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Firefighter Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Firefighter, or a Fire Brigade Worker, is the first line of response to fires and other emergencies. Their duties include responding to various emergencies, protecting people and their properties from fires, and providing emergency medical aid.

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Firefighter duties and responsibilities

A Firefighter is responsible for rapidly and efficiently responding to emergencies. They use specialized equipment to put out fires, rescue victims, and minimize damage. When Firefighters are not responding to emergencies, they work in their communities to raise awareness of fire safety and promote safety standards. Some of their other duties include: 

  • Operating and maintaining firefighting equipment, including vehicles, hoses, and the fire station
  • Providing emergency medical care and assisting with evacuations
  • Participating in medical and firefighting training programs
  • Leading and participating in community education programs
  • Driving firetrucks and other emergency vehicles
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Firefighter Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Under the direction of fire officers, a volunteer firefighter serves the residents of Wellington North by responding to a wide variety of situations, ranging from emergencies that immediately threaten life or property to routine citizen requests for information or assistance. They perform within the scope of the policies set out by the Township of Wellington North and they perform duties in the following general categories: fire suppression, emergency medical aid or rescue, hazardous material responses, training, and public education.

Roles, Responsibilities & Requirements:

  • Attend fire practice 2x every monthMt. Forest Practice: 1st & 3rd Tuesday?
    Arthur Practice: 2nd & 4th Tuesday

  • ?Must be a resident of Wellington North
  • Respond to emergency calls, which may include fire, rescue, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies and other emergencies on a volunteer basis 24/7. (Carry a Pager)?
  • Participate in training, practices and be familiar with the operations of fire department vehicles, motorized equipment and specialized tools used in fire and rescue operations performed by the department.
  • Participate in public education programs, which promotes the prevention of fires and saving lives (as mandated in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, R.S.O. 1997).
  • Valid High School Diploma (or equivalent)
  • Ability to provide vulnerable sector clearance
  • Ability to obtain a DZ license within 12 months of start date
  • Ability to obtain NFPA 1001 Level I and II or have completed the Pre-Service Firefighter Program
  • Means of transportation to respond to the station alarms and training

    Job Type: Part-time
    Part-time hours: 2 per week

    Salary: $20.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Employee assistance program
  • Life insurance
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required



    Application question(s):
  • Do you live in Wellington North?


    Work Location: In person


    Application deadline: start date: 2024-01-01

    • Example 2

    Town of High River

    Invites applications for a

    Permanent, casual

    Casual Firefighter (up to 5 positions)

    At the Town of High River, people come first. We are looking for Casual Firefighters to join our organization and contribute to our culture focused on accountability, connection, and excellence.

    The Community

    High River provides the warmth and familiarity of a small town, featuring countless outdoor trails and parks that await your next adventure. Our downtown offers a variety of unique stores and businesses who take pride in fostering connection in our community. High River is a people-first community where families put down roots for generations. Nestled within Foothills County with the Rocky Mountains framing the view to your west, our community of 14,000 is rooted in people and promotes an environment to help you build lasting relationships.

    The Organization

    Through the dedication and passion of our employees, we deliver important services to the community. Our purpose, or why we do what we do, is because we want to make a difference in our community now and for generations to come (our �why�). To achieve this, we inspire and respect one another, we can be counted on, we are better together, and we dare to be different (our �how�).

    We�ve embarked on a workplace culture journey that has enhanced our commitment to people; both our employees and the community we serve. We have identified three pillars to achieve our workplace culture: Accountable, *Connected,E*xcellence (ACE).

    At the High River Fire Department, we encompass community, integrity, pride, and family into our everyday lives. We are dedicated to providing fire suppression, prevention, public education and rescue services as our part in preserving and enhancing the quality of life by aiding in providing a safe community for our residents, businesses, and environment.

    The Role

    As a Casual Firefighter, you are responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency calls within the Town, protecting lives, property, and the environment. The Fire Service is a 24 hour; 7 day per week; 365 day per year operation. Casual Firefighters provide supplemental coverage to full-time Firefighters in providing emergency response to the community. Youmust be available to self-schedule two in-station 12 hour shifts per month.

    To be successful, you must be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, Standard First Aid, CPR Level HCP, and valid Alberta Class 5 Driver�s License. To view the complete list of minimum requirements for the position, please review the attached recruitment package.

    Preference will be given to those within a 5 km radius of the High River town limits, with response time of not more than 15mins and who hold a valid NFPA 1001 � Level 2.

    To explore this career opportunity, please visit our website at [website], click on Careers and apply through our online application process. This competition will remain open until November 24, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Applications will not be accepted at the Fire Hall; please submit your application electronically.

    Job Types: Casual, Permanent

    Schedule:
  • On Location: One location

    • Example 3

    INK Entertainment is looking to expand its Emergency Medical Staff team!

    You will have the opportunity to work at various venues owned by INK Entertainment � Rebel Nightclub, Cabana Pool Bar, and Toybox.

    We are looking for dynamic health care providers that want to work in the nightlife industry on a part-time basis.

    We require candidates to hold any of the following certifications:

    Students in any of the following programs are welcome to apply as well�

    Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

    First Aid (Emergency preferred)

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Firefighter

    Registered nurse

    Registered practical nurse

    Paramedic

    The ideal candidate�

    A leader and team-player who enjoys working within an interdisciplinary team

    A go-getter that wants to work in a fun, fast-paced environment

    Will maintain a professional attitude and demeanor at all times

    Is comfortable working independently

    Has the skills, knowledge, and judgements to provide medical intervention when needed, and is able to identify emergent situations.

    Job Types: Part-time, Casual

    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend Location: One location

    • Example 4

    Company description

    Wolverine Fire & Rescue is a resource management company providing a contract service to the Forest industry. Wolverine Fire & Rescue specialized in Wildland Firefighting.

    Job description

    The Wolverines are hiring for the 2022 Wildfire Season!

    Wolverine Fire & Rescue LTD has openings for seasonal Wildland Firefighters for work fighting fires in Prince George and surrounding areas. Wolverine Fire & Rescue LTD is looking to fill the following positions:
  • S-100 and S-185 certified Fire Fighters
  • IC100 Crew Leaders
  • Power Saw Operators
  • Level 1 First Aid Attendants with Transportation Endorsement.
  • Certified Wildfire Danger Tree Assessors

    Wolverine Fire & Rescue LTD offers a competitive Industry wage.

    Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Fire Suppression/Mop up duties related to Fire Fighting activities.

    Minimum Requirements:
  • Current S-100 (or S100A) and S-185 Certification
  • Valid Class 5 Driver�s License is preferred.
  • Willing to travel.
  • Able to pass a moderate physical fitness test.
  • Able to work in the outdoors for long hours.
  • MUST HAVE DTA Certification

    Job Application Deadline: Until the positions are filled.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: From $28.00 per hour

    Additional pay:
  • Overtime pay
    Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Must have current proof of vaccination.

    Ability to George, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    • Example 5

    Chestermere Fire Services (CFS) proudly protects one of Canada�s fastest growing cities and is built on three pillars � Pride, Professionalism, and Proficiency. Starting as a volunteer service that served the Summer Village of Chestermere, the department has evolved into a full-time, multi-faceted core that is honored to care for the city, its citizens and surrounding areas. CFS fire crews are the first on scene at residential and commercial structure fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, aquatic emergencies, hazardous material incidents and technical rescue calls. Our team is on a relentless pursuit of training and skill development to ensure we continue to offer a premium level of service and care to our community.

    CFS currently has SIX (6) Full Time Firefightervacancies (ONE (1) is a 6 month contract) based on a shift pattern of 4 days on and 4 days offto join our team. As a member of the community safety team, this position provides working level emergency fire and prevention and rescue expertise, providing excellent service to members of the community. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Emergency fire and medical response
  • Continual training and growth
  • Fire prevention, inspections, and community outreach
  • Equipment operations and maintenance
  • Administrative duties as assigned

    The following are the minimum qualifications required to apply:
  • Grade 12 or GED supplemented by recognized technical training
  • NFPA 1001 Level II Certification
  • NFPA 1072 HazMat Awareness & Operations
  • Valid Standard First Aid CPR C or BLS and AED Certifications.
  • Unrestricted Alberta Class 3/4 Q (or higher) � Commercial Driver�s License with Air Brake Endorsement. GDL not accepted
  • Current five (5) year driver�s abstract with minimal infractions.
  • Pleasure Craft Operator�s License
  • Capable to complete the fireground physical assessment
  • Capable to complete the minimum swimming
  • Capable to complete a VO2 Max physical test
  • Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks deemed satisfactory by the city

    Additional points will be issued for the following:
  • Additional medical training (Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, ITLS)
  • Additional IFSAC / Pro-Board certifications
  • Safety Codes training / certification
  • Incident command training
  • NFPA 1002 � Driving & Maintenance
  • NFPA 1002 � Pumping Operations
  • Graduate from an EMR and/or FMR program (or higher level of medical training). ACP registration not required.
  • Trade certificates
  • Post-secondary education
  • Previous firefighting experience

    Interested candidates are encouraged to download and follow the instructions within the following documents to submit an application.

    CFS Full Time Fire Fighter Recruitment Package:
  • Application
  • Resume
  • Interview
  • Station Assessments
  • Lifemark-Physical
  • Appendix C � Medical Clearance
  • Appendix D � PAR-Q

    Note: We appreciate receiving applications from all qualified individuals, however, only those applicants who are short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
    No phone calls please.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • Vision care

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Chestermere, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work question(s):
  • Please list all of your certifications/training you currently have that are applicable to this position.

    Experience:
  • Firefighting: 1 year deadline: 2022-06-30

    • What does a Firefighter do?

    A Firefighter puts out fires and assists in other emergencies such as medical emergencies and natural disasters. Emergency responsibilities include responding quickly to calls by driving fire trucks and other emergency vehicles; and extinguishing fires with water hoses, fire extinguishers, and pumps. At an accident, Firefighters find and rescue people and animals from burning buildings or treat victims of fire with emergency medical care. They may write reports on emergency incidents. Routine duties include cleaning and maintaining equipment, conducting drills and fitness training, and performing inspections and clerical duties.

    Firefighters are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments. They may also work as full-time, part-time and contract employees for large establishments that require firefighting services.

    Firefighter skills and qualifications

    When looking for a strong Firefighter candidate, consider applicants with critical-thinking and decision-making skills who are also organized and professional. You may require a Firefighter candidate to pass health, fitness, and drug screenings. Other skills and qualifications include:

    • Knowledge of firefighting equipment, including hoses, trucks, and machinery
    • Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding safety, fire service, and emergency medical services locally
    • Experience with first aid and emergency medical care
    • Ability to work for long hours under high-stress conditions
    • Strong communication and teamwork skills
    • Excellent problem-solving skills
    • Ability to work in fast-paced environments

    Firefighter experience requirements

    Depending on your organization’s needs, you may want to prioritize Firefighter candidates with work experience, such as certifiable days actively involved in firefighting. While it is important for a Firefighter candidate to have some experience, also consider entry-level applicants. Some duties and responsibilities can be taught on-the-job. Volunteer experience as a Firefighter is a plus for an applicant.

    Firefighter education and training requirements

    Firefighter applicants must complete their secondary school education. Candidates who complete a college program in fire science, fire protection technology or related fields may be an asset to your organization. A good applicant also has firefighting and emergency medical care training. In New Brunswick, applicants must complete an apprenticeship training program and have a voluntary trade certificate from an accredited institute.

    You may ask a Firefighter candidate for other requirements such as a Standard First Aid & CPR certificate or a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate.

    Firefighter salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Firefighter in Canada is $87,403 per year. Salaries may vary based on experience, location and organizations.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If a Firefighter job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, some similar job description samples include:

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    Firefighter job description FAQs

    Who does a Firefighter report to?

    There are a few different people Firefighters may report to. Lieutenants are usually responsible for overseeing the daily tasks and operations of the Firefighter team. They may analyze the Firefighter’s performance and provide valuable feedback for improvements to make in their role. Lieutenants may also train new Firefighters, and offer updated training sessions throughout their time at the station.

    The Captain is typically the highest-ranking officer at a fire station. They’re in charge of all employees, including Lieutenants, and provide directions for all Firefighters to follow during emergencies.

    What are the different types of Firefighters?

    Firefighters may pursue different careers within their field. Some Firefighters work in a general role, where their jobs primarily center on entering burning buildings and extinguishing fires. Others specialize in cleaning up and controlling hazardous chemicals, like oil spills. Wildland Firefighters, who spend their time in preventing and extinguishing forest or wildfires, use heavy-duty equipment and larger water hoses to extinguish and control large wildfires. A Firefighter may also develop their skills and become a Fire Officer, Structural Firefighter, Airport Firefighter or other related professionals.

    Job Description Examples

    Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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