California Emergency Medical Technician 1 is required.
• Desirable additional certifications include current:
• Healthcare Professional Basic Life Support
• Firefighters Physical Agility Test (CPAT or Biddle) current within twelve months or employed as a full-time firefighter or above within the last twelve months.
• Successfully passed the online National Testing Network (NTN) Firefighters test for the Canyon Lake Fire Department within the last twelve months.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

• Work is performed in various environments including fire stations, field, and vehicle settings.
• Regular exposure to all types of weather conditions, electrical hazards, fire hazards, smoke conditions, and unsafe conditions.
• May be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, hazardous chemicals and materials, intense heat, extreme cold, natural and manmade disasters, and hazards association with working in and near traffic.
• Subject to shift work (48 hours straight), including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• May be exposed to blood, contagious diseases, and individuals under the influence.
• Noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to extreme.
• Operates fire apparatus, medical equipment, and uses radios, power tools, and other firefighting and medical equipment on a daily basis.

Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Frequently required to climb, balance, stooping, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, feel, talk, and hear.
• Must be able to lift, carry push, pull up to 100 pounds.
• Must have sufficient vision and hearing abilities to perform essential job functions, including operating a vehicle, identifying smoke and placards, responding to calls, near and far sight acuity, depth perception, color vision, field of vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Requires sufficient strength, stamina, agility, and coordination to perform firefighting and emergency medical duties.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment, which includes turnout coat, pants, helmet, gloves, and self-contained breathing apparatus; wildland boots, coat, helmet, eye protection, web gear, and hose packs; medical gowns, gloves, face and eye protection, and respiratory masks.
• Must meet and maintain Fire Department mandated physical and medical standards for firefighters.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The City of Canyon Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state and local laws.