Firefighter Pumper Driver Operator

Summary : The employee is responsible for work performed in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires and the protection of life and property through firefighting and rescue activities. Duties also include driving fire department pumping apparatus and other fire department support apparatus and operating fire pumps. The employee is under the direct supervision of a Shift / Station Officer. The employee may act as the Shift/Station Officer. Independent judgement is used according to the situation and sometimes different courses of action must be considered to complete the task. Work involves an element of personal danger, and an employee in this class must be able to react quickly utilizing clear judgement in meeting both routine and complex emergency situations that could endanger not only their lives, but the lives of their fellow fire personnel and the general public.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Drive various fire apparatus and operate pump on fire department pumper.

Responds to fire alarms, connects hose, advances hose, operates nozzles, and directs water streams.

Forces entry of premises for firefighting, performs rescue and salvage operations, uses fire extinguishers, axes, Halligan bars, pike poles, and other equipment.

Removes persons from danger and administers first-aid to injured persons.

Responds to medical calls and administers basic first aid to persons needing help.

Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist persons from burning structures.

Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or access.

Performs salvage operations such as throwing covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.

Performs overhaul operations such as using pike poles, sheet rock hooks, Halligan bars, and axes to create openings in ceilings, walls, and floors to search for hidden fires.

Carries charged hose line into structure for fire extinguishment.

Responds to and extinguishes other types of fires such as vehicles, dumpsters, and brush.

Physically able to wear a complete set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Must complete and pass annual department certification in self-contained breathing apparatus and fire pump operations.

Participates in fire training drills and attends training classes in firefighting, first aid, rescue, and related subjects.

Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may involve extreme exertion under such handicaps as smoke and cramped surroundings.

Performs extremely strenuous and physical labor for extended periods under some unfavorable climatic conditions, frequently lifting objects weighing 50-100 pounds.

Performs duties requiring bending, crouching, stooping, crawling, and climbing in buildings and close quarters that may be filled with smoke.

Responds to various other emergency and non-emergency calls and renders help to bring the situation under control.