Fire and emergency management/Promotional process

Fire Officer III

Project Three

January 9-13, 2006

Task: Develop a process to be used by the Anytown Fire Department for promoting its members from the rank of Firefighter to the rank of Lieutenant.

First, post the position, listing qualifications and criteria.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certifications: EMT if already employed by the City of Anytown or gain an EMT certification within one year of hire, EVOC or EVAP (Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention Program) and a WA. State drivers’ license.


 * Has all required firefighter and other certifications as needed for his/her current position.


 * (Firefighter 1and 2, Airport Firefighter, Fire Instructor 1 and Fire Inspector 1.


 * Driver Operator (pumper), Aerial Operator, Haz-Mat: Awareness and Operations.)

The applicant will have one year after the promotion/hiring to obtain a certification for Fire Officer 1. The applicant will also obtain within one year a Haz-Mat certification for Technician and ICS.

Must be able to pass or have medical transcripts which demonstrate successful completion of a LEOFF II medical examination or any other standard physical examination as may be required by the City of Anytown or the State of Washington. Must be able to meet the requirements of the Rules and Regulations of the Anytown Civil Service Commission, which may encompass requirements regarding minimum age, education, physical strength and agility or other job-related qualifications. Two years experience as a firefighter, or any other equivalent combination of experience and training.

General Statement of Duties:

Performs professional and supervisory work in directing the operations and activities of the fire suppression, prevention and first aid functions of the Fire Department. Responds to fire suppression, specialized rescue and emergency first aid calls on an assigned shift. Supervises the maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, quarters and grounds. Plans, schedules and teaches basic firefighter level classes including any special certifications or skills that they possess. Conducts safety and fire prevention inspections of all buildings and structures within the city.

Supervision: 

Supervision is provided by a superior officer through general review and evaluation of achievement of departmental objectives and efficiency of operations. Supervision of subordinate full-time and volunteer personnel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

One year of experience as a municipal fire department fire suppression supervisor or four years experience in a municipal fire department, two years of which must have been as a firefighter, or an Associate of Arts Degree in Fire Science or a related field and two years experience as a firefighter.

Essential Job Duties:

Supervisory duties:


 * Assumes command at emergency alarm scene until relieved by a superior officer; places duty companies and supervises rescue, exposure, confinement, extinguishment, ventilation, salvage and overhaul activities.


 * Plans, organizes, and supervises the day-to-day activities of full-time firefighters; prepares daily and weekly schedules for training, equipment maintenance and other related duties.


 * Inspects fire suppression equipment and vehicles to assure departmental standards and operating procedures regarding general appearance, working condition and safety are met.


 * Develops and implements modern fire suppression training programs; leads drills.


 * Briefs and debriefs subordinates on shift activities and incidents.


 * Acts as liaison with public, local and State agencies and the City of Anytown regarding fire suppression and prevention matters.


 * Makes recommendations to supervisors for the development of departmental fire suppression and prevention goals, objectives, and priorities; coordinates and supervises assigned programs and procedures to meet established goals.


 * Supervises shift activity, record reporting, and maintenance and retention programs; prepares required State and local reports.


 * Supervises subordinates in cleaning and maintenance of fire station, equipment, apparatus and grounds.


 * Makes recommendations for the fire suppression and prevention annual operating budget.


 * Evaluates fire suppression personnel; makes recommendations to supervisors regarding personnel actions.

Firefighter duties:


 * Responds to alarms as a member of an engine company; lays and connects hose, nozzles and directs water streams; uses a variety of equipment in extinguishing fires; maintains radio contact with communications center at fire station.


 * Responds to alarms as an engine driver/operator; places equipment and assures adequate water supply.


 * Ventilates burning structures; performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, removing water and debris.


 * Performs rescue operations, both fire and non-fire, providing emergency medical technician services and attending to the public under extreme stress conditions involving trauma, suffering and personal tragedy.


 * Completes accurate reports of all emergency incidents during assigned shift.


 * Participates in inspection of buildings and other structures as a part of the fire prevention program.


 * Instructs or assists in the instruction of classes for the general public and local schools on topics such as fire prevention and first aid.


 * Performs general maintenance work to fire department buildings, grounds and equipment; cleans and washes walls, floors and windows; cleans, polishes and tests equipment and other related tasks to assure that the facilities are presentable to the public and that fire suppression equipment and apparatus is in a constant state of readiness.


 * Performs other duties as required.

Selection criteria:

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of fire suppression, fire prevention, and natural or man-made disasters as well as fire organization and management; extensive knowledge of safety regulations in Chapters 296-305 WAC (Wash. Administrative code) and departmental rules/regulations and policies and procedures; extensive knowledge of 2-way radio use in conformance with FCC rules and regulations; extensive knowledge of salvage and overhaul operations and methods; extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of advanced first aid; extensive knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and regulations involving emergency vehicle operations; extensive knowledge of fire hazards relating to different types of building construction, including electrical systems and chemical properties as of building materials; basic knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of personnel supervision.

Abilities: Ability to effectively plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate the activities of paid and volunteer firefighting personnel; to effectively lead and motivate subordinates to achieve a high level of readiness and morale; to develop modern fire suppression and prevention services to meet the needs of the City; ability to use, operate and maintain firefighting equipment and tools, including trucks, ladders, hose, heavy-duty and portable fire apparatus; to think clearly, to reason and react quickly and calmly in hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations; to perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for extended periods of times in cramped surroundings, and hot and smoky environments with limited visibility and at times considerable heights; to memorize the geography, street, hydrants and building locations in the City of Anytown as well as individual characteristics of buildings, including construction, hazards and built in protection devices; to read and interpret maps, plans and diagrams of floor plans; to recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and/or emotional stress; to complete an Emergency Medical Technician course and to apply knowledge and skills gained; to use tact, understanding and judgment in dealing with the public in fire suppression, prevention and medical aid situations; to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to maintain harmonious working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

Special requirements:

Must be able to maintain the level of knowledge, skill and ability necessary to qualify for the Basic Life Support recertification examination and all other certifications required.

The first part of the testing process will be a review of all applications. These will be reviewed by a panel consisting of The City of Anytowns Lawyer, the Human Resources Officer and The City of Anytowns Fire Chief. They will review the application for qualifications, grade requirements and certifications. They will select the top five applicants based on the minimum and preferred qualifications.

If there are less than five applicants the panel will decide whether to re-open the announcement or to choose from the current applicants. The Fire Chief will take the list and submit it to a second panel.

The second part of the selection will be an oral interview. A panel consisting of The City of Anytowns Assistant Fire Chief, The Human Resources Officer, the City of Anytowns Lawyer, a Fire Captain and a Fire Lieutenant will be assembled.

The top five will go (in no particular order) before the panel. The panel will be able to ask the applicants three questions pertaining to the panel members’ expertise as related to the fire service.

The applicants will be given the opportunity at the end of the interview to add personal comments.

The panel members will individually rate each applicant (1 through 5, 5 being highest) based on the answers to their questions and any personal comments offered by the applicants. The individual ratings will be given to the Fire Chief. He will add up the total points and award the position to the applicant with the highest score.