NOTICE OF EXAM
Firefighter

Duties

Performs firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical services and rescue work; maintains and cleans Fire Department buildings, grounds, and equipment.   

Requires

Age 18 or older, High School graduation or G.E.D., no felony convictions, no serious misdemeanor convictions for the past five years, vision correctable to 20/30 and excellent physical condition and must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications:  EMT-B or Firefighter I & II or 36 accredited college hours or 2 years active duty military service with honorable discharge.    

Read complete job description below.

additional information

If applicable, candidates should attach a copy of their EMT-B, Firefighter I & II certifications, college transcript or Military Form DD214 to their application materials. Candidates may attach a summary of additional licenses, certifications or registrations that they would like considered.

Salary

$15.39  Starting Hourly Wage during the 40-hour per week training period.
$10.99 Hourly Wage once assigned to the 24-hour work schedule.  (The complete salary range for Firefighter is $10.99 - $16.54)

Application Deadline

5:00 p.m., Friday, February 26th, 2010.
(Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked the day of the application deadline.)

City employees must submit a resume or internal employment application by the stated deadline.

Written Exam: March 9th and 10th, 2010
Written exams will be graded at the time of testing. Candidates with passing scores will be scheduled for physical agility testing.

Physical Agility Exam: Week of March 15th
Interviews: March & April

Dates are subject to change.

NOTE:  To receive credit for college education, you must submit your college transcript with your application. Based on the number and quality of applicants, applications may be reviewed for qualifications beyond the minimums stated herein. Education and experience shall be evaluated with regard to recency and quality, as well as quantity, per Merit Rule 5.8.
 
The ELIGIBLE LIST established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. Individuals must apply now in order to be considered for future openings of this position. Eligible applicants will have the option of having their name withheld from consideration for specific vacancies if they choose.

CITY EMPLOYEES desiring consideration must have received a satisfactory rating on their last performance evaluation, per Merit Rule 10.1(c). Failure to submit a resume or internal application by the stated deadline will result in your not being considered for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment. Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. Pre-employment drug testing required.

To apply, complete an online application. To check the status of this position (accepting applications, scheduling testing, 2nd interviews, filled, etc.) please see Position Status.

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Performs firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical services and rescue work; maintains and cleans Fire Department buildings, grounds, and equipment.

Supervision:

Works under direct supervision of a Fire Captain.

Description of Work:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Responds to alarms for fires, hazardous chemical and emergency medical incidents.
2. Lays and connects hose to hydrants and fire apparatus, attaches and changes nozzles, aims and directs water streams.
3. Uses various hand and power tools to fight fires, gain entry, extricate victims, and ventilate buildings.
4. Utilizes various portable extinguishers, wet and dry chemicals, solvents and absorbents to fight fires and contain spills.
5. Performs salvage and overhaul activities including protecting building contents, cleaning, securing and preserving fire scenes.
6. Removes firefighting equipment from trucks; lifts and carries items; sets up and uses ladders and equipment as necessary.
7. Climbs ground and aerial ladders; scales walls and rappels using rope and harness; maneuvers under, over or around obstacles.
8. Searches smoked filled buildings using self contained breathing apparatus looking for location of fires, occupants or victims.
9. Performs prolonged running, walking or standing while conducting inspections, pre-fire tours and emergency scene operations.
10. Responds to emergency and non-emergency medical assist calls.
11. Cares for injured and administers basic emergency medical aid.
12. Operates vehicles and fire apparatus as required.
13. Performs routine and preventive maintenance on equipment and assists in periodic inspections or certification tests.
14. Reads, studies and interprets department procedures, technical manuals, and building plans.
15. Participates in in-service training, televised training, and drills to maintain required level of knowledge and skills proficiency.
16. Performs pre-fire planning activities including touring and studying businesses for physical layout, possible hazards, location of water sources, potential life loss, etc.
17. Prepares and delivers public education programs regarding fire prevention and safety and conducts tours of the fire station.
18. Assists in fire safety inspections of public and private buildings or property.
19. Maintains and cleans Fire Department buildings and grounds.

Important Functions:

1. Identifies and reports maintenance needs of assigned equipment.
2. Participates in an on-going physical fitness training program designed and/or approved by department administration.

Performs related work as required.

Qualifications Required:

Any combination of training or experience providing the following knowledge, skills and abilities: 

Knowledge

Entry level position, no specific subject matter knowledge required.

Abilities

Successfully complete an intensive training program including but not limited to the principles and methodologies of firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue work; follow oral and written instructions; read and interpret building construction plans, technical manuals, and procedural guidelines; independently view, learn, and apply applicable televised technical training; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; exercise sound, independent judgment; react appropriately, quickly, and calmly under stress; deal effectively and courteously with associates and the general public; possess a high degree of integrity, initiative, and strong work ethic with the ability to detect and avoid conflicts of interest; must be able to ascend and work at heights required in emergency operations which may involve the tallest man-made structure or natural formation responded to by the Springfield Fire Department; must be able to work in a limited or no visibility environment, performs effectively as a member of the team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy; perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Experience, Education, and Training

Must be a high school graduate or have G.E.D. Must possess an Emergency Medical Technician–B license or Firefighter I and II certifications or 36 hours of college credit from an accredited college or university or two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge .

Physical Requirements

Visual defects cannot exceed 20/100 in both eyes and vision must be corrected to 20/30 in both eyes; successful long-term soft contact lens wearers shall not be subject to the uncorrected criterion; must be able to distinguish primary colors; must be able to pass a post offer medical examination including a hearing test.

Frequently/Routinely:

• Walk; crawl; climb ladders and stairways; sit for long periods of time; stand for long periods of time; lift, carry, push, or pull weight up to 180 lbs; bend, squat, kneel, or twist; reach to ground level and overhead; hold and grip objects; work at heights of 100 feet or higher as required by emergency situations; observe situations, identify appropriate instructions; observe and move about fire scenes, identify appropriate actions.

Rarely/Seldom:

• Run, jump, direct personnel and utilize firefighting resources.

Working Environment

Both indoor and outdoor environments; susceptible to a variety of extreme weather conditions; exposed to life threatening conditions and situations associated with firefighting, hazardous chemical incidents, and emergency medical situations such as toxic chemicals, fumes, smoke, falls, danger from collapsing walls, ceilings or roofs, and possible exposure to contagious diseases; subject to poor visibility and ventilation, and working in cramped spaces.

Licensing/Certification

Must possess and maintain a valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's License; Must possess or obtain Firefighter I and II certifications and a valid Emergency Medical Technicial –B license during the probationary period and each must be maintained throughout the appointment.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Must successfully complete the Driver/Pump Operator certification within 12 months of employment. Must be at least 18 years of age; must pass a background investigation; must pass post-offer drug test; shift and station assignment may vary depending on department requirements.