Firefighter

The Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company is accepting applications for the full-time position of firefighter/house engineer. The Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Process

1. Candidates for employment shall submit a completed application and supporting documentation by mail, in person at the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company, or by email (Cschwartz@barrenhill.com). Applications and supporting documents should be directed to Fire Chief Chris Schwartz.

2. The application period will remain open until the position is filled. Opportunities for part-time positions may be available for potential candidates after the full-time position is filled.

3. Candidates invited to continue in the hiring process will be notified directly of an oral interview date and time. Oral Interviews will be conducted at the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company, 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444, after May 1, 2026

4. Following the oral interview, the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company may conduct a physical agility test and background check in preparation for a final candidate list for consideration of employment.

5. As part of a conditional offer of employment, the candidate may be subject to medical, physical, psychological evaluations, and a drug and alcohol screening at the expense of the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company.

Application Availability and Submission Deadline

Applications may be downloaded online at www.barrenhill.com or may be picked up in person at:

Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company, 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444

Completed applications may be dropped off at the Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company, 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 or be sent by mail or email to the attention of Fire Chief Chris Schwartz. (cschwartz@barrenhill.com) Applications will be received until the position is filled.

Incomplete applications may result in an automatic disqualification from the application process.

Firefighter/House Engineer

Salary & Benefits

· $28.00 - $35.00/hour depending on qualifications (Pay increases are considered annually)

o Regularly scheduled overtime

· Paid Training & Career Development

· Full Medical Benefits – Health, Dental & Eye Insurance

· Life Insurance

· Employer retirement contributions plus optional employee match

· Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Time

· Uniforms provided

Firefighter/House Engineer Minimum Requirements

Copies of all certificates and/or proof of meeting the minimum requirements must be included in the application packet at the time of submission.

· High School Diploma or GED

· Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License

· PA State Background Check

· FBI Background Check

· Child Abuse Clearance

· Firefighter I – IFSAC or Pro-Board Preferred

· Firefighter II – IFSAC or Pro-Board Preferred

· Vehicle Rescue Technician (PA DOH or NFPA) or equivalent

· Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) or equivalent

· Pump Operations

· Hazardous Materials Operations Level Certificate and refresher certificate within the last twelve (12) months if the original course certificate is outside of 12 months

· NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800

· Current CPR, AED & First Aid Certificate

· Current Apparatus Operator (Letter required from Department Chief)

Other Certifications that are NOT required, but preferred:

· Emergency Medical Technician

· Fire Officer I

· Technical Rescue Certification

· Driver/Aerial Operator – National Certification

• Water Rescue & Emergency Response

Essential Job Functions, Standards, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Physical Characteristics

Essential Job Functions

The following duties are typical for the position of firefighter/house engineer. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties not listed may be required and assigned. Examples of Essential Job Functions are as follows:

· Responds to emergency calls by driving to fire / rescue scenes safely and with due regard to traffic laws and conditions

· Operates firefighting equipment to extinguish fires and perform rescue operations

· Conducts salvage operations at fire scenes as directed.

· Works in conjunction with Police and Ambulance personnel on emergency scenes

· Follows manufacturer’s instructions to complete preventative maintenance requirements to ensure equipment remains in working order

· Follows manufacturer’s instructions to complete general repairs/maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment within their ability

· Promotes fire safety by organizing training sessions, talks, and seminars

· Conducts preplan drills of business and properties within the response district as assigned

· Maintains personal protective equipment and keeps it prepared for use

· Assesses situations quickly to decide the best course of action

· Produces written reports of emergency incidents, trainings, and other similar details

· Participates in educational workshops, seminars, and programs to update job skills and knowledge as assigned

· Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as required or assigned

· Perform general maintenance of the apparatus, including but not limited to cleaning and repairs, when it is within the scope of the employee’s ability.

· Perform general house duties in the firehouse including cleaning and repairs

· Perform general building and grounds duties, including but not limited to general repairs when it is within the scope of the employee’s ability, grass cutting, snow & ice removal, etc.

Job Standards

· Communicates effectively; reads and understands the policies of the Fire Company, including but not limited to the By-Laws, Rules & Regulations, Standard Operating Guidelines, Employee Handbooks & Policies

· React calmly and think rationally in emergency situations

· Understand and carry out complex instructions

· Recognize non-standard activities, missing items, people, hazards, and details

· Possess excellent eye-hand-foot coordination and physical stamina

· Sit and perform fine manipulation frequently

· Stand for extended periods of time, walk, run, bend, crouch, kneel, climb, crawl, lift and carry up to 150lbs., push up to one (1) ton, pull up to 175lbs

· Self-motivated when working alone and an active participant/guide when working with others

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Ability to use and maintain firefighting equipment and to learn the theory necessary for effective firefighting and equipment operations, after a period of training

· Ability to apply basic techniques of fighting fires

· Ability to perform strenuous activities such as lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing standard and aerial ladders, lifting and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage.

· Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and smoke-filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather, and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time.

· Ability to administer first aid, CPR, and other medical care to which the candidate is trained.

· Ability to think clearly and to apply knowledge under stressful conditions, and to handle more than one task at a time

· Ability to remain calm in emergency situations, in all types of environments and conditions

· Ability to establish a rapport with the community, officers of the fire company, volunteers of the fire company, members of the Township Staff, the Police Department, the Ambulance Association, and civilians

· Ability to understand and carry out instructions quickly and effectively

· Ability to record information professionally, in written form

· Ability to function independently and without direct supervision

· Ability to work closely with people, including functioning as a team member, and to exercise tact or diplomacy and display compassion, understanding, and patience

· Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

· Ability to promote the goals and mission of the Volunteer Fire Company

Physical Characteristics

· Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing and other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively, including during emergency situations, which may involve a high degree of noise

· Sufficient vision and other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to effectively operate at a fire or related emergency scene

· Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits the employee to operate equipment used in firefighting

· Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform all duties involved in protecting life and property

· Sufficient overall physical health to successfully complete any pre-hire physical agility test and post-hire for handling rapidly evolving situations where quick maneuvering in less than ideal situations involving obstacles, challenging climbing requirements, and structural collapses

· TATTOOS: Employees of the Fire Company shall not display any tattoos of a questionable nature or symbolism on any portion of their body that is exposed to the general public. The determination of whether a tattoo is of a questionable nature or symbolism rests solely with the Office of the Fire Chief. It is acceptable for the employee to wear long sleeves and long pants year-round to cover any questionable tattoos. Arm sleeves, wraps, cover-ups, bandages, etc., are not acceptable for covering tattoos.