Botetourt County is currently accepting applications for Full-Time Firefighter/EMT (BLS).

Performs responsible protective service work involving fire suppression, emergency medical care, specialized rescue, hazardous material mitigation, prevention activities, pre-planning, building inspections, training, physical fitness and other non-emergency support as required. All personnel in this position are responsible for EMT essential job functions. Personnel may only function as both an EMT and Firefighter only when all firefighting components, certifications and/or requirements have been satisfied. Will perform customer service/community service projects of a varied nature to include such tasks as safety outreach to the elderly, public education and as a community contact for the County’s public safety team. Due to the structure of the fire and emergency medical services in Botetourt County, individuals in this position must have the ability to interact with volunteer units based on the prevailing situation at the scene of an emergency incident. This position may be assigned to various divisions (operations, training, prevention, administration) or stations based on the needs and best interests of the department. Utilizing excellent communication and organizational skills, ensures that the citizens of and visitors to Botetourt County receive the best possible emergency services.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general county offices are closed. May be subject to emergency call back. Persons in this position will encounter sensitive information in the performance of their duties and are expected to maintain that information confidentially.

Botetourt County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Responds to incidents requiring firefighting, emergency medical care, specialized rescue and hazardous materials emergencies. These responsibilities may include driving or operating the fire apparatus (if applicable)/emergency medical vehicles or making the initial determination of necessary personnel, equipment and suppression containment tactics until relieved by superior officers.
• Responsible for entering premises for firefighting (if applicable), rescue, and salvage operations. Activities may include, but are not limited to: using a variety of extinguishing agents; selecting and advancing hose lines; directing streams of water onto fire; raises and climbs ladders; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using various hand and power tools; receives and relays information related to emergency calls; operates radio and other communication equipment;
• Performs necessary rescues that may include: removing persons from danger; responding to calls for lost individuals and participating in searches; administering emergency medical techniques in accordance with establishes protocols for basic life support; responding to emergency medical calls for the sick and injured requiring the using a variety of emergency medical equipment.
• Responsible for responding to hazardous materials situations. Activities may include: identifying the type and state of material involved; initiating the appropriate protective action to control or contain any spilled material; deploying various booms, pads and barriers to contain spills and mitigate runoff; performing fire suppression activities (if applicable); and assisting in direction of evacuation operations, as necessary.
• Work involves operation of both County and Volunteer emergency equipment, with responsibilities to include maintaining, cleaning and performing a variety of equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
• Drives, maintains and operates all assigned apparatus; inspects assigned apparatus daily to ensure efficient operation and readiness; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment as necessary or as directed.
• Performs general custodial duties in the required upkeep of the fire and EMS facilities assigned; cares for grounds around the station; makes minor repairs as needed.
• Responsible for participating as an Attendant In Charge (AIC) of patient care at his/her level of certification and clearance from medical direction.
• Develops, instills, and maintains a strong sense of cooperative effort toward the ultimate goal of providing prompt, high quality and professional services to the citizens and visitors of Botetourt County.
• Fosters and maintains good working relationships with other Botetourt County fire and emergency medical services agencies.
• Maintains accurate records and prepares complete reports in a thorough and timely fashion.
• Keeps abreast of training, certification, and technological advancements in the fire and emergency medical services fields.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and prepared working environment and apparatus.
• Performs fire ground duties (if applicable) as assigned by the officer-in-charge (OIC) within scope of training
• Inspects the work location and all equipment for compliance with county, state, and federal safety regulations, and takes initial action to alleviate discrepancies.
• Assists with implementation of visionary direction for the department of fire and EMS.
• Ensures compliance with Virginia Department of Health, Office of EMS rules and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum 21 years of age
• 2 years of BLS field EMS experience preferred
• Virginia Emergency Medical Technician required
• Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (minimum of class 2) required
• Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter I or NFPA 1001 equivalent required (must be obtained within 1 year of employment)
• Must be able to pass an comprehensive physical examination, including: drug, sight, and hearing tests.
• Must be able to perform all fire and EMS related physical tasks such as lifting and moving of patients, and strenuous physical tasks associated with firefighting (as applicable).
• During tenure of employment, must maintain physical condition which allows completion of job requirements.
• Must be aware of the potential for exposure to industry hazards including but not limited to air-borne and blood-borne pathogens.
• Must maintain a Virginia driver’s license with a good driving record
• Must maintain all required certifications and licenses
• Must be able to complete BLS precepting and maintain the ability to practice at the BLS level as per the Operational Medical Director
• Must be able to function effectively as a leader, follower or advisor with various volunteer fire and EMS units and personnel.

Physical Demands/Special Work Environment

• This position requires the regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a full firefighting ensemble and self-contained breathing apparatus that weighs over 50 pounds. This ensemble reduces normal range of motion, dexterity, and mobility.
• The person in this position constantly moves or traverses uneven terrain, in adverse conditions such as structures under duress of fire, impending collapse, etc. while wearing a full firefighting ensemble.
• Constantly operates, uses, prepares and inspects various heavy tools and equipment, many of which must be operated in adverse conditions while wearing a full firefighting ensemble. Some equipment required to be operated weighs over 100lbs and may require multiple personnel to safely operate.
• This position requires the ability to effective carry, raise, climb and lower ground ladders ranging in size. The ability to carry out these functions while wearing a full firefighting ensemble is required.
• The ability to wear NFPA compliant self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.
• Each person in this position is required to pass an annual SCBA mask fit test and NFPA 1582 physical.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works outside in all weather conditions.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high precarious places and confined spaces.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electric shock and vibration.
• The employee is often exposed to extremely high temperature intensities and sudden temperature changes.
• The noise level in the working environment in the working environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or EMS activities when noise levels may be loud.
• Constantly positions themselves at, below, or above ground level to perform emergency rescue operations.
• The person in this position frequently communicates and exchanges information with colleagues, commanding officers, general public, often at the scene of an emergency, to give and receive detailed instructions. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Constantly positions themselves at, below, or above ground level to perform emergency rescue operations.

Reports to

Shift Supervisor or Station Officer on shift

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.