Structural Fire-Line Officer

Introduction

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Structural Fire Officer to supervise and direct a firefighting crew.

Duties

• Supervises incumbents in the performance of fire prevention, preparedness, detection, structural fire suppression, salvage and overhaul, and investigation.
• Ensures readiness of fire suppression equipment and personnel, and evaluates equipment and personnel needs.
• Utilizes incident management techniques to size up the scene, and determine the necessary organization to control the incident.
• Implements the Incident Command System (ICS), and directs/leads emergency operations.
• Directs the use of, and utilizes a variety of firefighting tools and equipment to attack and extinguish fires requiring the full performance level of firefighting skills, including hazard material awareness techniques.
• Directs forced entries to ventilate structures, and perform rescue operations.
• Ensures readiness of portable and stationary firefighting apparatus such as hydrants, pumps, and other related equipment.
• Ensures the appropriate use of all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including self-contained breathing apparatus, and enforces all safety rules.
• Directs/provides emergency medical care within the scope of training and certification.
• Takes appropriate action to secure the scene, and conduct basic fire investigation.
• Prepares and maintains records of all actions taken.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

• Knowledge of firefighting operations and procedures gained through direct experience and/or completion of the requirements to meet Firefighter II (FF II) standards set by the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA 1001) or equivalent.
• Ability to instruct others in firefighting operations through completion of NFPA 1041 or equivalent, and meet the physical requirements of NFPA 1021, and have completed Fire Officer Training.
• Advanced knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Ability to locate and remove victims trapped in a structure.
• Ability to provide basic emergency medical care such as first aid for minor injuries, and CPR.
• Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety practices, and their appropriate use in firefighting operations.
• Thorough knowledge of situational awareness fundamentals including personal equipment, essential firefighting equipment, hazardous material operations, and general all-risk hazards.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles sufficient to provide leadership, foster open communication and team work, provide work direction, and evaluate the performance of firefighting team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Supervisory Controls

Work direction is provided by a Fire Chief, Fire Officer, or other designated supervisor who makes assignments and procedures to be followed.  The direction of firefighting operations is performed independently with instructions provided for unfamiliar or unusual situations.  Completed work is reviewed for incident management techniques employed, the effectiveness of operations directed, and compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for doing the work have been established and a number of specific guidelines or standard orders are available such as oral instructions, fire codes and manuals, health and safety codes, park structural fire management plan, and formal training.  Some problems encountered may not be specifically covered by guidelines.

The incumbent works in accordance with the guidelines, references and procedures.  Deviations are made by situational demands, and incident complexity.  After-action issues are discussed with the supervisor or incident commander for resolution.

Complexity

The incumbent directs a firefighting team and performs a variety of firefighting assignments which require full performance firefighting skills, such as defensive and offensive firefighting, structure entry and ventilation, rescue operations, and assisting with emergency medical situations.  Emergency responses often involve action in extremely adverse physical and emotional conditions and ability to function effectively in sensitive situations.

Work requires application of established supervisory skills and firefighting practices in areas of assignment.  Individual discretion and judgment is required in emergency situations.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of this position is to act as a Fire Officer in directing a team in implementing firefighting objectives for a safe operation while effectively performing fire suppression operations.  The effectiveness and timeliness of the decisions and actions taken impacts the efficiency of assignments and the safety of operations performed.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with local agency firefighting personnel or incident management team personnel during the duration of the incident.  The incumbent may also interact with media operations, family members, special interest groups, and others with interests in the incident.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to conduct firefighting operations, relay orders, as well as to provide incident information to and from the incident management team and other fire team members, and to provide general and specific information and assistance.

Physical Demands

Firefighting work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity.  Incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out responsibilities including the ability to pass an arduous duty physical, and handle a variety of heavy and cumbersome firefighting equipment.  Emergency firefighting situations often require clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.

Work Environment

Work environment is predominately outdoors in all types of weather, night or day, for extended periods of time.  The incumbent is subject to cold, hot, windy, wet, or snowy conditions, and subject to extreme heat, burns, falling objects, exposure to smoke and noxious fumes.  Waring of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in firefighting operations is mandatory.