HomeMy WebLinkAboutFirefighterCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #35-01 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Position Title: Firefighter
Department: Fire
Division: Fire
Immediate Supervisor: Fire Lieutenant
Job Summary
Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in fire suppression, emergency medical
care, fire prevention, the maintenance of department property and equipment and performs other
related work as required. May be assigned as Shift Bureau Inspector.
Job Scope
Reports directly to a company officer. Engages directly in emergency operations and routine non-
emergency functions.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responds to alarms of fire and other emergencies with a pumper, ladder or rescue company, drives
fire engines and other vehicles.
Responds to a variety of calls of an emergency nature requiring the performance of light- to heavy-
duty rescue activities, such as administering oxygen, performing CPR, and operating various
equipment used in rescue and emergency medical operations.
Lays and connects hoses; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders;
uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; ventilates burning buildings by
opening windows or by chopping holes in roofs or floors; removes persons from danger and
administers emergency medical care as outlined in the scope of practice pertaining to an
Emergency Medical Technician.
Performs salvage operations, such as dwelling salvage covers, sweeping water and removing
debris.
Participates in fire drills and attends regular in-house meetings on firefighting, emergency medical
care, technical rescue, fire prevention, equipment maintenance and related subjects; studies
assigned materials.
May be assigned hazardous materials mitigation duties at the operations or technician level.
Attends required training for emergency medical certification, hazmat certification, Firefighter
certification, technical rescue and other required training as necessary.
May perform public education duties.
Performs fire prevention inspection of residential and business buildings and contents.
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May inspect the operations of fire hydrants.
Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of departmental apparatus,
equipment, furnishings and structures; washes, hangs and dries hoses; washes, cleans and
polishes apparatus.
Answers general questions from the public.
Acts in the absence of a Lieutenant as required.
May operate radio equipment, mobile data computers and computer equipment.
May be assigned to special assignments, i.e., Fire Prevention Bureau, Public Education, Hazmat
Tech, EMS Coordinator and Rescue Tech.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs other related duties as required.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Required physical activities include climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, carrying, and twisting.
Participates in department Physical Fitness Program.
Physical characteristics of work include very heavy work requiring exertion in excess of 100 pounds of
force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of
force constantly to move objects.
Environmental conditions include work performed inside or outside and includes being exposed to
cold, heat, liquids, mud, slippery surfaces, moving machinery and tools, exposure to infectious agents,
hazardous substances, noise, poor visibility, sharp objects, vibration, confined spaces, cramped body
positions, heights, smoke, dust, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that
affect the respiratory system, oils, grease, radiation, noxious odors, use of Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus, and weather elements (including sun, rain, snow and ice).
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Certification
High school diploma or equivalent required. EMT certification required within first year of employment
and maintained throughout employment. Firefighter I certification required within first year of
employment. Must live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of
appointment to the position. Valid Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required upon
hire and throughout employment. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal
background check.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Some knowledge of elementary mechanics, physics, and chemistry. Basic knowledge in computer use
and office software applications. Working skills in understanding both oral and written instructions,
learning a wide variety of fire-fighting, emergency medical services, incident management system,
technical rescue, and inspection techniques, and methods within a reasonable period, performing
heavy physical labor under adverse conditions, driving fire equipment carefully and safely in
accordance with local traffic laws, thinking and acting quickly in emergency situations, and utilization
of tools and handling of ropes and equipment. Some skill in performance of routine mechanical
maintenance tasks.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.