Airport Firefighter Exam

Job Information

Work Objective

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, Aircraft Fire Rescue Firefighters perform firefighting and related tasks; Including but not limited to responding to all emergency and non-emergency requests within BNIA ARFF jurisdiction and mutual aid; participate in training sessions, public relations activities, and other duties as directed.

Essential Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Respond to aircraft incidents, structural fires, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, miscellaneous rescue requests, and emergency medical requests.
• Operate all department emergency vehicles.
• Operate fire department dispatch and other airport communications systems related equipment.
• Maintain presence in the airport terminal.
• Maintain and clean Fire Department facility and grounds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work in all fire service situations and wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ability to absorb and assess information and make decisions quickly. Ability to exercise sound judgment in and around emergency situations. Require excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather; operate heavy-duty fire apparatus and vehicles. Must be able to work rotating shifts to include weekends, holidays, overtime, and call-ins.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. Must possess and maintain valid New York State Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. Must possess and maintain valid NYS Emergency Medical Technician Certification or be able to obtain such certification within 12 months of employment. Must be able to attend and successfully complete the NYS Recruit Fire Fighter Training at the NYS Fire Academy, and Basic Aircraft Rescue Firefighting School within the first year of employment. Basic computer skills preferred, including the ability to use MS Word and Excel to prepare reports and complete routine tasks. Must be at least 20 years old at the time of the examination; must be 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

To be eligible for appointment to this position, candidates will be required to complete the following: criminal background check, drug/alcohol screening, interview(s), NFPA 1982 medical examination, written exam, physical agility test, and safety assessment survey. Must be able to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge/US Customs and Border Protection Seal.

Physical Requirements

Must have far visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. Corrected binocular visual acuity must be at least 20/40. Must be able to correctly identify at least 9 of the first 13 plates on the 24-plate Ishihara color vision test. Tinted contacts or lenses cannot be used to meet color vision standard. Average hearing loss in the unaided ear must not be above 40 dB at 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 Hertz.

Firefighting is typically performed in dynamic environments, including poor visibility, high background noise, life-threatening hazards and sometimes emotionally disturbing human casualties. Firefighters must be physically fit and medically capable to safely performing the challenging tasks required for all aspects of Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting. Tasks may involve the performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, kneeling, crawling or squatting, and that may involve the lifting (up to 50 pounds), carrying (up to 50 pounds), pushing and/or pulling (up to 200 pounds) of heavy objects and materials. May also involve the twisting of the upper body and the rotating of the wrists. Jobs involve standing 5-6 hours at one time and walking up to one hour at a time. Fire fighters must be capable of quickly and properly donning and doffing personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Environmental Requirements

Time is spent both in the firehouse and in the field. In the field, the position may be exposed to emergency situations such as fire, smoke and hazardous materials.

Pay

Base Starting Salary
$44,498 (Based on a 2184-hour Schedule)
Base Salary after 3.5 years
$60,947 (Based on a 2184-hour Schedule) 
Hourly Starting Salary
$20.37
Hourly Salary after 3.5 years
$27.90
Longevity Increases up to $1,700

Benefits

• NYS Fire and Police 20 Year Retirement with 384(d) and 384 (e)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision
• NYS Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b) offering both Traditional and Roth Options
• State of the art airport firefighting facility
• Annual Uniform and Cleaning Allowance Stipend- 100 Hours of Pay Annually
• NYS EMT Basic Certification Incentive- 160 Hours of Pay Annually
• Non-Use of Sick Leave Incentive - up to $2,000 per year
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually
• Accrue 130 Hours of Vacation Annually with longevity increases
• Accrue 130 Hours of Sick Leave Annually
• 85 Hours of Personal Leave Annually
• Overtime Available

Schedule

• Two 10-hour days
• Two 14-hour nights
• Four days off