FIRE OFFICER 1

Code: 09010 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of a Fire Officer 2, or higher level fire official, has charge of firefighter team(s) engaged in extinguishing fires; directs firefighters in providing fire protection for persons and property; orders firefighters on the specific operations to be carried out; serves as first line supervisor and assigns station duties to subordinates; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Directs firefighters at emergency scene to correct inefficient or improper fire fighting techniques, by observing their actions, using superior knowledge, training, and experience
• Directs firefighter teams, as Incident Commander, to perform emergency operations as dictated by size-up and evolving status
• Directs team operations inside the fire building, e.g., fire extension, venting, overhaul, salvage, hose operations, utility control, etc. by determining priorities, point of attack and issuing specific directions
• Notifies and advises subordinates of relevant issues, ideas, technology, etc. in order to increase their job knowledge and performance
• Instructs subordinates in fire fighting tactics, based upon pre- fire planning information (building, and their contents, streets, etc.)
• Determines search areas and pattern by evaluating ongoing suppression activity and current conditions
• Reassigns and redirects subordinates at scene according to strategy and evolving operations, new information and circumstances
• Determines the best location and method for venting; e.g., horizontal, vertical, mechanical
• Identifies hazards such as tree limbs, power lines, traffic, obstructions to access, volatile substances, structural stability, to determine best placement of apparatus, courses of action, and additional resources needed
• Notifies dispatch of location, circumstances, and conditions upon arrival at scene, according to ICS
• Selects the proper size and length of hoselines for crew's assignment
• Determines the type and location of forcible entry, based upon structural need and minimizing collateral damage
• Directs subordinates to search/searches for fire extension by pulling walls, ceilings, checking concealed spaces, behind moldings, pipe chases, vertical openings, while causing minimal damage
• Determines route for safe and expeditious removal of victim
• Assigns station duties to subordinates, e.g., housekeeping, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Notifies IC of any significant information, e.g., changing conditions, hazards noted while conducting operations; in person, by courier, radio, etc.
• Briefs superior officer of incident details during transfer of command
• Informs dispatch of the need for additional equipment (ambulance, helicopter, Jaws of Life) necessary to extract victims and / or improve their chances for recovery
• Begins size-up immediately upon notification of emergency (environmental, traffic expected, etc.) to prepare an effective response
• Directs subordinates to charge line while searching for extension for safety and effective suppression
• Notifies IC of current search activities, location and condition of victims, and evacuation efforts
• Obtains attack assignment for crew and apparatus from IC
• Issues crew assignments per directions from IC, and SOPs
• Conducts on-site physical inspection of buildings, dwellings, commercial establishments and occupancies to locate utilities, standpipes, sprinklers, construction type, et al for the purpose of familiarization
• Directs salvage and overhaul operations, when arson is suspected, in order to preserve evidence
• Directs/positions apparatus on roadway to shield accident scene in order to allow emergency operations to proceed
• Assigns subordinates to apparatus for the day, e.g. nozzle, hose, venting, search teams, radio, ladder operations, etc. prior to responding to calls in order to increase efficiency
• Notifies personnel of street closings, special events, outages, etc. which may affect response time or routes - in person, or via notices or postings
• Directs the removal of debris from structure, or vehicle, to prevent rekindling, ensure safer operations, and to recover bodies
• Records all events of shift in log by writing personally or assigning to someone else in order to document shift activities and maintain a record
• Fills out civilian / firefighter casualty reports, according to NFIRS standards in order to formally document the incident
• Directs (and administers) first aide using "Universal Precautions" (gloves, mask, eye protection) to reduce further injury
• Conducts post-incident headcount and critique of actions taken
• Determines vehicle and equipment status by discussing with apparatus driver
• Notes the time of alarm in the log for record
• Records current events in officer or company log, journal, daily report in order to keep record and inform interested parties who follow
• Fills out trouble/maintenance reports in the daily log in order to document all events occurring during shift
• Maintains visual/radio contact with crew at scene for accountability and their personal safety
• Prepares NFIRS and incident reports to inform, acknowledge, and retain for reference in accordance with departmental directives
• Briefs incoming officer of significant events and circumstances occurring during the shift, e.g., damaged hydrants, sprinkler, etc. to ensure continuity of information available
• Reports traffic and routing hazards while en route to alarm, via radio, to advise other responders
• Notifies supervisor, in person or by memo, when apparatus/equipment is out of service to ensure continuity of information, and to initiate replacement and repair
• Directs the illumination of structures or areas using portable lighting to promote safer operations
• Fills out supply requisition forms and repair slips in order to notify appropriate parties of the need to replace or repair defective equipment or supplies
• Checks vehicles daily at shift change, according to vehicle equipment chart, to ensure readiness
• Inspects subordinates at roll call to ensure proper staffing, uniform, and fitness for duty
• Conducts safety inspection of subordinates' gear at roll call, e.g., Personal Protective Equipment, SCBA gear, accountability tags, etc. to ensure readiness
• Directs the turning off of gas/electric/water service
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience involving the extinguishing of fires

CERTIFICATION

In accordance with NJAC 573-1.6(b), 8 & (d), effective February 17, 2000, applicants for this position must possess a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 nor more than 35 years of age at the announced closing date for filing applications for the position. In determining maximum age eligibility of veterans, the time spent in active military service during the periods specified in Civil Service Law and Rules will be deducted from the attained age.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be administered by the appointing authority; any psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of company functions and schedules; at emergency responses, and in-station routines
• Knowledge of fire characteristics as they affect intensity, spread and suppression
• Knowledge of fire fighting procedures and techniques
• Knowledge of size-up factors
• Knowledge of radio communications procedures
• Knowledge of fire spread patterns and structural consequences from differentiated building and construction types (e.g., Brannigan and Dunn books)
• Knowledge of fire behavior and spread
• Knowledge of the Incident Command System
• Knowledge of territory (streets, hydrant locations, routes) within the station's normal response zone
• Knowledge of hose types and sizes
• Knowledge of basic fireground hand tools
• Knowledge of apparatus capabilities and limitations
• Knowledge of victim rescue and property recovery techniques
• Knowledge of apparatus placement at emergency scene
• Knowledge of overhaul procedures
• Knowledge of systematic search techniques
• Knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures to remove citizens from the scene of a dangerous accident
• Knowledge of pumper operations
• Knowledge of HAZMAT labels and placards
• Knowledge of victim rescue tactics , e.g., extraction, resulting from vehicular accident
• Knowledge of hydraulics as it affects pump pressure and water distribution
• Knowledge of the characteristics of the hazard to be contained
• Knowledge of ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
• Skill in conducting physical tasks under adverse conditions, e.g., heat, limited visibility, confined space, arduous terrain, height, unstable or limited footing, etc.
• Skill in performing the same physical tasks, under the same occupational circumstances, as any other professional firefighter
• Skill in application of power tools, e.g., Sawsall, Jaws of Life, pumps, fans
• Skill in working at heights, e.g., platform training
• Ability to give oral orders and directions clearly and concisely
• Ability to establish priorities
• Ability to identify a potential fire or safety hazard
• Ability to understand processes required to complete a unit of work, e.g., a fireground evolution, an administrative process
• Ability to recognize specialized conditions in building structures
• Ability to maintain composure under environmental and social stress
• Ability to recognize the changes evolving during an incident
• Ability to identify specific fire conditions and characteristics
• Ability to conduct a tactical size-up (specific plan to achieve goal)
• Ability to make command decisions quickly
• Ability to make a decision from multiple alternative solutions
• Ability to determine the structural stability of a building or structure involved in an emergency incident
• Ability to write, by hand, with sufficient legibility to be understood by all intended readers
• Ability to delegate sufficient authority to carry out the responsibility designated to another
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing
• Ability to document activities, event in writing, e.g., Company Report, journal
• Ability to recall recent events to be recorded or logged by shift's end
• Ability to comprehend and retain technical information
• Ability to select and apply an effective rescue and recovery techniques
• Ability to recognize firefighters' state of fatigue at scene of incident from direct observation
• Ability to recognize subordinates' training deficiencies
• Ability to critique subordinates' performance in a positive manner
• Ability to follow oral directions and instructions
• Ability to establish a safety zone around emergency incident
• Ability to teach safe fire fighting practices
• Ability to follow written directions and instructions
• Ability to interview individuals to obtain accurate and complete information
• Ability to speak diplomatically with citizens under stress
• Ability to use basic life support equipment
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: LG - CGS 9/01/00
• This job specification is for regional entity use only.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Age requirement does not apply in those jurisdictions whose members are not enrolled in the Police &amp; Fire Pension System.

When an applicant has reached his/her 35th birthday, (s)he is considered to be over 35 years old. Age limits are based on the announced closing date for filing Department of Personnel applications.