Fire alarm operator job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Fire alarm operator in details. A complete job description concludes Fire alarm operator key duties/responsibilities, Fire alarm operator job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Fire alarm operator duties:

1. Drives and operates all firefighting vehicles, such as P-22, P-24, P-30, P-26, P-23 and P-19 during structural firefighting and crash-rescue operations.
2. Performs crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling predominantly large or complex aircraft (e.g. fighters, cargo, passenger)
3. Performs structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities
4. Performs search and rescue of personnel and perform or initiate a variety of first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepare the victim(s) for transport to a medical facility
5. Evaluates emergency situations, performs duties as an DOT First Responder or equivalent
6. Maintains firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
7. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures.
8. Must participate in the medical, physical fitness, respiratory protection and hearing conservation program.
9. Perform daily inspection, maintenance and upkeep of firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment.
10. Submit timely and accurate timesheets.
11. Maintain proper dress and grooming in accordance with employee handbook and/or standard operating procedures.
12. Participate in all training activities
13. Maintains collateral duties as assigned
14. Performs related work as assigned

II. List of Fire alarm operator qualifications

1. Knowledge of basic skills of firefighting methods and techniques used in modern firefighting for protection of life and property.
2. Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, hose line (friction) losses, etc.
3. Knowledge of basic and specialized firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures
4. Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy
5. Knowledge of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems
6. Knowledge of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders
7. Skill in operating telecommunications equipment
8. Skill in detecting and recognizing fire hazards.
9. Skill in operating various types of firefighting vehicles.
10. Skill and dexterity in use and manipulation of tools and equipment used in firefighting operations.
11. Ability to operate basic Microsoft computer programs.
12. Ability to perform the essential job tasks as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582
13. Ability to demonstrate specific vision abilities required by the job include the ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth
14. Ability to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
15. Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.
16. Ability to perform the essential job tasks associated with firefighting.
17. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.