Job Postings

SUMMARY

Under general supervision of a Lieutenant and/or other supervisory personnel within the Fire Department controls and extinguishes fires, protects life and property, maintains equipment, and provides emergency medical assistance.

Responds to fire alarms and other emergency calls.

Leads out hose line, selects and operates hose nozzle, depending on type of fire, and directs stream of water or chemicals onto fire.

Positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist individuals from burning structures.

Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using manual and mechanically operated tools. Breach concrete block or brick walls, floors, or roofs to gain access to areas involved by fire, using a variety of hand powered tools.

Protects property from water and smoke by use of waterproof salvage cover and smoke ejectors.

Assists in salvaging and cleanup operations, removing fire debris after fire is extinguished to locate hidden fires and prevent rekindle.

Rescues victims from occupancies filled with heat, smoke, and toxic gases. Performs extrications by using a variety of extrication tools.

Administers first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation to injured persons and those overcome by fire and smoke.

Renders emergency medical assistance using automatic external defibrillators. Obtains required information from patients, accurately assesses the nature and extent of patient injuries; provides skilled medical care and treatment in compliance with the guidelines and regulations related to emergency medical service.

Communicates with superior during fire by portable two-way radio. Displays effective communication skills and exhibits good listening and comprehension skills. Responds appropriately to questions, sharing necessary information with others, and writes clearly and informatively.

Displays responsiveness to the needs of the public and shows fairness and objectivity in his treatment of other people speaking in ways that are courteous and nondiscriminatory. Displays sensitivity when interacting with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and displays a commitment to serving the public.

Displays effective teamwork during emergencies.

Complies with departmental rules, regulations and policies and exhibits honesty and integrity in both words and actions.

Complies with all safety procedures and regulations; may assist in investigating fires and providing training in order to increase safety. Consistently uses protective equipment and clothing and is alert to potentially dangerous conditions and reports them immediately.

Properly uses equipment and materials; carefully inspects equipment as scheduled and troubleshoots any equipment problems without assistance; and is familiar with equipment-related regulations. Maintains vehicles, apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment and grounds according to standards.

Performs hazardous materials identification.

Presents a positive public image. Meets minimum physical requirements for fire fighter positions.

Properly maintains uniform and protective clothing while following the department's guidelines on grooming.

Drives and operates firefighting vehicles and equipment. Drives appropriately in emergency situations, using defensive driving techniques and taking safety precautions in adverse conditions.

Participates in training in current firefighting methods and techniques. Assists in training programs.

Participates in drills, demonstrations, and courses in hydraulics, pump operation and maintenance.

Participates in continuing education and/or training to maintain EMT/Paramedic certification as required.

Prepares clear, accurate and complete reports, logs and documents.

Assists police when called upon.

Makes clear and organized presentations to individuals and groups on subjects related to fire fighting and emergency services, fire safety, and fire prevention from prepared materials.

Follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all unsafe conditions and acts to supervisor. Reports all accidents to the supervisor immediately whenever possible, but no later than end of the employee's work shift. Follows recognized safe work practices.

Performs other duties as requested or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Age 21 with high school diploma or general education degree (GED) or age 20 with 2 years of college course work in Fire Science or related field. (See also Certificate, Licenses, Registrations for additional requirements.)

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write clear, concise and complete routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from Village officials and management, other government agencies, vendors, contractors, employees and the general public. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish desirable but not required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to recognize hazardous situations and to act quickly, calmly and decisively in emergencies and under stress.

Requires Illinois Department of Public Health EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification upon hire date. Requires Office of the State Fire Marshall Illinois Fire Fighter II certification upon hire date or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire date. Requires the ability to obtain a non CDL Class B vehicle operator's license within 12 months of hire date.

Requires the ability to obtain Fire Fighter III certification within five years of hire date.

To successfully perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must possess the following skills and abilities:

Retain and effectively use geographic knowledge concerning the community and the surrounding vicinity; acquire and retain elementary knowledge of hazardous chemicals, liquids, and gases as well as the combustion properties of materials; advance a hose line up stairways, ladders, and along the ground to extinguish fires and perform other arduous tasks; and use both manual and mechanical tools.

Demonstrates considerable knowledge of fire fighting procedures and fire prevention and education practices.

Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of EMT services.

Demonstrates an ability to make analytical and objective observations, to analyze situations quickly and calmly, and to determine and take prompt action under emergency and stressful conditions for the protection of life and property.

Demonstrates and ability to work independently and effectively within the confines of standard operating procedures.

Demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental principles of fire prevention; demonstrates an understanding of basic safety principles and how they apply to fire protection organizations.

Demonstrates an understanding of the potential hazards, causes and behavior of fire; demonstrates a basic knowledge of fire cause determination.

Demonstrates a knowledge of codes and ordinances and an understanding of their effect on fire protection; demonstrates a basic knowledge of various types of building construction.

Demonstrates the ability to accept direction from his superiors and follow the chain of command; to understand and respond quickly and accurately to written and oral directions, instructions, inquiries, and requests.

Demonstrates knowledge of fire prevention codes, laws, procedures, and public education procedures.

Demonstrates the ability to comply with the vehicle code and the department's driving regulations.

Demonstrates the ability to maintain confidentiality in the performance of duties.

The physical demands described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sometimes for long periods of time. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, such as in the use of various medical equipment; reach with hands and arms, such as in handling hoses and other firefighting equipment, sometimes for prolonged periods of time; climb or balance on stairs and ladders; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl while fighting fires and/or assisting in search and rescues; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit while completing reports or driving an ambulance or fire apparatus. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (various fire fighting gear and equipment, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds (hoses and ladders), and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds (injured or sick people or items creating obstacles). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

In addition, must be physically able to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in accordance with all applicable OSHA/NIOSH rules and regulations; as well as all applicable department guidelines.

Appointment to this position is conditional on successfully passing polygraph, physical and psychological exam. The employee must be certified as "fit for duty" by a Village designated physician in accordance with criteria outlined in the most current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters.

This position requires the emotional and psychological stability needed to work in a paramilitary environment; accept constructive criticism in a mature fashion; effectively communicate and interact positively with fellow employees and the public; function as part of a team; tolerate and function effectively under stress; deal calmly and effectively with extreme trauma, violence, physical and mental illness, disability, injury and death.

The position involves regular and irregular shift work necessary to provide fire protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Work shifts are normally 12 hours in duration, but may be extended in the event of disasters, manpower shortages, workload, or calls in progress. The employee must be available and present for work as scheduled; be on call as ordered or needed in an emergency; and perform all functions of the job safely and efficiently at all times in compliance with all safety regulations and policies for the safety and welfare of the employee, co-workers, and the public.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside extreme weather conditions for prolonged periods, such as snow, sleet, rain, ice, and fog. The employee is frequently exposed to hazards associated with emergency driving and work in and around traffic. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; confined spaces; below- and above-grade elevations; fumes or airborne particles; extreme heat; and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, smoke, extreme cold, risk of electrical shock, explosives, and risk of radiation. In addition, the employee risks exposure to persons and/or articles with contagious and/or communicable diseases and hazards associated with natural and man-made disasters. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be loud for extended periods of time, such as working in the station to working at a fire scene or responding to an ambulance call.