Full-Time Firefighter

CITY OF WARD

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR

FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER

Job Title:         Firefighter (Full-Time)

Revision Date:  January 01, 2026

Department:  Fire Department                                 Reports To:  Fire Chief

FLSA Status:    Non-Exempt                                       Supervisory Responsibilities:            None

Safety Sensitive Position:  Yes                                                        

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

1. Job Summary: Respond to and neutralize hazards associated with fires, accidents, hazardous materials, medical and environmental emergencies, or other disasters.  This position requires shift work typically working a 48 hour on/96 hour off schedule. 

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   1. Respond to fire, emergency medical calls, and other emergency alarms and public service calls as a member of a fire suppression company.
   2. Preform primary and secondary search procedures for fire victims. Remove and rescue trapped victims.
   3. Apply Basic Life Support (BLS) and preform primary and secondary assessments on patients at the scene off a medical emergency to determine appropriate medical treatment.
   4. Gain access to involved structures or areas to evacuate inhabitants, lay (deploy) hose lines, and assist in operating nozzles to direct streams of water on fires or control and extinguish fires.
   5. Select proper tools from a wide variety of specialized manual and power equipment in order to perform required tasks such as raising, lowering, and climbing ladders, and operating equipment from attics, ladders, basements, roofs, and other hazardous points.
   6. Operate rescue equipment such as the air chisel, air bags, “Jaws of Life” type equipment, etc.
   7. Ventilate burning buildings to release heat and smoke, use salvage covers to prevent water damage, and overhaul operations after a fire to prevent rekindling.
   8. Check fire scene for point of origin and source of ignition and preserve evidence.
   9. Inspect and preform routine maintenance on rescue equipment, hydrants, fire hoses, and other support equipment.
   10. Study and attend training sessions concerning, but not limited to, subjects such as modern techniques of firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials and rescue techniques.
   11. Perform fire prevention functions by inspecting commercial, industrial, and residential structures.
   12. Provide assistance and information regarding fire and life safety education and other related community service programs to the public.
   13. Perform general maintenance and upkeep of fire stations, including but not limited to, gardening and housekeeping duties.
   14. Provide technical assistance and informally train new Firefighters on the daily operations of the job.
   15. Maintain a high level of physical fitness to meet job requirements and perform the major job functions.
   16. All other duties as assigned by Fire Captain(s), Battalion Chief(s) and/or Fire Chief.
3. Minimum Qualifications:
   1. A Citizen of the United States.
   2. Successful completion of WFD Physical Agility Test.
   3. High school diploma or equivalent.
   4. Valid Arkansas driver’s license.
   5. Certified Firefighter II as recognized by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
   6. No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving violence, weapons, or illegal drugs.
4. Additional Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Needed:
   1. Ability to maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness to positively react in emergency situations.
   2. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
   3. Ability to maintain proper self-restraint and composure during and following any altercation or incident.
   4. Ability to observe situations and to record them clearly and accurately.
5. Additional Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to climb ladders and work safely at various heights, wear self-contained breathing apparatus, work in dark and/or confined areas, as well as smoky and other hazardous environments. Employee is required to obtain certain vaccinations and health screening due to exposure to blood or other bodily fluids. The employee must lift and/or move 90 or more pounds regularly. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, wet and dry, and may also include working after dark in emergency situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

6. Physical Requirements: The physical activities marked below are representative of those that will be required on a regular basis to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.