In-House Only: Fire Sergeant / Airport

Purpose & Job Related Requirements

IN-HOUSE ONLY: You must be a current employee with the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County to be eligible for this position.

REPORTS TO: Airport Director FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt CLASSIFICATION: ** Personnel System - Requires successful completion of a 12-month probationary period. PAY GRADE: FD4 SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes – Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.    Purpose of Job The purpose of this Sergeant position is to provide safe and effective emergency response capabilities for aircraft and fire related hazards at the Athens Ben Epps Airport. Outside of emergency operations, this position will serve to maintain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance and uphold general Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) efficacy. Duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to: driver/operator of ARFF apparatus; ensuring the safety and protection of fire department personnel and resources; mitigating hazards to airport fuel farm, aircraft and aircraft hangars ;** managing annual firefighter compliance training; implementing and maintaining the airport emergency plan; leading emergency preparedness courses to outside agencies and airport personnel; maintaining all airport facility sprinklers and extinguishing systems; supervising airport wildlife hazard management plan; managing airport drivers training, ** ** and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Job Related Requirements Work Schedule:  ** Varies    May be required to work on religious holidays and weekends.    Regular and predictable attendance is required.    Must work cooperatively with others.    When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.    Emergency Position** This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the manager. ## Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions High school diploma or equivalent with four years of fire and rescue experience (one year of which must have been obtained at the rank of Fire Corporal) or service required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must be certified and current to Firefighter II with Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training, National Fire Protection Association's Professional Qualifications Standards or FAA-AC150/5210-17C equivalent. 

Must be Airport Firefighter Certified in compliance with FAA standards.   

Must be Driver/Operator- ARFF certified in accordance with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association's Professional Qualifications Standards.

Must be in compliance with the standards of FAA 139.319 “Aircraft rescue and firefighting: Operational requirements” standards.

Must complete at least one FAA compliant live-fire drill commensurate with the ARFF index of Athens Ben Epps Airport. Live-fire drill must be completed within the 12 previous months prior to promotion.

Must possess a valid Georgia Class F non-commercial driver's license or a valid Georgia Class B commercial driver's license or a valid Georgia Class E non-commercial driver's license or a valid Georgia Class A commercial driver's license or have the ability to obtain within one month of hire.

Supervisory experience preferred.

The Fire Sergeant reports directly to the Airport Director. Promotion to this position is contingent upon the Airport Director’s approval.    ## Essential Duties, Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.    Assists in supervising firefighters; counsels on assigned shift in all aspects of standard operating procedures.    Supervises training exercises for firefighters; participates in physical fitness training.    Communicates with previous shift officer to gather/exchange information.    Functions as firefighter when apprentices are driving.     Drives and operates fire apparatus at fire scenes, i.e. locates water supply, monitors hose/nozzle pressure, calculates friction loss, and establishes fire stream.

When responding to aircraft emergency: establishes evacuation routes, applies extinguishing agents, mitigates fire spread, requests resources, conducts scene size-up, coordinates placement and use of emergency units on arrival.     Cleans, services, and maintains assigned equipment.    Maintains monthly and annual compliance of all airport extinguishers, Automated ExternalDefibrillators (AED) and sprinkler systems. 

Coordinates and instructs annual extinguisher training for airport employees. 

Reports condition of apparatus and equipment to supervisor; makes requests for repairs as necessary.    Assists in hydrant plug and line maintenance.    Administers first aid and CPR.    Prepares, maintains and submits written reports for aircraft accidents.

Provides basic ARFF and airport familiarity training to non-ARFF personnel to include Athens Clarke County Fire Department (ACCFD) and relevant agencies.

Assists ACCFD in off-airport aircraft related emergencies.  

Serves as airport liaison to NTSB, FSDO and FAA during aircraft emergencies. 

Provides medical and fire response capabilities at airport events- to include, but not limited to- airshows and 4th of July celebrations.      May serve as a fire ground commander.    Conducts station inspections.    Completes reports, i.e. fire, accident, training and rescue reports. 

Oversees private tours at airport and fire station.     Attends training and supervisory meetings as required.    Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties at station.    Assists in criminal investigations and evidence recovery at fire scene.

Aids secret service and law enforcement agencies for Very Important Person (VIP) movements at the Athens Ben Epps Airport.

Inspects the storage of hazmat related materials in hangars, buildings, terminal and FBO.    Assists the airport director in completing job performance evaluations on all firefighter subordinates.

Responsible for maintaining FAA compliance with the Airport Wildlife Plan for all activities on the airport property.  

Coordinates and attends wildlife management and safety courses. 

Creates and disseminates wildlife and bird strike training material for airport employees and pilots.  

Reports and submits documents related to aircraft wildlife strikes. 

Coordinates and collects wildlife strike carcass samples and submits to proper government agencies. 

Submits annual Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) deprivation permits for approval. 

Supports and aids U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wildlife management deprivation efforts.

Manages Storm Water Prevention Plan and coordinates collection of analysis samples. 

Attends and maintains county compliancy training for inmate detail handling. 

Assists in the coordination, planning and execution FAA compliant AEP reviews and full-scale exercises. 

Provides ARFF standby and emergency support for Part 139 charter operations. 

Assists the airport on University of Georgia game days as needed. Support may include ARFF emergencies, charter handling operations, passenger shuttle, crowd control and first aid support.  This may require working on weekends and some holidays.

Updates and maintains Airport Security Plan (ASP) as needed. 

Assigns and maintains gate entry cards to airport employees and tenants. 

Performs other related duties as required.   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and principles of the County, Airport Fire Department, Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration.

Knowledge to identify and interpret advanced theories, facts, concepts, principles, requirements, procedures, equipment, and components of ARFF.    Knowledge of management and human resource principles within emergency services including but not limited to, firefighting and rescue practices and procedures as necessary for the completion of daily responsibilities.    Knowledge of how to develop and manage operational and staffing levels.    Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and rules and regulations pertaining to specific duties and responsibilities of the job.    Knowledge of medical care practices including but not limited to first aid, CPR and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocols and Patient Care Reports (PCR).    Knowledge of operation and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment, fire prevention, suppression and rescue/extrication operations, including fire behavior, fire ground tactics, and salvage/overhaul techniques for reducing damage and loss of property.    Knowledge of rotary and fixed wing aircraft types, classes, specifications and emergency operation procedures.    Knowledge of ARFF strategies and tactics for fuel, metal, wheel and jet engine fires; fuel spill mitigation techniques; ejection seats, and dry/hydro chemical based extinguishing agents. 

Knowledge of military/government aircraft hazards to include munitions, nuclear biological chemical transports and monopropellant/hypergolic aircraft fuels.

Knowledge of building construction related to fire behavior, sprinkler systems, fire alarm and communication systems, safety procedures.

Knowledge of flight data recorder (FDR) collection, preservation and custody in accordance with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO) and FAA policies.   

Knowledge of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) operations including but not limited to management of response, monitoring, mitigating and recovery of site-specific incidents.

Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration Notice to Airman System to include uses and triggering events. 

Knowledge of various FAA, NFPA, OHSA, and IFS principles, guidelines and best practice related to fire services.    Knowledge of manufacturer specifications and recommendations related visual and operational inspections of apparatus including but not limited to battery, braking systems, coolant systems, electrical, fuel, hydraulic fluids, oil, tires, steering, belts, tools and other similar equipment and safety features.

Knowledge of operating apparatus on predetermined route during emergency / non-emergency responses and under normal / adverse conditions while complying with state laws, county and departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge of airport layout to include all movement / non-movement areas, taxiways, runways, helicopter pads, hangar locations and emergency aircraft isolation areas. 

Knowledge of Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) radio communication common standards and practices to include Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), Universal Communications (UNICOM) and ATCT light gun communication techniques. 

Knowledge of current Letters of Agreement (LOA) of the Athens Ben Epps. 

Knowledge and implementation of Athens Ben Epps Airport Certification Manual (ACM) and Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) procedures and guidelines.  

Knowledge and implementation of Athens Ben Epps Airport Wildlife Management Plan (WHMP).    Knowledge of causes of common apparatus accidents including but not limited to effects on vehicle control during liquid surges, braking reactions, load factors, roll over potential, steering reactions, and height/weight limitations.    Knowledge of unit dimensions, turning characteristics, spotter signals, and principles of safe operation.    Knowledge of manufacturer specifications and recommendations related to visual and operational inspections of apparatus equipped with fire pump including water tank, extinguishing agent levels, pumping systems, dry chemical system and foam producing systems.    Knowledge of water supply sources.    Knowledge of departmental hydraulic calculations necessary for establishing and maintaining proper fire stream flow, including but not limited to hand lines, master streams, FDC connections, relay pumping and elevated master streams.    Knowledge of manufacturer specifications and recommendations related to visual and operational inspections of apparatus equipped with ARFF-High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) devices including but not limited to, agent delivery systems, HRET hydraulic control system, slides and rollers, stabilizing systems, safety systems, infrared cameras and piercing nozzle systems.

Knowledge of primary and secondary response rolls in aircraft emergencies to include scene-size up reports, resource requests, truck placement, evacuation zones, hand line and HRET deployment, agent conservation and water/foam resupply methods.      Knowledge of FAA compliant ARFF apparatus foam proportioning testing equipment. Testing systems include but are not limited to, input based “no-foam” and output based refractometer testing systems. 

Skill in use of computers and various software programs utilized by the department and county including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite® and  ECOLOGIC™ by E-ONE, Foam Test System.

Skill in the use of effective leadership, organizational management and supervision principles.    Skill in the use of mirrors, display screens, spotters and judging distances.    Skill in operating apparatus while maintaining safe distances, control while accelerating, decelerating, turning, backing and parking of unit.    Skill in maneuvering, stabilizing, raising and lowering HRET system for fire suppression operations.    Skill in operating ARFF apparatus on runway surfaces and unpaved emergency access roads while maintaining safe distances and control while accelerating, decelerating, turning, backing and parking of unit.    Skill in using “pump and roll” on ARFF apparatus with effective foam/water application and modulation techniques.

Skill in using “stationary” pump mode with the ability to properly supply primary response apparatus, fire suppression appliances, hose lines, triple agent hand lines and sprinkler systems. 

Skill in use of ARFF “under truck nozzles” and deluge systems.    Ability to ensure proper connection to positive water source.    Ability to obtain and maintain a static water source.    Ability to use hand tools, fire and rescue equipment, recognize system problems and correct deficiencies to maintain operations.    Ability to administer, interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, rules and regulations to departmental activities and personnel matters.    Ability to comprehend oral instructions and information.    Ability to administer policies, procedures, plans and activities by prioritizing duties and tasks, exercising leadership and sound judgment resulting in logical conclusions and clear decisions.    Ability to communicate in a clear and effective manner either verbally or in writing with subordinates and management utilizing two-way radios, computers, phones and other similar devices.    Ability to communicate and interact with the public in order to provide information or direction and respond to inquiries.    Ability to gather and assemble information and compose correspondence, reports, and other similar documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.    Ability to work as part of a team to guide, coach, counsel and mentor individuals and/or group towards successful task completion or goal attainment.    Ability to utilize discretion in managing subordinates during emergency and non-emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, establishing priorities, maintaining standards and resolving issues, problems or concerns of subordinates.    Ability to identify and react to the needs of others and to show empathy as appropriate.    Ability to interact, foster and maintain positive relationships with individuals of a diverse community.    Ability to present a positive image for the Department, the public and allied agencies.    Ability to work effectively and contribute to the mission of the Department. ## Supplemental Information ( ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including calculators, kitchen equipment, yard service equipment, fire hoses/nozzles, axes, shovels, hand tools, power tools, electric generators, and all types of fire and rescue equipment. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert over one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for heavy work.  

DATA CONCEPTION : Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants / from supervisors or as the acting supervisor.  

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of reports, manuals such as ACCFD operations, IFSTA, NPQ, NFDRS, Hazardous Materials, and Vehicle Maintenance and other informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare vehicle maintenance reports, activity reports, injury reports, civilian casualty reports, supply requisitions, and personnel rosters using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.  

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgments in the absence of management.  

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including medical, engineering, mechanics, electrical, fire, and radio signal terminology.  

**NUMERICAL APTITUDE: ** Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots, and polynomials; perform statistical calculations; and apply a variety of theoretical mathematical concepts and make original applications of mathematical procedures.  

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using fire and rescue, office, mechanics, electrical and medical equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. Requires skilled movements coordinating eyes, hands and fingers accurately and making precise movements with speed.  

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as calculators, kitchen equipment, yard service equipment, fire hoses/nozzles, axes, shovels, hand tools, power tools, electric generators, and all types of fire and rescue equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination for ensuring safe operation of fire apparatus.  

COLOR/VISUAL DISCRIMINATION: Position requires binocular vision with good depth perception and peripheral vision, motion detection, high acuity, and light adaptation, as well as the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.  

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency and when confined with co-workers for extended periods of time.  

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio.

ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or _ _leah.jagatic@accgov.com .