At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to fight fires, respond to emergencies, and protect lives.
- Company: Be part of the Merit System, dedicated to community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, medical insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a high school diploma, and no felony convictions.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and certifications available through Alabama Fire College.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
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TARGET CLOSE DATE:
07/18/2025
PAY GRADE:
Grade 19
TYPE:
Full time
JOB SUMMARY:
Firefighters in the Merit System work to combat, extinguish, and prevent fires. Employees in this job class respond to emergency medical calls, rescue operations, and a variety of non-emergency calls to protect lives and property as well as participate in the custodial maintenance of fire station equipment, fire-fighting apparatus, rescue vehicles, and quarters. Firefighters spend time studying methods and techniques, and perform routine duties in the care and maintenance of fire department property and equipment. Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, or through performance evaluations.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.
Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency.
Bessemer $16.02 – $24.85
Birmingham $19.90 – $30.86
Fairfield $14.14 – $21.93
Fultondale $17.22 – $26.70
Gardendale $18.18 – $28.20
Homewood $18.25 – $28.31
Hueytown $16.35 – $25.37
Irondale $19.58 – $30.37
Leeds $18.25 – $28.30
Midfield $13.15 – $20.40
Mountain Brook $19.58 – $30.37
Pleasant Grove $16.50 – $25.59
Tarrant $16.50 – $25.60
Vestavia Hills $17.83 – $27.66
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
No felony convictions.
Driver\’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes.
(Pro Board or IFSAC) Certified Firefighter I or Firefighter I/II as recognized by Alabama Fire College.
Individuals possessing one of the following certifications issued by a Pro Board or IFSAC accredited organization (e.g., the Alabama Fire College) may be allowed to exempt the written examination and be placed directly onto the Firefighter list upon verification of the certification:
Firefighter I
Firefighter I/II
Certified Volunteer Firefighter*
*Note that individuals who are hired with this VFF Certification will be required to complete the five-week Bridge program through the Alabama Fire College in order to obtain the Firefighter I certification.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
Administers non-invasive healthcare to patients/victims by following accepted medical guidelines and using specialized medical equipment for treating various health-related conditions.
Ensures proper operation and readiness of apparatuses, equipment, and personal gear used for incident response by performing scheduled cleaning, inspections, and maintenance to enable safe and effective incident response and mitigation.
Conducts fire safety activities for the general public that are designed to reduce the risk of fire related incidents from occurring and enhance awareness of general fire safety precautions.
Deploys fire hoses of varying diameters with different nozzle specifications and incorporates available appliances into fire suppression activities.
Carries out officer/incident commander’s fire suppression orders by following incident response guidelines to extinguish the fire and ensure life safety of victims.
Operates aerial or ground ladder during ladder operations while accounting for situational variables to complete operations.
Assists in developing pre-fire plans for businesses, public buildings, and residences to include surveying buildings, collecting information regarding hazardous materials, occupancy, hydrant location, etc. to prevent and/or minimize damage and losses caused by fire-related incidents.
Participates in activities that project a positive image of the department to the public by attending off-site facilities or hosting visitors at the station to conduct trainings, tours, and other community-related activities.
Operates fire apparatus pump system during incidents requiring water using the control panel to enable fire suppression activities.
Minimizes property loss from incidents by inspecting the scene, assessing what areas of the incident should be preserved for investigation, protecting property from unnecessary damage, and determining what debris should be left undisturbed to permit later investigation.
Locates and removes victims from incident scenes by utilizing specialized rescue techniques and equipment for extrication of victims to minimize trauma, ensure life safety, and transport to the appropriate patient care facility.
Participates in duties related to the maintenance and appearance of the fire station.
Participates in formal and informal training, sessions, and drills to acquire the proper training needed to carry out assigned duties in accordance with department policies and procedures and national guidelines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Job involves moderate physical exertion required for occasional prolonged periods of lifting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or running. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 75 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to combat/extinguish fires and respond to emergency medical calls.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is conducted both indoors in employer-owned facilities (e.g., fire station) as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and Emergency Medical facilities. Work involves use of firefighting/lifesaving equipment. May be exposed to hazardous weather conditions, roadway traffic, infectious diseases, and angry/irate citizens.
EEO STATEMENT:
The Personnel Board of Jefferson Countyprovides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Each Merit System member city/agencyoperate its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.
ACCOMMODATION:
NOTE:
This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.
DISCLAIMER:
This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.
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Firefighter employer: City of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
City of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Firefighter
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in your local community by volunteering with fire departments or emergency services. This not only gives you hands-on experience but also helps you build connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Consider obtaining certifications such as Firefighter I or II from recognised institutions like the Alabama Fire College. These qualifications can significantly enhance your application and may even exempt you from certain testing requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay physically fit and practice the physical tasks required for firefighting. Many agencies have physical tests as part of their hiring process, so being in top shape will give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current firefighters and attend local fire department events. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights into the hiring process and may lead to recommendations when positions become available.
We think you need these skills to ace Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for a firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the job duties listed in the description to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience you have, such as previous firefighting roles, emergency medical training, or community service. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for firefighting and helping the community. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and commitment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Birmingham
✨Know Your Firefighting Basics
Brush up on fundamental firefighting techniques and emergency response protocols. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Firefighting is a team effort, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight any experiences where you collaborated under pressure or in emergency situations.
✨Showcase Physical Fitness
Given the physical demands of the job, it's important to convey your fitness level. Be ready to discuss your training regimen or any relevant physical activities that demonstrate your ability to handle the job's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure. Practice responding to hypothetical emergency scenarios to illustrate your critical thinking and quick response abilities.