Fire Fighter jobs in Philadelphia, PA

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

On a temporary, part-time basis, responds to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue and emergency assistance to the public.  Participates in fire prevention inspections; public education programs, prepares pre-plans, performs general maintenance on fire apparatus, equipment and facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the immediate supervision of the Director of Fire Services/Fire Marshal.  NOTE:  When operating as a firefighter at a fire scene or disaster, this position is expected to operate in compliance with the Incident Command Systems (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs fire-fighting tasks (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods.

Wears an SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure face piece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.

Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and non-biological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA.

Wears fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2oF (39oC)

Searches, finds, and rescues, dragging or carrying, victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lbs. to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.

Advances water-filled hose lines up to 2.5 in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy; which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (continued):

Climbs ladders, operates from heights, walks or crawls in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operates in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.

Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion.

Operates and/or rides safely in fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.

Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, which is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions.

Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).

Functions as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members.

Inspects and performs general maintenance and minor repairs to department facilities, apparatus and equipment.  Maintains fire department building exterior and interior. 

Inspects, tests or troubleshoots problems with facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems. 

Participates in performing fire inspections of public and private buildings for pre-fire planning or to determine compliance with applicable fire codes and township ordinances. 

Participates in fire drills and department training programs to learn or enhance skills in firefighting methods, equipment or services, as required.

Prepares and maintains computerized reports and records of activities, incidents, inspections or other information.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (continued):

Assists in investigation of fire incidents by securing the fire scene, identifying evidence and providing written and verbal reports of the incident.

Performs cleanup of fire scene; salvages property, removes debris, and cleans or restocks equipment and materials.

Performs computerized record-keeping, tracking and report filing for all fire occurrences according to federal, state and local guidelines and laws; maintains records of fire code inspections and violations.

This position may be assigned to work on either a rotating fixed or flex shift basis, which will include nights, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.  Employees in this classification are subject to call to duty in emergencies, and may be required to work overtime with little or no notice.

Participates in presenting education programs to the general public.

The above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position; they are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of this position.  Position will perform related duties and responsibilities if work is similar to, related to, or appears to be a logical assignment.

JOB STANDARDS:  (Minimum qualifications to perform essential functions)

Apply principles and techniques of modern firefighting prevention, suppression, inspection, investigation and all other aspects of firefighting.

Skillfully and safely use firefighting tools and equipment.

Understand and follow instructions, communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, particularly in maintaining computer records.  Must be able to compose and submit reports in a clear, concise and complete manner, including use of a computer.  Reports must be thorough and easily understood by both fire professionals and the general public.

Maintain composure and professionalism under adverse conditions such as emergency scenes, critical injuries, and death.

JOB STANDARDS:  (continued):

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the public.

Analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potentially dangerous situations, and determine the proper course of action.

Organize and prioritize workload effectively.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.

Safely perform the duties of this position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

Physically perform the essential functions of the job.  Perform outside in varying and extreme weather conditions during fire emergencies.  May be exposed to hazardous fire conditions and hazardous materials.  May be required to lift heavy equipment and materials in excess of 50 lbs. and work at heights in excess of 20 feet. 

Perform the duties of this job, frequently required to sit; talk; hear; stand; walk; use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell.

Knowledge of:

Fire suppression and prevention techniques, practices and methods.

Preparing pre-fire plans for emergency response.

Fire protection systems, including sprinkler and alarm systems and fire hydrant location.

Standard firefighting practices, methods and procedures.

Safe and appropriate use of firefighting equipment and related tools.

Safety standards, procedures and precautions utilized in firefighting activities.

Geography and street system of Montgomery Township and location of major buildings.

HazMat operations level.

JOB LOCATION:  (Place where work is performed)

Montgomery Township Fire Department Buildings, fire department vehicles or other locations dictated by the needs of the Township and the Department of Fire Services.

EQUIPMENT:  (Examples of machines, devices, tools, etc., used in job performance)

Computer system, fire radios, telephone, adding and fax machines, copy machine, calculator; camera; power tools; hand tools; chain saws; shovels; brooms; ladders; exhaust fans; automobile; fire truck; first aid equipment; oxygen; electronics test equipment; breathing apparatus; steel-tip boots; hearing and eye protection; firefighting clothing; and PPE, and other ancillary devices associated with the fire service.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

This position must maintain required licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Must be at least 21 years of age, as stated in the Standard Operating Guidelines established by the Department.

High school diploma or equivalent, required.

Valid PA driver’s license, Class C, required.

NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighting Professional Qualifications, Level I and Level II, required.

EVOC, required.

Pump 1, required.

Certified Driver Operator-Pump (NFPA 1002), required, or obtained within six months after date of hire (dependent upon class availability).

Certified Vehicle Rescue Technician (VRT), required.

Certified Hazardous Materials Operations Level (NPFA 472), required.

CPR for the First Responder, required.

First Aid Certification, required.

Certified Fire Inspector I (NFPA 1031), preferred.

IS 100, 200, 700 and 800, required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING (continued):

EMT, preferred.

Experience with MS Office, ESO RMS software and/or related computer software, preferred.

Other certificates as required.

Ability to communicate and perform well in an interview and demonstrate proven skills and abilities, required. 

Successful results upon completion of pre-employment background checks, pre-employment physical, assessments or tests, as applicable, required.

Experience serving as a firefighter in a combination fire department, preferred.

Please visit our website to view the Part-Time Firefighter Testing Requirements