Firefighter

Summary

Protect and save life and property through effective rescue and firefighting work, perform related fire prevention activities, equipment and facility maintenance, including driving and operation all apparatus, housekeeping functions as assigned, and perform other fire duties as directed. Respond to emergency medical calls and render aid to victims. After the initial training period, individuals in this position will work a 24-hour shift schedule, hours per week varies. ## Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Respond on or off duty to fire calls and/or emergencies as directed. - Respond to fire and rescue emergencies. Involves getting to the scene with proper equipment quickly and safely. Includes driving and operating all apparatus and equipment and conducting themselves in a safe and efficient manner. - Respond to emergency medical calls and render aid to victim(s) as required in accordance with department policy. - Rescue individuals from fires and other emergency situations. Evacuates occupants of burning structures and assists them to safety. Administers first aid to injured persons as required. - Extinguish fires. Pull hoses and place ladders, operates pumps, directs streams of water, uses other extinguishing agents as appropriate, ventilates structures by opening windows or cutting holes, etc.  Operate aerial ladders, fire extinguishers, bars, axes, etc., as needed. Involves working inside, outside, and on top of burning and smoke-filled structures.  - Perform salvage operations to include placing tarps, removing excess water, shoveling out debris, sometimes patching windows and holes, and performing clean-up as directed. - Clean up and prepare equipment to include refueling vehicles, refilling water tanks, recharging air tanks and extinguishers, washing trucks and hand tools, drying and reloading hoses, and other work needed to return vehicles and equipment to ready status. - Assist in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing, as necessary, all fire related equipment. Complete proper checklists and report damaged and improperly functioning equipment. - Maintain facilities and perform housekeeping duties as directed.   Includes building and grounds maintenance, sweeping and washing floors and walls, cleaning common areas, and performing minor repairs as needed and assigned. - Assist in community outreach, fire prevention and public education duties as assigned.  - Assist with regular inspection of commercial and public buildings. Check fire hydrants as directed. - Maintain and improve firefighting and rescue skills. Attend training sessions, studies material on fire hazards, firefighting, and rescue methods and maintains familiarity with city streets and all department equipment. - Attends required extra training and/or meetings. - Emergency Medical Technician - shall maintain all related skill levels in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. - Keep a superior officer advised of fire suppression developments and perform other duties as assigned. - Responsible for completing reports and other documents. - Other duties as assigned. ## Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Have a valid Minnesota Driver’s License or eligible to be licensed in the State of MN
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent 
• IFSAC MN Firefighter II certification
• IFSAC MN Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire date
• Successfully completed a Hazardous Materials Operations NFPA 472 compliant class
• Must have a current and valid Emergency Medical Technician certification from Minnesota  EMSRB and National Registry of EMT’s 
• Successfully pass drivers’ license check, criminal background check, physical exam, agility test, psychological exam, and reference check

• Current licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota or the ability to become a licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota at time of hire.

• Successful completion of the City’s pre-employment and periodic evaluations, including:

• Physical examination and stress test
• Drug screening and pulmonary function test
• Background check and psychological evaluation

Desired Qualifications

• Experience as a Firefighter
• Experience as an EMT or medic
• Post-secondary education in Fire Science or closely related field
• Experience with fire and building codes ## Additional Information
  • Ability to understand and communicate ideas and explanations clearly in English, both orally and in writing. Ability to read and comprehend written instructions, manuals and training guides. Ability to complete written reports using proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and fellow City employees and to interact with the public in a friendly, tactful manner.
• Ability to utilize common office equipment and machines including computer, printer, copier and fax machine. Ability to utilize common Microsoft Office programs; plus web-based email, calendar and timesheet programs.
• Knowledge of (or ability to learn) the geography of Shakopee, including the location of important buildings and the street system, and surrounding areas.
• Ability to safely operate a range of hand and power tools in the performance of duties. General knowledge of mechanical equipment and engines.
• Ability to follow procedure, interpret instructions and use logic to solve problems.

This position is part of a department expansion made possible in part by funds provided by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information regarding the FEMA SAFER grant please click here.