Volunteer Firefighter
Firefighter Job Description
Position Summary
Under supervision, to respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls for the protection of life and property; to render first aid and lifesaving assistance; to participate in fire prevention and training activities; to perform fire alarm, firefighting and fire station equipment maintenance; and to perform related work as required.
Class Characteristics
Positions in this class represent the working level firefighting crew. Incumbents generally man a hose at a fire scene but may perform other duties upon order of the scene commander. Incumbents are expected to render first aid in the face of extreme conditions. A major effort is spent in training for hazardous situations. Incumbents are called upon to work in potentially hazardous conditions when at the scene of an emergency.
Examples of Duties
- Performs fire control activities and utilizes strategies in the areas of victim rescue, exposure tactics, ventilation, fire containment and extinguishment.
- Fights structural, residential, commercial, industrial, chemical, petroleum, vehicle and wildland fires.
- Inspects and maintains nozzles, appliances, fittings, hydrants, fire extinguishers, hand and power tools, ropes, emergency lighting equipment, generators, rescue and first aid and related equipment.
- Operates fuel and oil pumps, building heating and cooling systems, cutting, boring and sawing tools, lighting, lifting and air moving equipment, various types of extinguishers, appliances, elevators, fire protection and escape systems, radio equipment and meters.
- Uses a variety of tools, ropes, knots, ladders, life lines, belts and couples; reels, unreels and carries hoses; connects nozzles and valve fittings; extends and reduces hose lines; lays single and multiple hose lines; lays hoses and operates hose streams above and below street level; raises, climbs and works from extension ladders; makes forcible entries; receives and transmits alarms; controls traffic.
- Provides emergency care and treatment of fire and accident victims; lifts, carries and transports victims.
- Engages in public information activities; conducts fire drills and demonstrates fire equipment; writes fire alarm reports.
- Interprets federal, state, local, and departmental rules and regulations.
- Assists in the maintenance of fire station and grounds.
- Conducts inspections of dwellings, public assemblies and commercial, industrial and government buildings; identifies common, special, structural and panic hazards; interprets fire and building codes; issues orders to comply with such codes; inspects and tests fire protection systems.
- Examines the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids and of other hazardous materials; makes recommendations regarding the correction of hazards.
- Assists in the investigation of fires; responds to complaints and requests for information from the public; operates District vehicles; and performs related work as required.
License Required
· Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record.
· Possession of valid Emergency Medical Technician I (EMT I Preferred) or Emergency Medical First Responder Certificate within one year or completion of probation.
Qualifications
Knowledge of
- Basic mathematics and mechanical relationships.
- Simple record-keeping methods.
- Proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in fire fighting.
- General principles of fire suppression and prevention.
- Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
- First Aid.
- Computer terminal operation.
Ability to
- Read, understand and apply firefighting materials and concepts.
- Respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures.
- Perform limited mechanical work involved.
- Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
- Obtain a valid FF Class B California Driver's License within two years of appointment.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Training and Experience
Education
· Equivalent to completion of 12 Grade or GED.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Strength: Heavy Work - Lifting, carrying and/or pushing 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 to 100 pounds.
(rev.11/15/25) Vacaville job description