Employment - Position of Firefighter - August 2007
Applications for the position of Firefighter with the City of Rochester are currently being accepted through September 10, 2007.
For additional information and/or to complete an application, please view the Employment page of our website.
A written examination, physical performance test, and oral interview are completed to establish a list of eligible candidates for possible appointment to the position of Firefighter. Each candidate for the position of Firefighter who is certified as eligible for appointment shall successfully complete the following additional examinations: an in-depth background investigation, an oral interview with the Fire Chief, a medical examination (to include a drug screening), and a psychological examination.
Minimum Requirements
THE REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE FIRE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.
Applicants for the position of Firefighter shall meet the following minimum requirements:
- U.S. Citizen.
- Eighteen (18) years of age
- Valid driver's license
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Firefighter I/II curriculum as approved by the National Fire Academy or the equivalent program which conforms to NFPA 1001
- Current active National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification
- Must obtain Minnesota State Firefighter I and II certification prior to completion of probationary period.
- Must be free from any physical, emotional, mental, or medical conditions which might adversely affect the performance of the duties of Firefighter.
- Must agree not to use tobacco products on or off duty for as long as employed by the Rochester Fire Department.
- Must maintain all required minimum qualifications and certifications throughout employment as a Rochester Firefighter.
Nature of Work The protection of life and property through fire prevention, public education, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials services.
Compensation 2007 starting pay: $15.465 per hour
Benefits Health, life, and dental insurance, flexible benefit program, sick leave, vacation, holidays, Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), and tuition reimbursement.
Work Schedule Shift employees shall work alternate 24 hour shifts to a total of 72 hours worked, then have 96 hours off (24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off). A total of 2912 hours worked annually.
Size of Department 104 Fire Department Personnel: 1 Chief, 2 Deputy Chiefs, 1 Administrative Services Manager, 3 Assistant Chiefs, 19 Captains, 21 Motor Operators, 2 Lieutenant Inspectors, 1 Fire Protection Specialist, 1 Pre Plan Assistant, 50 Firefighters, 1 Mechanic, 1 Secretary, 1 Clerk Typist .
Stations Four fire (4) stations and one (1) Fire Prevention Office.
Additional Information
City of Rochester Human Resources Department
City Hall - Room 295
201 - 4th St SE
Rochester, MN 55904
507/328-2555
FAX 507/328-2565
Contact Human Resources
Nature of Work
This is general duty firefighter work involving the prevention and mitigation of fire and other personal and environmental emergencies through proactive inspection and public education programs; care of injured or ill persons; the suppression of accidental, negligent, and incendiary fires; the safeguarding of lives and protection of property from natural or man-made disasters; and the performance of rescue work. Work is performed in accordance with department rules and regulations and normally consists of conducting fire safety inspections of fire protection systems, buildings, and properties; instructing the public in safe behaviors; developing pre-emergency plans; providing medical care for injured or ill persons; answering fire, hazardous materials, rescue and other types of emergency calls; participating in department drills and training exercises; maintaining department equipment and grounds; and performing other related duties as assigned. Work involves an element of danger and employees must respond to emergency situations calmly and as trained, to prevent possible injury to the employee's own self, fellow employees, and others at the scene of the emergency. This work is under the direct supervision of the company captain who reviews work methods and results through personal observation, inspection, and discussion. Employees in this position may work in either line or staff assignments.
Major Functions / Tasks
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Perform fire prevention, public education, and public relations duties.
- Conduct fire safety inspections of residential or commercial buildings or properties and associated fire protection systems.
- Present educational programs to the general public or to other fire department personnel.
- Present a positive, service oriented image of the Fire Department to the public.
- Meet with citizens and/or groups to answer inquiries or resolve complaints and safety concerns.
- Interact with other departments, agencies, and citizen or business groups as a Fire Department representative.
- Respond to requests for public assistance in non-emergency situations within departmental policy.
- Provide educational and informative tours or demonstrations of fire department facilities and equipment.
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Perform fire fighting, rescue, and emergency related duties.
- Respond to fire and emergency calls as part of a department company.
- Remove trapped persons from buildings, vehicles, machines, or confined spaces.
- Perform rescue, entry, ventilation, extinguishment, overhaul, and salvage activities as assigned.
- Maintain skills and knowledge through participation in training and skill maintenance programs.
- Assist in the determination of origin and cause of fires.
- Respond to medical emergencies and care for injured or ill persons.
- Respond to emergency incidents involving the release of and exposure to hazardous materials.
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Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities
- Maintain equipment, stations, facilities, supplies and grounds in a clean, orderly, and useable condition.
- Participate in the care, maintenance, and operation of department equipment.
- Receive training and maintain required certifications.
- Prepare written or computerized records and reports of activities as required.
- Participate in pre-planning, mapping and other activities as assigned.
- Maintain a level of physical fitness to safely perform firefighting and other emergency incident tasks.
- Perform duties as an acting motor operator or captain as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
- Knowledge of modern fire protection methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of emergency medical care of the sick or injured.
- Knowledge of building construction practices.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and properly apply fire safety codes and regulations.
- Ability to understand principles and operation of alarm systems, automatic fire sprinkler systems and other relevant technology.
- Ability to learn and follow rules, regulations, and operational procedures of the Rochester Fire Department.
- Ability to learn fire chemistry and principles of fire behavior.
- Ability to learn and apply fire suppression principles and techniques.
- Ability to make decisions affecting life and property without supervision.
- Ability to safely and effectively operate the full range of fire fighting and rescue tools and equipment.
- Ability to analyze fire, rescue, hazardous materials, driving, and other hazardous situations and adopt safe and effective courses of action.
- Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
- Demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to impart knowledge of material learned to others.
- Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with fellow employees and others contacted in the course of work.
- Ability to carry out oral and written instructions promptly and accurately.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to adapt to changing work environments, and new expectations, roles and requirements of the position.
- Ability to work in an organization which requires exceptional quality and personal accountability.
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Ability to work in situations which can be either very structured and autocratic or very self directed and participative.
IN COMPLIANCE W/THE AMERICANS W/DISABILITIES ACT, THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTS THE PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
- This position requires a majority of time spent standing, walking and lifting.
- Weights of objects to be lifted, carried, pushed or pulled may range from ten (10) to over one hundred (100) pounds.
- Climbing of ladders, stairs, stools and trucks are often required as well as movements such as balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, bending, reaching, handling and feeling.
- Simultaneous use of the hands, wrists and fingers is often required.
- Excellent sensory skills are important (sight, hearing and speech) as well as the ability to operate various types of vehicles and equipment.
- Work is performed both inside and outside with exposure to dust, fumes, noise, heat, cold, heights and glare.
- (A breakdown of the physical and environment demands is available on the "Job Analysis of Physical and Environmental Demands" in the Human Resources Department)
Physical Performance Examination
The following is a brief description of the content of the physical performance examination as it was given in 2005. The test was designed to give the department a valid method of identifying fitness levels of Firefighter candidates. The test is timed and must be completed sequentially. The course and time start on command of the Course Marshal and the clock does not stop until all evolutions have ended. The tasks in order are:
TASK 1. Stair climb with high-rise pack
TASK 2. Fan Carry
TASK 3. Forcible Entry
TASK 4. Hose Advance
TASK 5. Victim Rescue
