Water Truck Operator/In-House Support

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Title:                             Water Truck Operator/In-House Support    

Department/Division:  Pala Fire Department                

Status:                          Regular / Full-time

Compensation:            Hourly

Supervisors:                Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under general supervision by Deputy Chiefs, the Water Truck Operator/In-House Support position drives assigned Water Tender and other Fire Department equipment to scenes of emergencies and may participate in extended periods of out-of-country assignments. This position also provides in-house support for fire employees and Pala Reservation. The individual will be responsible for training other department employees on proper usage of the Water Tender. When not tasked with the Water Tender assignment, the individual uses heavy equipment for abatement and completes life safety inspections.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain a state of mental and physical readiness to respond to emergency calls,
  • Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines,
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work,
  • Analyze and compile data as necessary to aid with staff reports following an incident,
  • Professionally represent the department when working with internal and external customers.
  • Inspects public establishments to secure compliance with codes and regulations pertaining to fire safety.
  • Inspects and tests fire protection systems examines the storage, handling, and use of flammable liquids and hazardous materials, and issues orders to comply with codes.
  • Responsible for responding to complaints and requests for information and assisting in maintenance of the fire station and grounds.
  • Performs a variety of collateral administrative work involving fire prevention and suppression programs.
  • Engages in public information activities, maintains inventories, recommends purchase of fire fighting and other equipment, and maintains physical fitness.
  • Operates Tribal vehicles as directed.
  • Perform training and other safety and prevention duties as assigned.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSE AND ABILITIES:

  • Current firefighting principles, methods, techniques, and strategies.
  • Knowledge of hazardous materials, fire prevention procedures, and related codes.
  • Principles of hydraulic, construction engineering, personnel, supervision, and training.
  • Ability to prepare and present concise written and oral reports and conduct thorough inspections and investigations.
  • Ability to train and evaluate assigned employees on operating and maintaining a Water Tender.
  • Knowledge of life safety strategies and fire prevention assessments.
  • Knowledge of fire hazard abatement, creating defensible space, and cleaning up the brush and trimmings.
  • Technically proficient in the use of iPads, computers, Tablet Command, and R.M.S. reporting applications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ POSITION INFORMATION:

  • Experience: In the position or area of responsibility as a Water Tender Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Life Safety Inspector. Any combination of training, education, and experience demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the position's duties. A typical qualifying entrance has background,  experience, and completion of coursework in fire science or a closely related field from which the incumbent has acquired the abovementioned knowledge and abilities.
  • California State Board of Fire Services Firefighter I certification (Firefighter II certification is highly desirable) California State Board of Fire Services Driver/Operator 1A & 1B certification or equivalent.
  • Education: Possession of a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency, or a high school proficiency certificate (Associate, Bachelor, and/or advanced matriculation is highly desirable).
  • License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with appropriate Firefighter Endorsement during the tenure of employment (Class A or B California Commercial Driver's License highly desirable).
  • Must complete the BlueCard® 50-hour online training within 90 days of position placement; department provided.
  • Acknowledges and agrees to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment.
  • A background check will be required.
  • Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equal-opportunity employer.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Environmental Conditions: Incumbents may be required to work with harsh or toxic substances and to wear protective apparel, including goggles, face protectors, aprons, shoes, and oxygen breathing apparatus. Incumbents may be required to work at considerable heights, sustain physical exertion and/or to work in physically uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods. And exposure to communicable diseases (H.I.V., HBV, HCV, tuberculosis, meningococcal meningitis, various parasites, etc.)

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

  • Essential and marginal functions require maintaining the physical condition necessary for arduous work and frequent bending, turning, reaching, grasping, kneeling, standing, sitting, and walking, as well as moderate to heavy pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.