JOB TITLE: INSTALLATION FIREFIGHTER, DMVA

JOB CODE: 74240

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Installation Firefighter job series describes work in fighting and extinguishing fires.

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

An employee in this job fights and extinguishes aircraft, structure, and other fires that contain fuels, chemicals, and ordnance, such as ammunition. Work involves rescuing trapped individuals from burning aircrafts 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 apparatuses 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 trapped individuals.

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

• 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 airport crash trucks, fire trucks, or water tenders.

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

• Operates multi-frequency radios and other licensed communications equipment.

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

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

• Inspects and tests fire protection equipment to include hydrants, water distribution systems, sprinkler systems, chemical extinguishing systems, and systems for reporting building fires and aircraft accidents.

• Inspects structures for compliance with established fire safety codes.

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

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

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

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of firefighting and fire rescue techniques 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 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 operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the 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 an active Firefighter II 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 Awareness certification and an active Hazardous Materials Operations 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 motor vehicle license.

• All employees must initially and annually be medically certified as meeting the medical requirements of Department of Defense Manual 6055.05, Occupational Medical Examinations: Medical Surveillance and Medical Qualification or the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments as required by their position’s federal reimbursement authority.

• Certain positions require 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 obtain and maintain federal Tier 1/Favorable Clearance.

• All employees must obtain within one year of hire and maintain over the course of employment 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 over the course of employment an active Airport Firefighter, 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.