HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Recruitment #2108-1572F-001

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Introduction

PURPOSE

Heavy Equipment Operators (HEOs) drive and operate firefighting apparatus and perform related functions, including properly staging the vehicle, providing a water supply, putting pumps into operation, maintaining necessary flow and pressure, setting up master streams, operating aerial ladders and putting into use any equipment carried on the apparatus. HEOs actively participate in the provision of emergency medical care and firefighting operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Driving and pumping operations: Efficiently and effectively drive emergency rescue or firefighting vehicle and stage apparatus to ensure effective response and adequate water supply; make appropriate hose connections to the apparatus and to water sources; provide proper extinguishing agent and fire flows; determine static and residual pressure comparisons to ensure effective water supply and set pump controls and engine rpm to supply water at required volume and pressure. Advise officer regarding additional lines and/or pressure.

Fire and emergency scene operations: Provide emergency medical care. Participate in emergency scene operations, including search and rescue. Provide ventilation and perform smoke removal functions; facilitate fire ground operations; operate, raise and climb aerial and ground ladders; supervise or participate in use of aerial master stream and ensure equipment is accounted for and in response-ready state. Troubleshoot equipment issues as needed.

Apparatus maintenance: Inspect and ready apparatus at onset of shift, including lights, sirens and basic mechanical issues (e.g. belts, loose wires, oil leakage and fluid levels) and check water level in tank and refuel as needed. Report defects to commanding officer.

Station and equipment maintenance: Inventory and inspect condition of equipment assigned to apparatus; send equipment needing repairs to proper service facility and maintain and repair equipment. Ensure communication of apparatus issues with shop staff. Ensure staff carries out station duties.

Physical tasks: Perform fire ground operations wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Systematically search (e.g. crawling on floor) for trapped persons in limited visibility conditions; lift and carry equipment (e.g. hose pack, fan or ladder, including up flights of stairs); pull uncharged hose off an engine and effectively form a connection with a fire hydrant; operate nozzle and fire streams; use pike pole to breach and pull down ceilings; use equipment (e.g. axe, sledge hammer) to make forcible entries and chop/cut holes in roof to let out smoke and heat. Return equipment to proper place after fire is extinguished.

Administrative: Complete scheduled check sheet for apparatus and review and maintain Log Book, entering apparatus updates. equipment needs, crew activities, etc. Ensure equipment is maintained in good order and manufacturer's schedule of equipment maintenance is completed. Coordinate repair of equipment and vehicles within the shop.

Quality assurance/training: Participate in Target Solutions Training; attend appropriate training at the Academy and participate in physical fitness training. Study locations of streets, buildings and water systems.

Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

(1) Continuous service as a Firefighter or Fire Paramedic in the Milwaukee Fire Department in the two (2) years immediately preceding Monday, October 17th, 2021. Continuous service includes:
a. time spent on military leave or duty disability;
b. unpaid absences of 30 cumulative days or fewer for non-disciplinary reasons such as educational leave, physical disability and/or sick leave and;
c. absences of 5 cumulative eight-hour working days or less or 2  cumulative twenty-four hour working days or less for disciplinary reasons, however the applicant must have the required years of actual service
(2) Current State of Wisconsin certification as an EMT-B, including all refresher requirements.
(3) A valid regular Wisconsin driver's license at time of application and throughout employment.
(4) Completion of the MFD Professional Development Program, which includes State of Wisconsin certification as driver/operator pumper and driver/operator aerial, prior to the written test date.

Notes
(1) Pending further analysis, service as a Heavy Equipment Operator may be required as a prerequisite to participate in further promotional examinations for the position of Fire Lieutenant.
(2) At least one year of service as a regularly appointed Heavy Equipment Operator (not in an acting capacity) may substitute for a maximum of one year of the experience requirement in future examinations for Fire Lieutenant. No substitution will be granted for less than one year of Heavy Equipment Operator experience.
(3) Future examinations may also require completion of academic credits applicable to a degree.

CURRENT SALARY

The current salary range (PR 4D, depending on if hired pre- or post October 3, 2011 and if candidate has EMT-II certification. Hired on or post October 3, 2011: Non Paramedic: $86,665,34; Paramedic: $87,531.95. Hired pre October 3, 2011: Non Paramedic: $90,210.27; Paramedic: $91,112.20.

SELECTION PROCESS

The online application and list of study materials will be available on the MFD intranet and the City of Milwaukee intranet (MINT) at http://city.milwaukee.gov/fpc/Jobs following the close date of this posting. Candidates will be alerted when materials are available. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that applications are submitted on line by the deadline of Sunday October 17th, 2021. The FPC is not responsible for applications not received. Please note that all correspondence regarding the selection process will be sent via email; it is imperative that applicants inform the Fire and Police Commission of any changes in the email address indicated on their application for this position.

The selection process will be job-related and will consist of the following:

Written  95%

Seniority 5%

Total    100%

Candidates must attain a passing score on the written test to be placed on the eligible list. Promotion is contingent upon passing a drug screen. The eligible list resulting from this examination will remain in effect for two years unless rescinded or extended by the Fire and Police Commission.

The written test will be tentatively scheduled soon and communicated to all candidates after the posting dates closes. This will be held at the Safety Academy. Qualified candidates will receive email notification that they are invited to attend the written examination.

Applicants are responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the Fire and Police Commission.

Any applicant who may be unavailable for one or more portions of this examination due to military service or military training and wishes to request an accommodation must submit such a request in writing to the Fire and Police Commission in writing (hand delivered or via email at fpc@milwaukee.gov) no later than Sunday October 17th, 2021. 

CITY OF MILWAUKEE FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION
Room 705 City Hall, 200 East Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 286-5000