AIRFIELD FIRE OFFICER/ASSISTANT CHIEF 75141

03/01/91 D

This is the first class in the Airfield Fire Officer series. Positions in this class supervise a shift of fire fighters, coordinating activities to suppress, combat, extinguish, and prevent fires on or around an airfield involving aircraft and structures. Under emergency conditions supervises and provides rescue services and basic first aid to victims of fire, plane crashes and accidents. This class is distinguished from Airfield Fire Fighter/Crew Chief in that it supervises crews and shift activities. It is distinguished from the Airfield Fire Officer/Deputy Chief, which has responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the fire department.

Complexity of the Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty, often requiring immediate independent judgment and decisions in emergency situations as to the best means of employing personnel and equipment to save lives and structures. Supervises advanced first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Provides guidance and supervision in training, inspections, and maintenance to ensure personnel and equipment maintain a high state of fire-fighting readiness. Assumes responsibilities of Airfield Fire Officer/Deputy Chief in his/her absence.

Supervision Given: Positions typically supervise airfield fire-fighting personnel assigned to a single shift.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from the Airfield Officer/Deputy Chief or Chief.

Scope: Supervision has direct effect on minimizing injuries and death, and loss or damage of property at scene of fire or other emergency.

Impact of Actions: Work directly affects the efficiency of the Airfield Fire Department in eliminating fire hazards, preventing fires and accidents, minimizing property damage, and avoiding loss of lives. Improper performance of duty could cause fire hazards, excessive fire loss or destruction, and potential bodily injury or loss of life.

Personal Contacts: Positions have frequent contact with supervisors of buildings and areas, safety officers of aircraft, and other base personnel to prevent or reduce damage due to fire and explosions. Occasional contact with medical personnel on procedures for proper handling or removal of injured personnel and advanced first aid treatment. Occasional contact with law enforcement or security personnel to cordon areas or to provide information to investigators.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of fire-fighting principles, practices, procedures, and techniques, and of the capabilities and use of fire-fighting, technical, and specialized equipment. Considerable knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency first aid treatment. Considerable knowledge of different fuels, munitions, chemicals, hazardous materials, and aircraft designs as they apply to explosions and damage to life and property. Some knowledge of chemistry as applied to combustion and the products of combustion. Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Skills: Considerable skill in deployment and operation of all fire-fighting equipment, including technical and specialized equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to immediately analyze fire and emergency scenes, and make quick decisions to extinguish fire and eliminate life-threatening situations. Demonstrated ability to recognize the inherent danger of various fuels, munitions, and hazardous material, and take immediate corrective action. Demonstrated ability to identify odors of combustion. Demonstrated ability to interpret and enforce fire prevention codes; to lead and direct personnel; and to communicate with the public, workers, and other emergency personnel. Demonstrated ability to prepare written reports.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE *

Licenses or Certifications: Virginia certified Fire Fighter III, Hazardous Material I (HAZMAT I), and Emergency Medical Techinician (EMT) or equivalent. Virginia driver's license with no more than six demerit points in one year or nine demerit points in two years. Pass a comprehensive medical examination. Qualify for a "Secret" security clearance.

Education or Training: High school or GED.

Level and Type of Experience: Fire supervisory experience at crew chief level.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class is one of four new classes established by the Department of Military Affairs in March 1991.