Firefighter Trainee

For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry, and quality. Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 45,000 residents call Hickory their home, the hub of a 365,000-metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums, and gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out www.myHKY.com for a virtual, interactive tour of the area, and www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and Life. Well Crafted. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check. The Firefighter Trainee will participate in a recruiting class-style fi re academy hosted by the Catawba Valley Community College . The academy is used to prepare incumbents for performing public safety work involving the protection of life and property. The Academy pr eparation involves training in fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Technical Rescue response . A Firefighter- Trainee throughout the fire academy the trainee must demonstrate the ability to use fire suppression , emergency medical services , and rescue skills following HFD standards. While enrolled in the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Training Academy, Hickory Fire Department Firefighter Trainees work 8-hour or 10-hour shifts in a 40-hour workweek schedule and receive close supervision from a CVCC Training Officer who reviews and evaluates work in progress and upon completion ensure conformance to standard operating procedures. All Hickory Fire Department Trainees will receive the same City of Hickory benefits that are provided to all full-time employees. A n HFD Captain of Training will review weekly performance reports of all trainees from the CVCC Academy Staff and provide these to the HFD Battalion Chief of Training . S uccessful completion of the academy does not guarantee a position at the Hickory Fire Department. Offers of full-time employment are contingent on current job openings and a favorable review of trainee performance in the CVCC Academy . The trainee retains all certifications they have earned in the fire academy in either instance. If a Firefighter- Trainee is promoted to the City of Hickory Firefighter classification , they begin serving their regular one-year probation period as a n HFD Firefighter . Incumbents will then work 12-hour or 24-hour shift schedules. New Firefighters receive close supervision from a Fire Captain who reviews and evaluates their work in progress. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

It is preferred that applicants reside not more than 30 miles commuting distance of the Central Fire Department; however, waivers are allowed with approval by the City Manager Applicant must be 1 8 years of age Successful completion of a physical agility test is required. Selected applicants will be notified by the Fire Department after the closing of the application process when the physical agility test is scheduled. An employee in this position must possess the ability to work the schedule provided which could include working on holidays and weekends. The a bility to pass various physical and psychological exams along with drug testing is required. Applicant must possess or provide proof of a high school diploma or GED. Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association, the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission, and the North Carolina Office of Medical Services. Skill in operating firefighting equipment. Skill in operating rescue and extrication equipment. Skill in interpersonal relations. Skill in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and exert force; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; crawl; talk and hear. An employee in this position will have successfully passed the Fire "Job-Related Performance Ability Test (JRPAT).

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed at the fire station or at fire scenes. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fumes, hazardous situations, and materials that require the use of protective equipment such as masks, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

CVCC Fire Academy Staff and HFD Captain of Training.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include National Fire Protection Association codes, federal and state laws, local ordinances, building codes, and city and department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of related fire suppression and rescue duties. Potentially life-threatening situations contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to protect lives and property through fire suppression activities, fire prevention and safety activities, and education. Successful performance results in increased public safety and decreased property loss.