Firefighter/Fire Apparatus Operator

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is technician-level work in fire suppression, hazardous materials, rescue, and emergency medical care. The work performed affects the health and safety of individuals and the protection of property and the environment. Operations are in accordance with established policies and procedures, which must be adhered to, and require initiative and resourcefulness, analysis of problems and emergency situations and judgment in the selection of the appropriate course of action. The work requires periods of strenuous physical effort and involves exposure to heat, dirt, inclement weather, and other unpleasant conditions. An employee in this classification is regularly exposed to the risk of injury or disease, requiring the use of protective clothing and strict adherence to safety precautions.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

1. Responds to and participates in firefighting, technical rescue, auto extrication, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies, and other emergency operations.
2. Drives and operates emergency vehicles under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
3. Performs fire suppression activities; including but not limited to, fire attack, vehicle and machinery extrication and victim rescue, and exposure protection, ventilation, overhaul and property preservation.
4. Performs prehospital emergency medical care at the basic life support level.
5. Performs inspections, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of vehicles and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
6. Executes comprehensive fire, rescue and/or emergency medical reports documenting emergency and non-emergency responses.
7. Assists with routine or scheduled housekeeping duties at fire and rescue station.
8. Assists with routine administrative tasks and performs other related duties as required.
9. Participates in special projects as directed.
10. Through training sessions, exercises, publications, and other means; maintains a working knowledge of current technologies, equipment, certification requirements and other areas pertinent to the operation.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

(Comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for one or more of the qualifications below)

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
• High School graduate or GED.
• Possession of valid Maryland Class C or higher drivers’ license (or equivalent license from state of residence). If a candidate does not possess a Class B or higher, the candidate must obtain a Class B or (or equivalent license from state of residence or higher) within one year of hire date.
• Course or certification prerequisites:
  • Firefighter I (Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute or Pro Board or IFSAC certification)

• Emergency Medical Technician or higher (Maryland, National Registry or reciprocating state)*see special requirements below*

• Preference may be given to applicants with additional advanced training in fire suppression, hazardous materials, confined space rescue, water emergencies, structural and trench collapse, rope rescue and emergency medical care.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national laws and standards as they apply to the fields of fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical care.
• Proficient in use of computer applications including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, email, and capable of learning various reporting software programs (i.e., ESO, eMEDS).
• Ability to effectively analyze technical data, to write and maintain complex records, research, and prepare reports relating to public safety and operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteer and/or career firefighters and officers, municipal employees, elected officials, media, and the general public.
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communications skills, including public speaking.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone (wearing and using a headset) and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, hear, handle or feel objects and related equipment, such as, but not limited to personal computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, radio console, large vehicles, hydraulic tools, firefighting, and rescue tools, etc. Must have the ability to respon d to the spontaneous physical demands of comprehensive fire/rescue and EMS duties, all of which involve standing, walking, moving, climbing, lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing and pulling. Ability to perform various functions under emergency conditions including operating in environments immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including self-contained breathing apparatus and encapsulated hazardous material PPE. Ability to perform emergency operations in confined spaces, in near-zero visibility conditions, and at extreme heights.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Available for varied work hours (including days, evenings, overnights, holidays, consecutive shifts, and mandatory overtime shifts), as needed, and available on an on-call basis for emergency situations.
2. Successful completion of a physical agility test and oral interview board.
3. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical including respirator clearance and drug testing (following a conditional offer of employment).
4. Successful completion of fingerprint and background investigation.
5. Successful completion of a psychological evaluation (following a conditional offer of employment).
6. Successful completion of Washington County Fire/EMS Recruit Academy.
7. Successful completion is defined as attaining a passing grade in each course as defined by the specific curriculum or the academy handbook.
8. Successful completion of the Washington County DES FAO Evaluation process. (Inability to successfully complete this process will result in demotion to the Firefighter rank.)
9. This position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
10. The probationary period for this position is 12 months.
11. Applicants must successfully complete a physical agility test (PAT) to be considered for an interview.
12. Upon completion of the Firefighter Recruit Academy, the employee will be assigned a 24/48 hr. shift (2,496 hours annually) with a fixed Kelly Day.
13. **Applicants who do not have an Emergency Medical Technician or higher (Maryland, National Registry or reciprocating state) will be required to successfully complete the EMT Course in conjunction with the firefighter recruit academy.**

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Human Resources: 5/2017, 12/2019,6/2023,6/2024 /11/2024

**Internal Employees** are required to use an Internal Application (including resume) when applying or use the link below:

https://www.washco-md.net/internal-jobs/

Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals requiring special

accommodations or assistance are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 240-313-2350, Voice or TDD (D/HH use 711) M/F/H/V.

DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES:

Monday, November 24, 2025 @ 4:00pm