Fire Boat Deckhand (Detroit Fire Department)

Full Job Description

DETROIT FIRE DEPARTMENT ~ FIREBOAT MARINE OPERATION

FIRE BOAT DECKHAND

The Detroit Fire Department has two boats in its arsenal. The Curtis Randolph provides support for fire suppression operations and the Sivad Johnson is a water rescue apparatus. The two boats help to keep our international waterway safe for shipping and recreation.

Under general supervision, during an assigned shift, to be responsible for the cleanliness of a fireboat and the general condition of its equipment and fittings. To assist in the operation of the vessel, and its equipment.

Requirements

1. Maintain the general cleanliness of the fireboat by washing, hosing, scrubbing, and mopping the vessel’s deck, superstructure and sides.
2. Sweep, dust and clean the deckhouses, head, and companionways.
3. Clean, wax and polish marine equipment, fittings, and furniture.
4. Maintain the condition of equipment by inspecting the fireboat to ensure that the equipment is operational and secure.
5. Load, stow, secure and unload supplies and equipment.
6. Clean and lubricate machinery and equipment.
7. Splice and repair cables and ropes.
8. Remove paint, corrosion and scale from vessel and equipment surfaces.
9. Paint and/or apply protective finishes.
10. Shovel snow and remove ice from vessel and marine facilities.
11. As assigned, assist others engaged in the maintenance and repair of the vessel, its equipment, and related facilities.
12. Assist in the operation of the fire boat by guiding the vessel and securing mooring lines during docking and boardings.
13. Rigg and secure towlines.
14. Stand watch or lookout while vessel is underway.
15. Start, monitor, adjust, and stop marine equipment as directed.
16. Lower and man lifeboats as directed.
17. During emergencies, assume navigational command of the fire boat.
18. Utilize a variety of equipment and special materials to treat injured persons including airway management and ventilation support equipment, defibrillators, extrication equipment, various kinds of splints, special dressings, and bandages.
19. Respond to and provide medical assistance at dispatched or observed medical emergencies or accidents, where there exists the possibility of further injury, loss of limb, death, or where such services are in the public interest.
20. May transport and provide medical care for injured persons to appropriate transfer point in special emergency medical units or other assigned vehicles and recognize need for transporting unusual cases to particular hospitals where specialized treatment is available; continue patient care while in transit, ID location for transfer point.
21. Notify hospital of incoming emergency cases and communicate with hospital personnel to advise of patient condition and secure information or special instructions.
22. Maintain a high level of sanitation in assigned vehicle in accordance with infection control standards.
23. Prepare required records and reports relating to locations, persons assisted, conditions found, measures taken, and services provided including information for billing purposes.
24. Provide testimony in court proceedings and assist with investigations.
25. Provide appropriate assistance to hospital emergency room personnel within the guidelines of department directives.
26. Participate in continuing education/ training programs and participates in public education programs and community relations activities to educate public on how to protect life and property.

Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• One (1) year experience working aboard a vessel.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Valid State of Michigan Operator license.
• Employees will successfully complete training to navigate the vessel during their probationary period.
• During emergencies, absence, or inability of the Fire Boat Operator to function, employee shall be required to operate the vessel.
• Employees must be licensed by the State of Michigan to perform Medical First Responder (MFR) level work at a minimum. As a condition of employment, the department may require employees to perform MFR related work.
• Department approved BLS CPR Certification.
• Must possess and maintain valid certification as required by the local medical control authority.
• Must possess and maintain required (ACLS) certification as approved by the Detroit East Medical Control Authority (DEMCA).

Equivalency:

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Marine rules.
• Knowledge of regulation and terminology.
• Knowledge of Marine vessels and equipment.
• Skill in determining the general nature of emergency situations and performing pre-hospital medical care at the license level Medical First Responder (Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) or above for merged roles).
• Skill in powers of observation.
• Skill in demonstrating mechanical aptitude proficiency.
• Skill in physical agility.
• Ability to communicate both, orally and in writing to convey information effectively.
• Ability to work under a variety of physical conditions.
• Ability to interact with departmental personnel and others with tact and diplomacy.

Physical Demands

• The employee frequently engages in strenuous physical activity that requires good dexterity, coordination and stamina which may include operating motor vehicles as well as light and/or heavy equipment for an extended period of time.
• The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend (e.g. stairs, ladders, trees etc.) to accomplish tasks.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to conditions which may include fumes, extreme heat and cold, wetness, loud noise, confined spaces, dust, hazardous chemicals, blood, bodily fluids, airborne pathogens, inclement weather, etc.
• Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements reflect the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Essential duties may vary from position to position.