Under direction, prevent emergency situations or reduce their potential impact to cause property damage, life loss and environmental damage; respond to and conduct emergency work, such as firefighting, rescue, identification and control of hazardous material incidents, emergency medical services; conduct non-emergency work, such as facility, apparatus and equipment maintenance, hazard inspection, public education, training, repair, research and subsequent writing of reports for management analysis; conduct related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the journey-level Firefighter class. Incumbents are expected to perform all of the class’s essential duties and responsibilities. This class is distinguished from Fire Engineer in that the latter is fully qualified to operate any of the department’s vehicles and apparatus in addition to performing all of the normal emergency response duties. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:Responds to emergencies and assists with mitigation by confining, controlling, and extinguishing fire, conducting rescue, ventilation, salvage, overhaul and clean-up as required. Responds to all non-fire related emergencies, including, but not limited to gas leaks, electrical hazards, fire alarms, and emergency medical services. Conducts non-emergency work, such as maintenance of equipment, apparatus and facilities. Conducts research for assignments, subsequent report writing and related duties, such as typing, filing, attending meetings and compiling statistics. Trains department personnel and the public. Performs inspections in coordination with the Prevention Division. Conducts self-training to maintain required skills and participates in departmental training. Creates maps and pre-plans of hazards, buildings, systems and streets. Conducts presentations to public groups about emergency activities and fire department operations. When appropriately qualified and assigned, acts as relief for higher levels of responsibility. Operates equipment and apparatus. Meets with public and private agencies to resolve assigned operational goals and related problems; develops proposals for new concepts. Makes recommendations regarding department operations. Supports the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff. Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information. Performs other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned. Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Additional education in Fire Science or related fields is desirable. Experience: No prior experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:Must possess a valid California Driver’s License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City’s standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority. Current Emergency Medical Technician certification valid in California is required. Supplemental Info KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Knowledge of: Use and maintenance of facilities, equipment and water systems; fire control and extinguishing systems and building construction. Elementary physics, chemistry, mechanics, general mathematics and driving. Report writing and research. Principles of hydraulics as applied to fire department operations. Emergency Medical Services. The City’s water system, streets and emergency routes. City, State, and Federal laws relating to the fire department’s missions and goals. Skill in:Applying technical firefighting principles and techniques. Following oral and written directions. Establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with the public, City and departmental personnel. Conducting research for assignments and subsequently preparing and writing reports and accomplishing related work, such as keeping records, compiling statistics, typing and filing. Making oral and written presentations. Conducting mechanical work. Using and maintaining power tools, fire department equipment and apparatus. Preparing maps and sketches. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:Physical Demands. Standing & Walking – Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles). Sitting – Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time. Lifting - Ability to safely lift over 50 pounds; use proper lifting techniques including bending at the knees. A Firefighter may be required to lift and carry victims or equipment. Climbing - Ability to ascend 100 ft. or more up ladder(s) while wearing assigned safety equipment. Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a chainsaw or using emergency medical equipment. Visual - Acuity for driving long periods; reading literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading maps and diagrams, computer screen. Hearing and Speech – Firefighters must be able to hear a variety of warning devices including alarms, gas leaks or calls for help; ability to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. Mobility - Ability to operate a motor vehicle, and reach, push, pull, stoop, bend, and squat. Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations. Ability to function in confined spaces and/or hazardous environment. Ability to don, wear, operate in and carry on back a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing up to 100 pounds for extended periods. Wear and operate in protective equipment as assigned, when working in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, including but not limited to head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, knee protection, and full body protection. Environmental Elements. Firefighters perform work in any building, structure or any place an emergency occurs within the service area. Employees are exposed to inclement weather, noise, dust, grease, fumes, gasses and potentially hazardous materials. Employees may work in very hot, very cold or wet environments. Employees must be able to respond physically to alarms and/or calls for help and be in a full sprint from a standstill or sleep, in a matter of seconds. Balance is required working in slippery wet conditions, maneuvering on beams and other structural parts of building, hillsides, and fences. Employees must have the mental acuity to act under stress in life threatening situations, and to maintain calm efficient judgment. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays and the ability to be available for work on an emergency basis. The position may be required to work overtime as assigned. DISASTER SERICE WORKERS - All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.