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REPORTS TO: Fire Captain
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of Fire Captain, the Reserve Firefighter provides supplemental staffing and emergency response support to the Avenal Fire Department on an as-needed basis. This position performs firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and fire prevention activities to support full-time personnel during emergency incidents, training events, and special operations. The Reserve Firefighter maintains professional competency through regular training and responds to emergency incidents when available to augment regular department staffing.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a reserve position within the professional fire department that provides flexible staffing support during peak demand periods, large incidents, and personnel shortages. The Reserve Firefighter works under direct supervision and performs the similar duties as regular firefighters. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to integrate quickly with regular crews and maintain readiness for emergency response.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Emergency Response:
- Respond to fire, medical, and rescue emergencies as available and requested
- Perform firefighting operations including hose deployment, search and rescue, and ventilation
- Provide emergency medical care and assist with patient transport
- Participate in rescue operations and hazardous materials response within training level
- Follow incident command protocols and work effectively within the command structure
- Support regular firefighting crews during large or complex incidents
Fire Suppression Support:
- Deploy and operate hose lines, nozzles, and firefighting equipment
- Assist with ladder operations and ventilation activities
- Perform search and rescue operations in emergency situations
- Support overhaul and salvage operations after fire suppression
- Operate firefighting tools and equipment safely and effectively
- Assist with fire scene rehabilitation and equipment management
Emergency Medical Services:
- Provide basic life support and emergency medical care
- Assist with patient assessment and treatment
- Operate emergency medical equipment as trained
- Support patient transport and hospital communications
- Maintain medical equipment in ready condition
- Document patient care activities as required
Training Participation:
- Attend scheduled training sessions and department drills
- Maintain required certifications and continuing education
- Participate in equipment training and skills development
- Practice emergency response procedures with regular crews
- Attend specialized training programs as assigned
- Maintain proficiency in all assigned duties and responsibilities
Equipment and Station Support:
- Assist with equipment maintenance and testing
- Participate in station maintenance and housekeeping activities
- Support equipment inventory and supply management
- Maintain personal protective equipment and uniforms
- Assist with apparatus cleaning and maintenance
- Support administrative functions as needed
Fire Prevention Activities:
- Assist with fire prevention inspections when available
- Support public education programs and community events
- Participate in fire safety demonstrations and presentations
- Distribute fire prevention materials and information
- Assist with special events and emergency preparedness activities
- Support community outreach and public relations efforts
Operational Support:
- Provide staffing coverage during personnel shortages
- Support large incident operations and mutual aid responses
- Assist with special operations and technical rescue incidents
- Participate in disaster response and emergency management activities
- Support department special events and ceremonial functions
- Provide backup coverage for regular firefighting positions
Professional Development:
- Maintain physical fitness for emergency response duties
- Stay current with department policies and procedures
- Participate in professional development opportunities
- Support department training programs and activities
- Maintain professional appearance and conduct
- Build positive relationships with regular department personnel
Documentation and Communication:
- Complete required reports and documentation
- Maintain training and certification records
- Communicate availability for emergency response
- Report equipment problems and safety concerns
- Participate in post-incident critiques and reviews
- Support department record keeping and administrative functions
Additional Responsibilities:
- Respond to emergency incidents when available
- Support mutual aid operations with neighboring departments
- Assist with department recruiting and retention efforts
- Participate in department committees and special projects
- Perform related duties as assigned by supervisors
ABILITY TO:
- Perform firefighting operations in hazardous and stressful conditions
- Provide emergency medical care to injured or ill persons
- Operate firefighting and emergency medical equipment safely
- Follow complex instructions and emergency procedures under pressure
- Work effectively as part of a team with regular department personnel
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Maintain physical fitness and readiness for emergency operations
- Adapt quickly to different crew assignments and operational situations
- Maintain flexible schedule for emergency response availability
- Learn new procedures and equipment operation
- Provide courteous and professional public service
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: High school diploma. Previous emergency services experience preferred.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid California Class "C" driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required
- Current California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES) Firefighter I certification required
- Hazardous Materials Operations level certification
- Must be available for emergency response
- Additional certifications as required by the Fire Chief
DESIRABLE LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION:
- CSFM Driver Operator
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Strenuous physical activity including climbing, crawling, lifting, and carrying heavy equipment (50+ pounds regularly)
- Ability to work in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions
- Physical stamina and endurance for emergency operations of varying duration
- Manual dexterity to operate firefighting and emergency medical equipment
- Ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, and on unstable surfaces
- Vision and hearing sufficient to perform emergency operations safely
- Ability to wear heavy protective equipment and breathing apparatus
- Rapid physical response and mobility during emergency situations
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- On-call availability for emergency response
- Indoor and outdoor work environments with hazardous conditions
- Exposure to smoke, heat, flames, chemicals, hazardous materials, and toxic substances
- High-noise environments from apparatus, tools, and emergency equipment
- Working around heavy machinery, power tools, and electrical hazards
- Potential exposure to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens
- High-stress emergency situations requiring immediate response and decision-making
- Work locations include fire stations, emergency scenes, and community facilities
- Evening and weekend availability required for training and emergency response
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applicants must submit an official City of Avenal Application. Applicants who clearly appear to be most qualified in terms of experience and training will be invited to a job-related panel interview and/or Chief’s interview. A medical evaluation, Live Scan, and drug screening will be conducted prior to employment. The City of Avenal will require each applicant to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration or authorization to work in the United States. Must be 18 years of age at the time of application.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE OF:
-Basic firefighting principles, tactics, and safety procedures -Emergency medical services and first aid procedures -Fire prevention principles and basic inspection techniques -Equipment operation and maintenance procedures -Emergency communication protocols and radio procedures -Safety procedures and occupational hazards -Basic fire behavior and building construction concepts -Community relations and public service principles -Physical fitness and health maintenance requirements -Department policies, procedures, and organizational structure