Summary
The Firefighter performs specialized firefighting, aircraft rescue and firefighting, emergency medical response, and public safety work in support of the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Division. This position involves regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and overall response to fire, rescue, and emergency services for the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority (PTAA), its property, tenants, and facilities. Work is performed in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139, NFPA standards, departmental policies, and established emergency response protocols.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Aircraft Rescue & Structural Firefighting

• Respond to aircraft emergencies, structural fires, vehicle fires, fuel spills, and hazardous materials incidents
• Enter aircraft fuselage and structures under hazardous conditions to locate and rescue victims
• Operate ARFF apparatus turrets and handlines to confine and extinguish fires
• Perform ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, and overhaul operations
• Maintain crash scene integrity and assist with investigations as directed

Emergency Medical Services

• Provide emergency medical care consistent with EMT certification and assist EMS agencies during joint response incidents

Apparatus & Equipment Operations

• Drive and operate fire apparatus in emergency and non-emergency conditions
• Operate pumps, turrets, foam systems, hydraulic rescue tools, and related equipment
• Conduct daily apparatus checks and equipment inspections
• Maintain fire station facilities, grounds, and equipment

Airport Operations & Inspections

• Participate in pre-incident planning and inspections of various locations on property, such as airport terminals, hangars, fuel farms, parking decks, movement and non-movement areas, and wildlife hazard areas
• Support departmental compliance with 14 CFR Part 139 and applicable FAA Advisory Circulars

Training & Professional Development

• Participate in daily shift training and physical fitness activities
• Participate in Quarterly Live Fire Training in accordance with department policies and procedures
• Maintain ARFF annual live fire recertification
• Maintain required certifications under, FAA Part 139, NFPA standards, and state fire and EMS regulations
• Attend special schools, seminars, and continuing education programs

Acting & Leadership Responsibilities

• Assume Driver/Operator responsibilities as assigned
• May serve as Acting Officer in absence of assigned personnel until regular staffing levels are returned
• Perform limited fireground command functions when designated

Public Education & Community Relations

• Participate in public education programs and airport tenant training
• Maintain professional interaction with airport tenants, airlines, and the public

Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ARFF tactics and foam application principles
• Knowledge of FAA Part 139 requirements
• Knowledge of aircraft familiarization and airport layout
• Knowledge of fireground safety practices
• Considerable knowledge of firefighting procedures, technical rescue, medical rescue and hazardous materials
• Considerable knowledge of fundamentals of firefighting, fire behavior, and building construction
• Ability to conduct research to stay abreast on all aspects of current Fire Science and Fire Protection
• Ability to operate fire apparatus and specialized rescue equipment
• Ability to function effectively in high-stress emergency environments
• Ability to maintain physical fitness and pass required medical evaluations
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and partner agencies
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Ability to present clear and precise plans of action as and when needed

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess or obtain the following certifications within the department’s established probationary period, as defined by policy, and maintain the certifications in good standing as a condition of continued employment:
  
  • Firefighter I and Firefighter II (IFSAC or Pro Board accredited)
  • Hazardous Materials Operations (NFPA 1072 or equivalent)
  • Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF)
  • Emergency Medical Technician (State or National Registry equivalent)
  • ICS 100, 200, and 700 (800 is optional)
• Demonstrate leadership, problem solving, and excellent customer service skills
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination
• Hold and maintain valid U.S. driver's license with 3 years of verifiable driving history

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Certifications

• Prior 1+ year of experience in related profession
• Possess an associate’s degree in Fire Science or related field from an accredited college or university
• Possess certifications such as Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD), Driver/Operator Pumps, and ARFF Driver Operator

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This position is considered essential to emergency operations and may be required to respond during emergencies, disasters, staffing shortages, or other operational contingencies outside of normal work hours to support departmental and airport operations
• Successfully completing required annual physical ability evaluations as established by department policy
• Moving vehicles, aircraft, and heavy equipment
• High-stress emergency response environments
• Must meet medical and physical fitness standards established by department policy and be capable of:
  
  • Performing all essential functions of a Firefighter
  • Supervising and participating in emergency operations in hazardous environments
  • Wearing structural personal protective equipment, including SCBA
  • Lifting, carrying, dragging, and maneuvering heavy equipment and victims
  • Climbing ladders, working at elevated heights, and operating in confined spaces
  • Working in extreme heat, cold, smoke, and hazardous environments
• Work involves exposure to:
  
  • Fire, smoke, toxic fumes, and hazardous materials
  • Aircraft operations and jet blast
  • Loud noise and vibration
  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Moving vehicles, aircraft, and heavy equipment
  • High-stress emergency response environments
• This position requires grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and other repetitive motions when performing tasks and for extended periods of time
• Adequate vision, hearing, range of motion, and speech required
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain
• Ability to operate outdoors in all seasons and occasionally extreme temperatures 
• Ability to work at heights sometimes exceeding 40 feet
• Ability to lift 50 lbs