CLASS SPECIFICATION

MASTER FIREFIGHTER/RESCUER

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is lead level work in fire suppression, fire prevention, communications, training, rescue, and emergency medical care. Personal contacts are with other fire/rescue and emergency medical personnel to provide lead level supervision and guidance; with supervisors to receive assignments and resolve problems; and with the public to provide information, fire safety education and emergency assistance as required.
An employee in this class performs and leads personnel in the performance of suppressing and extinguishing fires, fire prevention training, communications, conducting emergency rescues and providing emergency medical assistance. The work performed affects the rescue and safety of individuals and the preservation of structures and physical property. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures and requires initiative and resourcefulness, rapid analysis of problems and emergency situations and judgment in selection of the appropriate course of action from many alternatives. Work, which is performed on a rotating shift, requires periods of strenuous physical effort and involves exposure to heat, dirt and other very unpleasant conditions. An employee in this class is exposed to the risk of serious injury, requiring the use of protective clothing and the strict observance of safety precautions and procedures. Work is performed under direction and is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Determines and supervises the methods used in extinguishing fires and rendering emergency medical care until relieved by superior officers.
Leads personnel and performs overhauling operations at scenes of fires to ensure extinguishment and to prevent structural collapse; takes actions to place fire extinguishing systems back in service.
Responds to fire, medical, and other emergencies or service calls on an assigned shift; supervises and performs hose layouts, hose connections, operation of fire pumps, fire streams; and performs any other firefighting operations as necessary.
Leads personnel performing first aid and, by direction of a licensed physician (via radio), performs more sophisticated forms of emergency care such as the administration of medication, starting intravenous infusions, interpretation of cardiac arrhythmias, and the administration of electrical counter shock.
Provides immediate and efficient emergency medical care to the ill and injured at the scene of incidents; reports vital information to medical personnel; operates and supervises the use of emergency medical equipment.
Performs rescues from burning buildings and other hazardous situations; leads and performs heavy duty rescues using cutting torches, hydraulic jacks, air compressors, and other specialized equipment.
Drives and operates emergency apparatus under emergency and non emergency conditions.
Conducts and leads in service training and classroom instruction including, but not limited to, firefighting evolutions, hazardous materials, ladders, hose practices, apparatus practices, and other subjects as required.
Gives training sessions, providing instructions and testing other firefighters/rescuers in the use of fire/rescue equipment and apparatus.
Attends training sessions, studies and analyzes technical books and bulletins to assists in making recommendations for changes in existing programs and/or for the development of new training programs.
Enforces the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code and the Maryland State Fire Prevention Code through occupancy, licensure, Life Safety Code, and other required inspections and tests in buildings, structures, and other properties.
Leads and participates in cleaning and preventive maintenance activities concerning fire and rescue apparatus, equipment, facilities and grounds.
Performs and leads personnel in the receipt of radio and telephone fire, rescue, and related calls and performs and leads the relaying of calls for assistance by radio, telephone, or other alarm device to the appropriate fire department, rescue squad, or other agency.
May prepare recommendations to assist in the selection of technical equipment and supplies.
May schedule work assignments.
Provides input to supervisors in evaluating the activities of personnel.
Assumes higher level duties and responsibilities as required.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Satisfactory completion of one (1) year of career experience as a Montgomery County Firefighter/Rescuer III.
Education: High school graduate or equivalent acceptable to the State of Maryland at the time of application to a position in this class.
Training: Successful completion of all training courses required for promotion to this class by the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of the organization, functions, policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Considerable knowledge of the topography of Montgomery County, street and hydrant locations, response routes within response areas, location of police, fire, rescue and other emergency services of the County and adjacent jurisdictions and other information necessary for the effective and efficient dispatch of fire, rescue and emergency medical services.
Considerable knowledge of fire suppression and rescue principles, practices, apparatus, and equipment.
Considerable knowledge of fire prevention principles and practices.
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply and to lead others in applying firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical care practices, techniques, and methods.
Considerable knowledge of fire/rescue and emergency medical service apparatus and equipment, preventive maintenance techniques and ability to perform minor equipment repairs and adjustments.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing fire suppression and fire prevention activities.
Ability to lead others.
Ability to analyze emergency situations and to select and lead in effective courses of action, giving consideration to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
Ability to obtain certification as a Special Maryland Assistant State Fire Marshal (for those employees appointed to the fire prevention program).
Ability to work in elevated and/or confined places, toxic atmospheres, and extreme heat.
Ability to drive all apparatus and equipment in the corporation to which assigned.
Ability to engage in strenuous physical effort for prolonged periods as required.
Ability to work from heights.
Ability to understand, follow, and as required, lead in giving oral and written directions.
Ability to think clearly, respond immediately, and act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to write clearly and legibly.
Ability to read and understand oral and written policies, rules, instructions, and other materials.
Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and other employees.
Ability to cope with stressful situations.

NOTE: All minimum qualifications for this class must be attained prior to the deadline for application for promotion to this class.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid driver's license, as required by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
Maintenance of State of Maryland certification as Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance (EMT A).

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Employees promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL GROUP: I
Successful completion of most recent physical examination and drug screening as required.

Class Established: July, 1987
Revised: April, 1989
July, 1991
February, 2012