To meet the definition of primary, the duties must:

• Constitute the basic reasons for the existence of the position
• Occupy a substantial portion of the individual's working time (at least 50%) over a typical work cycle;
• Be assigned on a regular and recurring basis

INTRODUCTION

Firefighter

The incumbent serves as supervisor within the fire management organization, serving on an engine, helitack module, Hot Shot module, or hand crew. The purpose of the position is to perform and direct others engaged in wildland fire suppression. This is an arduous/rigorous position and subject to medical screening and physical fitness testing.

MAJOR DUTIES

Serves as a supervisor of an engine, helitack, Hot Shot, or handcrew engaged in fire suppression or prescribed burn activities.

Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire.

Handcrew/Hot Shot

Performs and directs others in constructing handlines in vegetation and topography ranging from the subtropics of the Florida Everglades, to the tundra of Alaska and Canada, to the dense spruce-fir of the Rocky Mountains, and to the grass and cactus of the desert southwest.

Engine

Performs and directs others in positioning engine, starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives in fire suppression.

Helitack

Serves as a supervisor in a helitack crew. Performs and directs others in constructing helispots, attacking small fires, hot spots and spot fires in remote locations.

Incident Command

Directs and performs wildland fire suppression efforts in initial attack and in follow-up actions to safely and effectively control wildland fires in accordance with the identified appropriate management response.

Prescribed Fire

Responsible for the ignition, holding, and monitoring of prescribed fires.

Condition of Employment

Incumbent is subject to medical examination and must pass the work capacity test for arduous/rigorous positions.

FACTORS

1. Knowledge Required by the Position

Knowledge of standard fire program requirements, suppression tactics, methods and procedures. Skill in the use of wildland firefighting hand tools, pumps and hoses, and chainsaws sufficient to perform routinely assigned fire suppression and prescribed fire assignment in various types of fuels and under a variety of weather and terrain conditions.

Specific technical firefighting knowledge such as, but not limited to, fire engine and pump operations, handcrew operations and/or helicopter operations to enable the incumbent to function in assigned capacities and to instruct or lead others in those duties if necessary.

8. Physical Demands

Arduous/Rigorous: Firefighting requires above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing more than 50 pounds, using heavy tools and specialized equipment for long periods of time. Incumbent is subject to medical examination and must pass the work capacity test for arduous/rigorous positions.
 

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