Job Specification 09010
FIRE OFFICER 1
DEFINITION
Under direction of a Fire Officer 2, or higher level fire
official, has charge of firefighter team(s) engaged in
extinguishing fires; directs firefighters in providing fire
protection for persons and property; orders firefighters on the
specific operations to be carried out; serves as first line
supervisor and assigns station duties to subordinates; does other
related duties.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only. A particular position using this title may not
perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely,
all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Directs firefighters at emergency scene to correct inefficient
or improper fire fighting techniques, by observing their
actions, using superior knowledge, training, and experience
Directs firefighter teams, as Incident Commander, to perform
emergency operations as dictated by size-up and evolving status
Directs team operations inside the fire building, e.g., fire
extension, venting, overhaul, salvage, hose operations, utility
control, etc. by determining priorities, point of attack and
issuing specific directions
Notifies and advises subordinates of relevant issues, ideas,
technology, etc. in order to increase their job knowledge and
performance
Instructs subordinates in fire fighting tactics, based upon pre-
fire planning information (building, and their contents,
streets, etc.)
Determines search areas and pattern by evaluating ongoing
suppression activity and current conditions
Reassigns and redirects subordinates at scene according to
strategy and evolving operations, new information and
circumstances
Determines the best location and method for venting; e.g.,
horizontal, vertical, mechanical
Identifies hazards such as tree limbs, power lines, traffic,
obstructions to access, volatile substances, structural
stability, to determine best placement of apparatus, courses of
action, and additional resources needed
Notifies dispatch of location, circumstances, and conditions
upon arrival at scene, according to ICS
Selects the proper size and length of hoselines for crew's
assignment
Determines the type and location of forcible entry, based upon
structural need and minimizing collateral damage
Directs subordinates to search/searches for fire extension by
pulling walls, ceilings, checking concealed spaces, behind
moldings, pipe chases, vertical openings, while causing minimal
damage
Determines route for safe and expeditious removal of victim
Assigns station duties to subordinates, e.g., housekeeping,
equipment maintenance, etc.
Notifies IC of any significant information, e.g., changing
conditions, hazards noted while conducting operations; in
person, by courier, radio, etc.
Briefs superior officer of incident details during transfer of
command
Informs dispatch of the need for additional equipment
(ambulance, helicopter, Jaws of Life) necessary to extract
victims and / or improve their chances for recovery
Begins size-up immediately upon notification of emergency
(environmental, traffic expected, etc.) to prepare an effective
response
Directs subordinates to charge line while searching for
extension for safety and effective suppression
Notifies IC of current search activities, location and condition
of victims, and evacuation efforts
Obtains attack assignment for crew and apparatus from IC
Issues crew assignments per directions from IC, and SOPs
Conducts on-site physical inspection of buildings, dwellings,
commercial establishments and occupancies to locate utilities,
standpipes, sprinklers, construction type, et al for the purpose
of familiarization
Directs salvage and overhaul operations, when arson is
suspected, in order to preserve evidence
Directs/positions apparatus on roadway to shield accident scene
in order to allow emergency operations to proceed
Assigns subordinates to apparatus for the day, e.g. nozzle,
hose, venting, search teams, radio, ladder operations, etc.
prior to responding to calls in order to increase efficiency
Notifies personnel of street closings, special events, outages,
etc. which may affect response time or routes - in person, or
via notices or postings
Directs the removal of debris from structure, or vehicle, to
prevent rekindling, ensure safer operations, and to recover
bodies
Records all events of shift in log by writing personally or
assigning to someone else in order to document shift activities
and maintain a record
Fills out civilian / firefighter casualty reports, according to
NFIRS standards in order to formally document the incident
Directs (and administers) first aide using "Universal
Precautions" (gloves, mask, eye protection) to reduce further
injury
Conducts post-incident headcount and critique of actions taken
Determines vehicle and equipment status by discussing with
apparatus driver
Notes the time of alarm in the log for record
Records current events in officer or company log, journal, daily
report in order to keep record and inform interested parties who
follow
Fills out trouble/maintenance reports in the daily log in order
to document all events occurring during shift
Maintains visual/radio contact with crew at scene for
accountability and their personal safety
Prepares NFIRS and incident reports to inform, acknowledge, and
retain for reference in accordance with departmental directives
Briefs incoming officer of significant events and circumstances
occurring during the shift, e.g., damaged hydrants, sprinkler,
etc. to ensure continuity of information available
Reports traffic and routing hazards while en route to alarm, via
radio, to advise other responders
Notifies supervisor, in person or by memo, when
apparatus/equipment is out of service to ensure continuity of
information, and to initiate replacement and repair
Directs the illumination of structures or areas using portable
lighting to promote safer operations
Fills out supply requisition forms and repair slips in order to
notify appropriate parties of the need to replace or repair
defective equipment or supplies
Checks vehicles daily at shift change, according to vehicle
equipment chart, to ensure readiness
Inspects subordinates at roll call to ensure proper staffing,
uniform, and fitness for duty
Conducts safety inspection of subordinates' gear at roll call,
e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, SCBA gear, accountability
tags, etc. to ensure readiness
Directs the turning off of gas/electric/water service
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by the
agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or
possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of experience involving the extinguishing of
fires
CERTIFICATION
In accordance with NJAC 573-1.6(b), 8 & (d), effective
February 17, 2000, applicants for this position must possess a
valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.
AGE:
Not less than 18 nor more than 35 years of age at the
announced closing date for filing applications for the position.
In determining maximum age eligibility of veterans, the time
spent in active military service during the periods specified in
Civil Service Law and Rules will be deducted from the attained
age.
NOTE: Age requirement does not apply in those jurisdictions
whose members are not enrolled in the Police & Fire Pension
System.
NOTE: When an applicant has reached his/her 35th birthday,
(s)he is considered to be over 35 years old. Age limits are
based on the announced closing date for filing Department of
Personnel applications.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather
than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential
duties of the position.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be
required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination
to be administered by the appointing authority; any
psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which
would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the
position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself
or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of
these duties, will be cause for rejection.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of company functions and schedules; at emergency
responses, and in-station routines
Knowledge of fire characteristics as they affect intensity,
spread and suppression
Knowledge of fire fighting procedures and techniques
Knowledge of size-up factors
Knowledge of radio communications procedures
Knowledge of fire spread patterns and structural consequences
from differentiated building and construction types (e.g.,
Brannigan and Dunn books)
Knowledge of fire behavior and spread
Knowledge of the Incident Command System
Knowledge of territory (streets, hydrant locations, routes)
within the station's normal response zone
Knowledge of hose types and sizes
Knowledge of basic fireground hand tools
Knowledge of apparatus capabilities and limitations
Knowledge of victim rescue and property recovery techniques
Knowledge of apparatus placement at emergency scene
Knowledge of overhaul procedures
Knowledge of systematic search techniques
Knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures to remove citizens
from the scene of a dangerous accident
Knowledge of pumper operations
Knowledge of HAZMAT labels and placards
Knowledge of victim rescue tactics , e.g., extraction, resulting
from vehicular accident
Knowledge of hydraulics as it affects pump pressure and water
distribution
Knowledge of the characteristics of the hazard to be contained
Knowledge of ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
Skill in conducting physical tasks under adverse conditions,
e.g., heat, limited visibility, confined space, arduous terrain,
height, unstable or limited footing, etc.
Skill in performing the same physical tasks, under the same
occupational circumstances, as any other professional
firefighter
Skill in application of power tools, e.g., Sawsall, Jaws of
Life, pumps, fans
Skill in working at heights, e.g., platform training
Ability to give oral orders and directions clearly and concisely
Ability to establish priorities
Ability to identify a potential fire or safety hazard
Ability to understand processes required to complete a unit of
work, e.g., a fireground evolution, an administrative process
Ability to recognize specialized conditions in building
structures
Ability to maintain composure under environmental and social
stress
Ability to recognize the changes evolving during an incident
Ability to identify specific fire conditions and characteristics
Ability to conduct a tactical size-up (specific plan to achieve
goal)
Ability to make command decisions quickly
Ability to make a decision from multiple alternative solutions
Ability to determine the structural stability of a building or
structure involved in an emergency incident
Ability to write, by hand, with sufficient legibility to be
understood by all intended readers
Ability to delegate sufficient authority to carry out the
responsibility designated to another
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing
Ability to document activities, event in writing, e.g., Company
Report, journal
Ability to recall recent events to be recorded or logged by
shift's end
Ability to comprehend and retain technical information
Ability to select and apply an effective rescue and recovery
techniques
Ability to recognize firefighters' state of fatigue at scene of
incident from direct observation
Ability to recognize subordinates' training deficiencies
Ability to critique subordinates' performance in a positive
manner
Ability to follow oral directions and instructions
Ability to establish a safety zone around emergency incident
Ability to teach safe fire fighting practices
Ability to follow written directions and instructions
Ability to interview individuals to obtain accurate and complete
information
Ability to speak diplomatically with citizens under stress
Ability to use basic life support equipment
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or
related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in
English sufficiently to perform duties of this position.
American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as
acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as
long as they can perform essential functions of the job after
reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If
the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the
employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
CODES: LG - 09010 CGS 9/01/00
This job specification is for regional entity use only.
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