This is primarily fire suppression work although fire prevention and apparatus operations activities may be required. An employee in this class is responsible for the rapid and effi­cient performance of specialized skills in preventing and fighting fires. Much of this employee's work is performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazard. Special orders and directions are given by superior officers, but the work requires a working understanding of fire fighting methods. Examples of Work: Attends company drills at the station and the drill tower. Attends classes and seminars dealing with such subjects as chemistry, building construction and materials, blue print reading, and apparatus operation. Assists with the inspection of fire hydrants. Lays and connects hose; raises and climbs ladders; uses hose nozzles to direct fog, chemical or water streams with a minimum of water damage in the efficient control and extinguishment of fire. Efficiently places salvage covers; sweeps or pumps water from buildings; provides catch?alls and water chutes; removes debris; and shores up weakened structures. Tests, maintains, cleans, and repairs fire hose. Performs prolonged and arduous work under hazardous conditions. Deals with rescue conditions such as a toxic atmosphere in struc­tural fires, train derailments, hazardous chemical leaks, weakened structures, natural disasters, (flooding, hurricanes), excavation cave?ins, bulk fuel storage fires, shipboard fires, or arson. Assists in the extrication of victims of automobile accidents; provides traffic control and basic life support. Performs domestic chores around the stations, maintaining an atmosphere of cleanliness and orderliness. Stands watch and is of assistance to the public on a 24-hour basis, answering phones and listing information received, filling out miscellaneous reports, as well as greeting the public in a courteous manner. Conducts home safety surveys. Provides fire prevention infor­mation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of air crash rescue apparatus and operations. Knowledge of the systematic removal of toxic smoke and gases to prevent a smoke explosion or back draft. Knowledge of all rescue techniques and rescue equipment. Knowledge of portable extinguisher, their effective use and limitations, and proper placement and type. Knowledge of building codes and the ability to use them in the performance of company building inspections. Knowledge of water flow and restrictions of such flow as ele­vation, friction, length, and size of hose lays. Knowledge of operating procedures of elevators in emergency situations pertinent to evacuation, ventilation, and fire safety. Knowledge of different aircraft types, systems, construction, and airport operations procedures (normal and emergency). Knowledge of emergency plan for regional airport. Knowledge of rescue and extrication procedures for victims from an aircraft emergency situation. Knowledge of aircraft fire procedures. Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the fire department. Knowledge of the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and their reactions to heat, water, and the mixing with other chemicals. Ability to effectively perform from erected ladders at heights up to 100 feet. Ability to use protective breathing apparatus. Ability to operate as a member of an organized firefighting team. Ability to use basic hand tools and more complicated devices such as pneumatic chisels, jaws of life, and explosive forcible entry. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Confidence in the ability of self and other personnel in the company. The mental and physical demands and the work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mental and Physical Requirements:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk, smell and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch and crawl. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves over 100 pounds. Work Environment:An employee in this job is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, and has a risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment may be loud. This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.