City of Orangeburg, South Carolina

Classification Specification

FIRE ENGINEER  (Internal Candidates Only)

Fire Engineer III

Grade 8

Salary: $47,050 (minimum pay)

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work driving and operating heavy duty and/or specialized motorized vehicles for fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, or other fire department operations.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a single level classification.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Leads and coordinates emergency activities of assigned crew or co-workers: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex and problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations; and serves as a company officer on fire scenes in the absence of the same.

Drives, operates, and monitors a variety of fire and emergency vehicles/apparatus, such as fire engines, ladder trucks, tanker trucks, rescue trucks, brush trucks, and other apparatus and vehicles: determines best route to reach location of emergency scenes utilizing knowledge of the fire district roads, geography, neighborhoods, and businesses; performs safe driving functions in various weather conditions; transports crew and equipment to emergency scenes; and positions apparatus and equipment for optimal use of equipment and hose.

Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of water hydraulics, water supply systems, fire pump operations, hydrants, water mains, sprinkler and standpipe connections, and other information needed to suppress, control, and extinguish fires: performs and utilizes hydraulic calculations; ensures proper pressure and flow rates are supplied to individual hose lines and appliances; and monitors and manages pump and tank capacity to maintain water availability during fireground operations.

Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep assigned vehicles, apparatus, equipment, and tools in operable condition: inspects and tests equipment and tests apparatus, personal equipment, hoses and pumps, and other tools and equipment; replaces fluids and greases equipment; replaces parts; washes and cleans equipment, monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment for necessary maintenance work.

Performs the duties of a Firefighter, as needed: suppresses, controls and extinguishes fires; performs search, rescue, extrication of victims, and forcible entries; assists individuals from burning structures; establishes openings in buildings for entrance, ventilation, or salvage; ventilates smoke and gas from buildings; administers emergency medical treatment; performs salvage operations and assists with cleanup activities; and exercises control of emergency situations until relieved by a superior officer.

Maintains a state of readiness and preparation for emergency response: checks and maintains stock of equipment and supplies on fire vehicles and in fire station; re-loads equipment and apparatus following response to emergency calls; assists in preparing apparatus for subsequent emergencies and in testing personal equipment, hoses and pumps, and other tools and apparatus; and ensures the emergency medical service equipment is properly stocked and operational.

Participates in fire prevention, pre-fire planning and other fire and life safety education activities: conducts fire safety, building safety, passenger vehicle safety, and residential and public building code violation, fall prevention, hazardous materials programs or other programs as assigned; conducts apparatus displays and skills demonstrations; conducts tours of fire station and fire trucks; and participates in community events and fundraisers.

Performs general maintenance tasks necessary to keep buildings and quarters in operable condition: cleans quarters; performs grounds maintenance; monitors quarters and grounds and reports maintenance and repair needs.

Responds to non-emergency calls, such as lift assists, assisting ambulance services with lifting and moving bariatric patients, routine welfare checks, routine vitals checks, investigating disconnected 911 calls, clearing trees from roadways, checking downed power lines, investigating potential gas or water leaks, and assisting business- and homeowners with fire alarm system issues, and providing medical stand-by at community functions and sporting events.

Operates, utilizes, and maintains various specialized firefighting equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies to complete work assignments, such as personal protective and safety equipment, extrication equipment, emergency medical equipment and supplies, fire suppression equipment and apparatus, technical rescue and hazmat equipment, and other tools and equipment.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintains an awareness of new equipment, procedures, trends and advances in firefighting, emergency medical treatment, fire apparatus operation, and related topics; participates in physical fitness training, training drills, and other continuing education activities; attends shift meetings, training and certification classes, workshops, and seminars as appropriate; and ensures completion of required annual certification hours as a certified Firefighter.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, the public, law enforcement, doctors and nurses, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, shift change and division reports, incident reports, maintenance requests and records, road closure and condition reports, after action reports, pre-plans, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a business-issued computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in firefighting or a related field; supplemented by three years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical services; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Class E Non-Commercial Driver’s License. Must possess and maintain the following additional certifications or licensures: Must possess and maintain the following additional certifications or licensures: Firefighter, Emergency Medical Responder, Technical Rescuer, Car Seat Technician, Incident Command System 100/200 and 700/800, Emergency Vehicle and Pumps Operator/Driver, Aerials Driver/Operator, and Fire Officer. May be required to obtain and maintain additional certifications and licensures, as deemed necessary by command staff.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as lead person or crew leader, providing guidance to a work unit, coordinating activities, and reviewing work of the unit.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, water hazards, hazardous materials, toxic agents, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

The City of Orangeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.