JOB TITLE: INSTALLATION FIREFIGHTER, DMVA

JOB CODE: 74240

DEFINITION: This is firefighting, fire prevention, and fire protection systems inspection work at airports and other facilities supported by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA).

An employee in this job is responsible for fighting and extinguishing aircraft, structure, and other fires that may contain fuels, chemicals and ordnance, such as ammunition. Work involves rescuing trapped individuals from burning aircraft and other enclosed areas; operating and maintaining firefighting and rescue equipment and vehicles; inspecting buildings and outdoor locations to identify and resolve fire hazards; and inspecting fire alarms and fire suppression systems to verify functionality. Work includes fighting aircraft fires using specialized breathing apparatus and chemical fire suppressants. Work is reviewed by an Installation Firefighter Supervisor, DMVA for compliance with established procedures through reports, conferences, and observation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Fights and extinguishes aircraft, building, vehicle, fuel, chemical, wildland, and brush fires at DMVA installations.

• Rescues individuals from buildings, aircraft, vehicles, or other environments where they may be trapped or life is endangered.

• Removes aircraft enclosures to assist or remove trapped individuals.

• Utilizes open-circuit and closed-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus.

• Utilizes various types of fire suppression substances such as CO2, Halon 1211, foam, and dry chemicals.

• Serves as the driver or a crew member of assigned crash, fire, and rescue vehicles, such as an airport crash truck, fire truck, or water tender.

• Uses forcible entry and rescue tools for aircraft and structural firefighting in extreme conditions of heat and smoke.

• Operates licensed communications equipment, such as a multi-frequency radio.

• Participates in stand-by functions during aircraft fueling operations, aircraft engine maintenance and tests, ammunition handling, training flights, live fire training, and other hazardous operations.

• Inspects runways and taxiways for loose gear, debris, broken pavement, and other visual hazards.

• Conducts inspections and tests of fire protection equipment including hydrants, water distribution systems, sprinkler systems, chemical extinguishing systems, and systems for reporting building fires and aircraft accidents.

• Conducts regular inspections of structures for compliance with established fire safety procedures.

• Inspects, tests, services, and maintains standard and flightline fire extinguishers of various types.

• Maintains and tests fire hoses by re-coupling, numbering, loading and unloading apparatus.

• Operates, tests, and maintains special extinguishing devices that are used in aircraft fire protection and for flammable liquid fires.

• Functions as an alarm room operator by receiving telephone calls, radio transmissions, fire alarms, crash alarms, or other emergency notifications.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the use of firefighting techniques and equipment.

• Knowledge of fire rescue methods and equipment.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the application of emergency medical care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Knowledge of maintenance procedures for firefighting equipment and vehicles.

• Knowledge of fire regulations.

• Knowledge of fire behavior and suppression.

• Knowledge of the safety hazards presented by various types of fires.

• Knowledge of hazardous materials present in and around aircraft and airport buildings and grounds.

• Knowledge of the methods and equipment used in the storage and cleanup of hazardous materials.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.):

• Three years of firefighting experience as a member of a municipal or governmental fire department and possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Firefighter II certification and an Airport Firefighter certification from an organization accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.

• All positions require possession of an active Hazardous Materials Operations certification and an active Hazardous Materials Awareness certification.

• All positions require possession of an active non-commercial class C Pennsylvania driver’s license or equivalent.

• All positions must initially and annually be medically certified as meeting the medical requirements of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582, Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.

• Certain positions require possession of an active emergency medical technician (EMT) certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

• Certain positions require employees to successfully pass a background check to obtain and maintain Secret Clearance for access to restricted areas or federal computer networks.

• All employees must obtain within one year of hire and maintain an active class B Pennsylvania commercial driver’s license or an active certificate of authorization to operate fire emergency vehicles issued by the Fire Chief of the hiring fire station.

• All employees must obtain within one year of hire and maintain active Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF), and Driver/Operator Mobile Water Supply certifications from an organization accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.