fire-commissioner/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — fire commissioner

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-1021.00 (First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers).

Task statements

• [Core] Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
• [Core] Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
• [Core] Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
• [Core] Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.
• [Core] Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.
• [Core] Instruct and drill fire department personnel in assigned duties, including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and related subjects.
• [Core] Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.
• [Core] Evaluate the performance of assigned firefighting personnel.
• [Core] Direct the training of firefighters, assigning of instructors to training classes, and providing of supervisors with reports on training progress and status.
• [Core] Perform maintenance and minor repairs on firefighting equipment, including vehicles, and write and submit proposals to modify, replace, and repair equipment.
• [Core] Schedule employee work assignments and set work priorities.
• [Core] Monitor fire suppression expenditures to ensure that they are necessary and reasonable.
• [Core] Participate in creating fire safety guidelines and evacuation schemes for nonresidential buildings.
• [Core] Maintain required maps and records.
• [Core] Drive crew carriers to transport firefighters to fire sites.
• [Core] Inspect stations, uniforms, equipment, or recreation areas to ensure compliance with safety standards, taking corrective action as necessary.
• [Core] Evaluate fire station procedures to ensure efficiency and enforcement of departmental regulations.
• [Core] Direct firefighters in station maintenance duties, and participate in these duties.
• [Core] Recommend personnel actions related to disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves of absence, and grievances.
• [Core] Perform administrative duties, such as compiling and maintaining records, completing forms, preparing reports, or composing correspondence.
• [Core] Direct investigation of cases of suspected arson, hazards, and false alarms and submit reports outlining findings.
• [Core] Recommend equipment modifications or new equipment purchases.
• [Core] Supervise and participate in the inspection of properties to ensure that they are in compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and standards.
• [Supplemental] Inspect and test new and existing fire protection systems, fire detection systems, and fire safety equipment to ensure that they are operating properly.
• [Supplemental] Study and interpret fire safety codes to establish procedures for issuing permits to handle hazardous or flammable substances.
• [nan] Analyze burn conditions and results, and prepare postburn reports.
• [nan] Evaluate size, location, and condition of fires.
• [nan] Maintain knowledge of fire laws and fire prevention techniques and tactics.
• [nan] Plan, direct, and supervise prescribed burn projects.
• [nan] Recruit or hire firefighting personnel.

Detailed work activities

• Administer first aid.
• Assess characteristics of fires.
• Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
• Determine operational procedures.
• Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans.
• Direct criminal investigations.
• Direct employee training programs.
• Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.
• Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
• Evaluate employee performance.
• Hire personnel.
• Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
• Locate fires or fire danger areas.
• Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.
• Maintain operational records.
• Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
• Monitor environmental conditions to detect hazards.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Operate firefighting equipment.
• Perform forest firefighting activities.
• Prepare activity or work schedules.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
• Recruit personnel.
• Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
• Request emergency personnel.
• Rescue people from hazardous situations.
• Supervise employees.
• Train employees in proper work procedures.
• Write operational reports.