TARGET CLOSE DATE: 02/07/2025 Note: This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. Grade 19 The pay range for the listed pay grade varies depending on the employing agency. Click HERE and then select the desired agency to view the pay range for that employer. JOB SUMMARY: IF YOU APPLIED WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REAPPLY. Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this job class respond to emergency medical calls, rescue operations, and a variety of non-emergency calls to protect lives and property as well as participate in the custodial maintenance of fire station equipment, fire-fighting apparatus, rescue vehicles, and quarters. Firefighters spend time studying methods and techniques, and perform routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations. ABOUT THE PERSONNEL BOARD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM: The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) Merit System is responsible for ensuring fairness and merit in hiring and promotion, avoiding favoritism or political influence. Our goal is to attract and retain qualified and professional employees for the public sector. The Merit System includes a wonderfully diverse set of city governments, ranging from smaller, community-minded towns to vibrant, bustling cities. Our network consists of nearly 8,000 dedicated public servants, who want to make a positive impact on our communities. We offer many rewarding careers, from public safety and city management to IT, healthcare, skilled trades, engineering and more. A CAREER WITHIN THE MERIT SYSTEM: The Merit System is unique as an individual typically only submits one application for a position (e.g., administrative clerk) and that single application can result in employment opportunities with potentially 23 different cities and agencies within Jefferson County, Alabama. These agencies range from the City of Birmingham and 16 surrounding suburban cities to the Jefferson County Commission, Department of Health, and three additional governmental agencies. In the Merit System, you can enjoy the security and benefits of a public sector job with growth potential. Whether you're passionate about public safety, technology, or anything in between, there's a place for you in the Merit System. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Must be at least 18 years of age. * Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate. * No felony convictions. * Driver's license. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preferred qualifications are experiences, education, and/or other job-related qualifications considered to be highly desirable by Merit System agencies. The preferred qualifications may be used by the hiring agency to identify applicants to invite to participate in subsequent selection processes. * (Pro Board or IFSAC) Certified Fire Fighter I or Fire Fighter I/II as recognized by Alabama Fire College. Individuals possessing one of the following certifications issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC accredited organization (e.g., the Alabama Fire College) may be allowed to exempt the written examination and be placed directly onto the Firefighter list upon verification of the certification: * Fire Fighter I * Fire Fighter I/II * Certified Volunteer Fire Fighter* * Note that individuals who are hired with this VFF Certification will be required to complete the five-week Bridge program through the Alabama Fire College in order to obtain the Firefighter I certification. JOB DUTIES Typical job duties include, but are not necessarily limited to: * Administers non-invasive healthcare to patients/victims by following accepted medical guidelines and using specialized medical equipment for treating various health-related conditions. * Ensures proper operation and readiness of apparatuses, equipment, and personal gear used for incident response by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective incident response and mitigation. * Conducts fire safety activities for the general public that are designed to reduce the risk of fire related incidents from occurring and enhance awareness of general fire safety precautions. * Deploys fire hoses of varying diameters with different nozzle specifications and incorporates available appliances into fire suppression activities. * Carries out officer/incident commander's fire suppression orders by following incident response guidelines to extinguish the fire and ensure life safety of victims. * Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational variables to complete operations. * Assists in developing pre-fire plans for businesses, public buildings, and residences to include surveying buildings, collecting information regarding hazardous materials, occupancy, hydrant location, etc. to prevent and/or minimize damage and losses caused by fire-related incidents. * Participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities. * Operates fire apparatus pump system during incidents requiring water using the control panel to enable fire suppression activities. * Minimizes property loss from incidents by inspecting the scene, assessing what areas of the incident should be preserved for investigation, protecting property from unnecessary damage, and determining what debris should be left undisturbed to permit later investigation. * Locates and removes victims from incident scenes by utilizing specialized rescue techniques and equipment for extrication of victims to minimize trauma, ensure life safety, and transport to the appropriate patient care facility. * Participates in duties related to the maintenance and appearance of the fire station. * Participates in formal and informal training, sessions, and drills to acquire the proper training needed to carry out assigned duties in accordance with department policies and procedures and national guidelines. CRITICAL KNOWLEDGES Knowledge of fire behavior and characteristics to include ignition, growth, materials, heat, and smoke. * Knowledge of firefighting equipment maintenance procedures. * Knowledge of building construction, codes (e.g., fire codes, life safety codes, mechanical codes), and building systems (e.g., HVAC). * Knowledge of fire prevention techniques and principles. * Knowledge of national fire regulations, state and federal laws, court rulings, and legal information. * Knowledge of pre-incident/pre-fire planning procedures to include inspecting structures, identifying potential hazards, and establishing paths of egress. * Knowledge of the Federal, State and Local fire code (e.g., relating to buildings and facilities). * Knowledge of types of fire detector systems (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide) and their functions. * Knowledge of types of fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinkler systems, hood systems, portables) and their functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities. Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Persons requiring special conditions to accommodate a disability when completing the application should contact the Personnel Board at 205-279-3500, Option 1, prior to the target close date. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Personnel Board of Jefferson County (Personnel Board) provides a public personnel system based on merit principles. The Personnel Board strives for the constant improvement of the public service by employing and developing the best-qualified persons available. The Personnel Board provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetics. Employment decisions are made by the Merit System agency where the position exists. Each Merit System agency administers its own equal employment opportunity programs in compliance with applicable state and/or federal laws and regulations. For more information on this job description, please visit http://www.pbjcal.org/employment/Descriptions DISCLAIMER: This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time. ATTENTION Merit System Employees: Do not apply through this site. If you are a current Merit System employee, please click HERE to log into the internal career site.