FIRE FIGHTER I - City of Alexandria VA

The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population estimated at 159,200 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. Approximately one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you're interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Firefighter I position.

*The Alexandria Fire Department will be conducting a Virtual Orientation session for this position. Please continue reading this announcement for further details.
 
The Overview
A Firefighter I performs entry-level firefighting duties including the safe and efficient operation of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) apparatus and equipment, provides medical care to the level of a basic emergency medical care technician, performs fire-suppression activities, conducts pre-emergency analysis, maintains equipment and grounds, performs public education in fire prevention, and participates in the physical-fitness program. The work is performed on a shift basis and is done in accordance with instructions and a well-defined routine. Considerable time is spent in the special and routine maintenance of equipment, apparatus, and facilities. Work is normally performed under close supervision and is supervised by a Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain.
 
 The Opportunity

• Responds to and participates in firefighting, medical emergencies, auto extrications, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue incidents.
• Safely drives and operates fire engines, ladder trucks, heavy rescue squads, medic units, and other specialized apparatus.
• Supplies water from hydrants and static water sources and maintains proper pressure to supply lines, attack lines, master streams, foam devices, and fire protection systems, and operates aerial ladder devices.
• Trains and drills on SCBA use; forcible entry, ventilation, deployment of ground ladders, utility control, elevator rescue, search and rescue, railroad and metro emergencies, natural disasters, terrorism, and WMD responses, communicating with portable radios, and handling detection and suppression systems.
• Maintains a ready physical condition per department guidelines to be able to respond to the incidents listed above, including strength, aerobic, and flexibility conditioning.
• Performs and evaluates necessary maintenance and cleaning of department vehicles, equipment, and tools to assure a constant state of readiness.
• Maintains and inventories necessary supplies.
• Learns and maintains skills related to computers and computer technologies; maintains required certifications at City, State, and Federal levels.
• Attends city-required courses/classes.
• Maintains area familiarization of target hazards to include high-risk locations such as nursing homes, assisted living, special needs facilities, schools, hospitals, federal buildings, industrial facilities (ex. ethanol plant), water plants, and historical buildings.
• Maintains area building familiarization to include building construction, water supply, utilities (gas, electric, water), access, security, suppression, and detection systems.
• Maintains public relations through station tours, neighborhood and City events, school visitations, smoke alarm installations, and public education activities.
• Provides public fire education training to students in Alexandria schools, both public and private, and the residents of Alexandria.
• Dedicated to teamwork with a strong desire for community service.
• Passionate about learning and growing in both Fire and EMS.
• Performs related work as required.

 
About the Department
"To Serve the Community by Protecting Lives, Property, and the Environment"
The Alexandria Fire Department provides fire, emergency medical services, and special operations such as technical rescue, hazardous materials, and marine response with additional capabilities including fire prevention, inspections, protection, and investigation to a 15-square mile city. The Alexandria Fire Department employs more than 300 personnel, which include firefighters, paramedics, fire prevention staff, and administrative support. A network of ten stations protects 15 square miles. Among the department's specialized teams are the Northern Virginia Regional Hazardous Materials Team, Technical Rescue, Marine Operations, and the Special Operations Team. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also a city-wide function within the Alexandria Fire Department.