Job Description

Classification Summary

Non-Exempt, no supervision responsibility. Under frequent direction and supervision.

Job Title Summary

                  Under close supervision, responds to structure and wildland fires and rescue calls and performs station house duties. 

Essential Job Functions

• Performs station house duties while working on an assigned shift.  Performs routine vehicle maintenance, such as servicing, fueling, washing, waxing, and checking fluid levels on fire department vehicles and equipment.  Some positions may perform vehicle repairs, such as brake jobs, pump repairs, body work, and vehicle painting.  Performs janitorial and grounds maintenance duties at station house and crew quarters, such as cleaning and yard work.
• Responds to fire calls for structure or wildland fire suppression.  Performs a variety of fire suppression activities, including driving and operating fire emergency vehicles, operating water pumps, laying and connecting hoses, holding nozzles, directing water streams, operating radios and climbing ladders.  Provides for the safety of self and other firefighters.  Some positions may act as incident commander in absence of shift supervisor.
• Utilizes a variety of fire fighting tools and equipment, including smoke ejectors, chain saws, and axes.  Enters burning buildings to locate and retrieve victims and to fight fires.  Extricates people from high angles, confined spaces, burning structures, wrecked vehicles, crashed aircraft, and other accident sites using ropes, ladders, and specialized equipment.  Responds to 911 medical calls. Lifts and carries equipment and wounded or unconscious people.  Administers basic life support and CPR. 
• Attends training sessions during shift on structure fires, pump operations, and air packs.  Completes daily activity reports.  Stabilizes hazardous spill sites and evacuates public.  Assists with fire inspections, fire safety education programs, and school fire drills.  Some positions assist in training and instructing other firefighters.  Some positions perform building maintenance and remodeling tasks.
• Performs other related duties as needed or assigned.
• Adheres to safety practices and standards, attends safety meetings and safety training.

Other Responsibilities or Job Requirements (These tasks are performed occasionally).

• Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
• Assists with fire prevention activities such as fire education, inspection, investigation and code compliance matters.
• Attends and/or training as required
• On occasion, becomes involved in public relations work and community service activities.
• Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken.
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications (At a minimum for initial application, high school education, New Mexico driver's license, one year experience in firefighting, and must obtain EMT - Basic and IFSAC Firefighter I within one year from date of hire into this position).

• Knowledge of the policies, goals, and procedures of the Ruidoso Fire Department.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Fire Code, the Life Safety Code, and the National Fire Protection Association code and standards. 
• Knowledge of fire suppression principles, methods, techniques, and practices including the purpose and use of fire fighting tools, equipment, vehicles, and apparatus.
• Knowledge of basic life support and CPR.
• Knowledge of emergency rescue principles, methods, techniques, and practices including the purpose and use of rescue tools, equipment, vehicles, and apparatus.
• Knowledge of the street names and locations in the Village of Ruidoso and surrounding areas.
• Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Skill in communicating, in person and in writing.
• Skill in completing and maintaining mandatory prescribed training courses and achieving certifications in fire fighting and rescue.
• Skill in fighting structure and wildland fires.
• Skill in extricating people from wrecks, high angles, burning buildings, and confined spaces.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining routine working relationships with citizens, outside agencies, businesses, and employees.
• Must be able to pass criminal history checks
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with Village “Drug Free” Policy.
• Must possess and maintain valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required (Class E).  Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.  MVR background checks will be conducted by the Village. 

Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain outstanding physical condition and cardiovascular stamina appropriate for the performance of rigorous assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting, standing, walking or running for extended periods of time, driving or riding in vehicles.
• Extreme exposures to heat and/or cold for extended periods, as well as adverse environmental conditions such as smoke, confined space, swift/deep water, noise, extreme height, wind, darkness and wetness
• Must successfully pass wildland fire pack test on an annual basis with minimum score of 45, arduous level.
• The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting heavy boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustment of office furniture.
• Frequent pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 75 pounds.
• Frequent squatting or bending required.

Work Environment

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
• May work a fairly irregular schedule, long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.
• May be called when needed.
• Noise level could be moderate to loud in work environment.
• Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.

Travel Requirements

• Normal travel - ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the area.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.
• Overnight travel as required.

This job description is subject to change as the needs of the Village and Department change or the requirements of this position change.