ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia County is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, with pockets of quiet and peaceful springs. Columbia County is the home of Florida’s Springlands, with multiple natural springs, lakes, rivers, and nine beautiful state parks. In 2022, the US Census Bureau QuickFacts estimated Columbia County has a population of 72,000 residents. Columbia County is a southeast sports destination and hosts multiple tournaments and camps. Columbia County requires a diverse and dedicated workforce to provide services for Columbia County residents to live and work and for the visitors who experience our piece of the Florida playground. Consider applying for a position with us today.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for protecting lives and property endangered by fires and other emergency situations. Successful performance helps ensure the safety of community lives and property. Completed work is reviewed for compliance with guidelines and the nature and propriety of the final results.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED required. Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work preferred. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years preferred but not required.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES/MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain the required minimum documented training as set forth by Florida Law. Must maintain Florida State Firefighter Certification. Must obtain State of Florida, Department of Health, EMT certification within one year of employment. Possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida.

SALARY: $ 16.23 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, physical agilities, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

SCHEDULE: SHIFT WORK THAT INCLUDES WORKING NIGHTS, VARING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WITH OVERTIME

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of fire-fighting, rescue and extrication techniques

• Knowledge of fire-fighting apparatus and equipment

• Knowledge of and/or be willing to learn the geography, streets, buildings, and fire hydrant locations

• Knowledge of first aid and CPR principles and applications

• Knowledge of potential fire hazards

• Knowledge of hazardous materials

• Knowledge of building construction and basic mechanics

• Skill in oral and written communication and interpersonal relations. Contacts are typically, with co-workers, fire and emergency victims, law enforcement personnel, utility company representatives, other emergency personnel, and the general public

• Skill in the operation and use of fire equipment and apparatus

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to fires; suppresses fires utilizing such firefighting equipment and techniques as nozzle direction and building ventilation

• Assists fire and accident victims utilizing the appropriate extrication methods and equipment

• Administers first aid, and CPR, and other Basic Life Support (BLS) medical procedures as necessary

• Inspects assigned apparatus and equipment; cleans, repairs, and performs routine maintenance on same

• Drives emergency vehicles; establishes fire streams and monitors gauges

• Performs housekeeping, building maintenance, and grounds keeping duties

• Participates in and assists with training sessions

• May perform duties involving hazardous materials

• Assists with completion of shift reports

• Provides fire prevention information to the public

• Performs fire safety and public safety education and acts as an instructor for in-service fire department training

• Participates in Fire Department related community activities as assigned

• Required to work during a local declared state of emergency

NON -ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related work as required.

[These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.]

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed inside a fire station and outside at fire scenes. The employee is exposed to noise, dirt, machinery with moving parts, heat, smoke, irritating chemicals, and occasionally inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEMANDS

The work is performed with the employee sitting, standing, walking, and bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift heavy objects (at least 75 pounds), climb ladders, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and be able to distinguish between shades of color. Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction) required.

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.