IDENTIFICATION Department Position Title Infrastructure Firefighter Position Number Community Division/Region 33-7791 Yellowknife North Slave PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Firefighter is responsible for combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, with the objective of saving lives and property. SCOPE Located at the Yellowknife Airport and under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, the incumbent works as one of a team of firefighters. The scope of activities undertaken or managed includes: Operating major crash/fire vehicles at the scene of an emergency; Responding to a variety of emergency situations (Aircraft, Medical, Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Goods, Fuel Spill, Escort Duties); Operating a variety of fire suppression equipment; Operating a variety of rescue equipment; Properly wearing special protective clothing. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Responds to all emergency situations, (Aircraft, Medical, Hazardous Materials, Dangerous Goods, Fuel Spill, Escort Duties) at the airport, both life threatening and non-life threatening, to provide temporary fuselage integrity and an escape area for occupants. Operates major firefighting equipment at the scene of an aircraft emergency or structural fire. Responds to emergency alarms and properly approaches and positions the vehicles. Creates a fire free exit area to permit evacuation of passengers and crews. January 4, 2017 GNWT Job Description Page 1 of 5
Connects and disconnects hose lines, holds nozzles, applies foam, water and dry chemicals streams, raises and climbs ladder, uses first aid, water and dry chemical extinguishers. Ventilates burning structures to release heat and smoke and places salvage covers to minimize material damage and property destruction. Performs and/or assists with rescue activities and building evacuation. 2. Operates a wide variety of auxiliary equipment and performs special techniques in the suppression of fires and the rescue of people to preserve life and property. Dons self-contained breathing apparatus. Administers First Aid. Administers oxygen (inhalers and resuscitators). Gains entry to aircraft, structures and vehicle using gasoline, air powered and hydraulic tools. Alternatively gains entry using axes, bars, pike poles, shovels, saws and bolt cutters Gains access with ropes and ladders. Sets up emergency lighting using portable generators. Communicates using two-way radio and telephone communication equipment. 3. Performs minor preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment to ensure equipment is functional and operates throughout its expected life cycle. Replaces wiper blades and clearance lights, cleans and lubricates latches and moving parts, scrapes and repaints compartments, piping and bumpers, etc. Cleans, tightens and repairs piping systems and cleans vehicles. Assists mechanic in major maintenance of vehicles. Performs maintenance and repairs on all firefighting equipment. Regularly checks and recharges all firefighting equipment. Performs daily maintenance on the interior and exterior of the fire station (including landscaping and painting). Removes snow from around fire hydrants in winter. Completes maintenance and inspection duties in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (vehicle run ups, hose testing, ladder checking, etc.). Checks and replenishes First Aid kits. 4. Participates in a continuous program of job training according to the established syllabus of training to ensure currency in knowledge in all aspects of the firefighting trade. Attends lectures on topics pertinent to aircraft crash and structural firefighting and rescue practices and fire prevention and protection. Participates in aircraft crash firefighting and rescue practice exercises. Assists in the execution of fire and evacuation drills. Participates in a fire education program for the Department s personnel, employees of other airport agencies and outside organized groups. January 4, 2017 GNWT Job Description Page 2 of 5
Prepares and presents lectures on topics pertinent to aircraft crash and structural firefighting, rescue practices/techniques, medical training/certification and other assigned topics. Presents lectures to airport tenants on apron safety, fire extinguishers and related topics. 5. Participates in a year round fire prevention and safety program to ensure the airport and work areas are safe and to make the public and airport staff, visitors, and tenants aware of fire prevention issues. Inspects all buildings and test all fixed fire protection systems (sprinkler and fire alarm systems). Observes operation of buildings to ensure adequate fire prevention measures. Performs safety inspections. Performs airfield inspections (including bird and animal control). Prepares fire and safety inspection reports and recommends corrective action. Prepares banners, posters, slogans, and newsletters in accordance with annual education programs. Inspects and recharges Government of Northwest Territories extinguishers. 6. Participates in the implementation of airport security and associates programs to help ensure the protection of the public and staff at the Yellowknife Airport. Maintains a security presence in the Air Terminal area and airside portions of the airport for specified times during the day. Performs security duties, security patrols, vehicle and traffic control on ATB, road system and parking lot. Check site buildings. Implements and maintains airport security pass system and Airport Vehicle Operator s Permit program. 7. Other related duties On assignment basis may act as a Shift Supervisor. May perform other related duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands The incumbent is involved in completing emergency exercises & operating equipment while dressed in heavy protective equipment & wearing a breathing apparatus regularly for long periods of time. The incumbent is involved in lifting, dragging and carrying humans in exercises and in real life circumstances regularly for short periods of time. The incumbent is involved in lifting and carrying heavy equipment and advancing hose lines and extrication equipment regularly for short periods of time. Incumbent will be required to climb on top of fire trucks and into engine compartments on a daily basis for 45 minutes at a time. January 4, 2017 GNWT Job Description Page 3 of 5
Annually for a period of 2-4 days, the incumbent will be involved in live fire rescue training in worst case scenario 1500 degrees F. Environmental Conditions The incumbent is required to complete drills and real life fires in cold weather on a regular basis for 20 minutes to 4 hours. The incumbent is regularly exposed to fire, and smoke for short periods of time. The incumbent will be occasionally exposed to infections substances for short periods of time. Sensory Demands The incumbent must always be alert and ready to respond to an emergency situation. The incumbent must be able to sense and respond to things like wind, smoke, temperature, terrain and fire as required for a duration of 20 minutes to 4 hours. All day the incumbent must be consistently observant of the airport operations and sense potential hazards. Mental Demands The incumbent must always be alert and on edge, ready to enter very disturbing environments with extreme demands. The incumbent must be able to respond from a relaxed environment to full response with high demand for accurate quick decisions, as required, for periods of 20 minutes to 4 hours. The incumbent must maintain composure during emergency situations, as required, for 20 minutes to 4 hours. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Extensive knowledge in fuel and aircraft crash rescue, firefighting, and specialized equipment; handling explosives and radiological components transported on aircraft and ejection seat systems on military traffic; rules and regulations of the Fire Department, maintenance equipment, building construction and related codes, hydraulics; water distribution systems and hydraulics. Knowledge in the operation of all firefighting and rescue equipment including fire vehicles skills. Good oral and written skills to provide reports to management relating to observed occurrences or circumstances upon which operational decisions will be based. Proven ability and physical strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions. Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress during real and training situations and be able to follow orders or instructions by the shift Supervisor or Airport Management. Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by: The completion of a Grade 12 education and NFPA 1001 level II certification as a professional firefighter, and experience and completions of several specialized course: Restricted Radio Operators Course; Airside Vehicle Operators Course; Airport FR courses: Restricted Radio Operators Course. January 4, 2017 GNWT Job Description Page 4 of 5
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Current First Aid certification Valid Class 3 NWT Driver s license with air brake endorsement. A pre-employment and annual medical that states that the employee is physically fit; Departmental entry level fitness test; Annual physical abilities standard test; Transport Canada security clearance through a Criminal Records Check; Transport Canada's VISA Security Training Program. Position Security No criminal records check required Position of Trust criminal records check required Highly sensitive position requires verification of identity and a criminal records check French language (check one if applies) French required (must identify required level below) Level required for this Designated Position is: ORAL EXPRESSION AND COMPREHENSION READING COMPREHENSION: WRITING SKILLS: French preferred Aboriginal language: Choose a language Required Preferred January 4, 2017 GNWT Job Description Page 5 of 5