Class Code:  07130

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

AIRPORT FIREFIGHTER

 

DEFINITION

Performs firefighting, rescue, salvage, fire prevention, and fire protection operations on an assigned shift at a municipal/international airport to save persons, aircraft, and/or facilities from fires; performs related work as required.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Responds to actual or potential aircraft emergencies to prevent or extinguish fires on aircraft, airport facilities and the Air National Guard Base; rescues injured persons at the scene of emergencies by providing basic emergency medical care to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until further medical treatment can be given.

Operates firefighting vehicles and equipment by driving to the scene of actual or anticipated crash/emergency; positions vehicle appropriately for effective firefighting operations and rescue of persons; properly applies extinguishing agents for control and extinguishment of fires.

Combats fires, performs rescue of entrapped persons and performs emergency medical care while wearing heavy fire protective clothing and equipment.

Prevents fire and water damage to property by performing salvage operations controlled fires to minimize the loss of property.

Coordinates/participates in an ongoing training program by attending/teaching classes and practical demonstrations in crash, rescue, structural firefighting techniques, and emergency medical methods; learns by studying directives, regulations, available training materials and technical publications; confers with supervisor to clarify technical matters or questions.

Performs routine duties on aircraft speed reduction emergency systems by disassembling and resetting to ensure proper operation.

Maintains firefighting equipment by cleaning, making necessary inspections and adjustments to ensure good operations; cleans station and performs other maintenance work to ensure a safe and healthy work place.

Assists in fire prevention work by inspecting facilities, maintaining fire extinguishers, completing facility pre-fire plans and participates in presenting fire prevention training to personnel to reduce fire hazards.

Picks up and carries ladders, tools and firefighting equipment from the vehicle to appropriate areas; these areas may be at a considerable distance, or up stairs.

Climbs up and down ladders of differing lengths to reach areas where fire control is necessary or where individuals are trapped; lifts and operates tools and performs other firefighting tasks while on a ladder, and carries firefighting equipment while ascending and descending ladders.

Crawls, runs, and walks over distances in extreme or confined environments for the sake of extinguishing fires or rescuing entrapped or unconscious individuals.

Carries or drags heavy materials, tools, or people for the sake of fire control or rescue.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Ability to acquire a knowledge of department operations, instructions and airport operational directives and learn conditions that influence air crash/fire rescue operations.

Ability to perform personnel rescue and crash/fire operations and to mentally and physically withstand induced flames and high temperatures.

Ability to learn and apply basic emergency medical care knowledge and techniques.

Ability to assume responsibility for persons, equipment, and facilities and to remain calm while carrying out duties involved in crash/fire rescue situations.

Ability to acquire skill in the operation of firefighting vehicles, equipment, communication devices, and related apparatus.

Ability to maintain physical fitness requirements in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard and Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-2002, Fire Fighter Physical Conditioning Program.

Ability to use continuous muscle force in order to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself or an object.

Ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms or legs.

Ability to coordinate the movement of the arms, legs, and torso in activities where the whole body is in motion.

Ability to keep or regain one's balance or to stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skill in operation of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and related apparatus.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.  Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.  Works with minimal supervision.  Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision.  Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.  Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

High school graduate or G.E.D.;

AND

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)-approved Firefighter II certification;

AND

IFSAC-approved Airport Firefighter certification;

AND

IFSAC-approved Haz-Mat Operations level certification;

AND

Minimum current First Responder or higher Emergency Medical Service (EMS) certification from the State Department of Public Health;

OR

experience equal to one year of full-time work as a member of a recognized fire department and three of the four certifications listed above.

 

NOTE:

Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must complete a rigorous physical agility fitness test.  Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough medical examination provided by the employer in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

 

Within 30 days of employment, employees must be able to obtain a State of Iowa chauffeur’s license (D2), or another state’s equivalent, and a valid state driver’s license must be maintained as a condition of employment.

 

Within 30 days of employment, employees must be able to obtain a government vehicle operator’s license.

 

Within one year of employment, employees must pass a thorough background investigation and obtain a government SECRET security clearance.  This clearance must be maintained as a condition of employment.

 

Within one year of employment, employees must attain all four of the certifications listed in the “Education, Experience and Special Requirements” section.  Must also attain and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other emergency care techniques.

 

Within two years of employment, employees must obtain International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)-approved certifications for all assigned vehicles: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) driver/operator, pumper driver/operator, and mobile water supply.

 

Effective Date:           9/02        BK