Firefighter Student Practicum

, Iowa

Office Hours: varies

Intern Title: High School Firefighter Intern
Guideline: Date of Issue: (01/2015) Date Revised: (03/2019)

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the program is to allow students on-the-job experience of being a firefighter as part of a career goal experience. The primary objective of the program is to learn how the Fire Department operates. Interns will be observing the operations of all aspects of the Fire Department.

GENERAL:

Characteristic Work of the Position:

1. Definition: This work is performed at a learning level in the fields of fire prevention, suppression, rescue, training, and public fire safety education.

2. Nature: Under the direction of the Fire Chief and supervised by fire department officers, gain experience while at the fire department with the primary focus on safety. Work will include labor in a non-hostile work environment and may include but not limited to, hose rolling, cleaning apparatus and stations, fire prevention visits, public education participation and general administrative assignments.

Fundamental Duties and Ancillary Responsibilities:

1. Interns must be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) that is appropriate.

2. Interns may NOT be substituted for trained firefighters.

3. Interns may be granted permission to respond to emergency calls and non- emergency calls with Chief Officers/Fire Department Officers in fire department vehicle for observational purpose. Interns shall be seated and wear seatbelts at all times when in Fire Department vehicles.

4. Interns may not drive Fire Department vehicles.

5. Interns may not enter or perform any duties which are within the designated “hot-zone” of any emergency scene.

6. Interns may be brought to emergency incidents to assist in various duties, including but not limited to; restoring apparatus & equipment, rehabilitative assistance and duties assigned by Incident Commander.

7. Interns shall become familiar and obey all rules as set forth by the Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines.

8. Interns must obey and follow direction of any Fire Department Officer at all times whether on an emergency or nonemergency scene. Any Interns brought to an emergency scene will stay in support vehicle until given a directive to exit the vehicle and report to the Incident Commander of their presence and await assignment. The Incident Commander shall take responsibility or designate a subordinate to be in charge of the Intern at an emergency scene.

9. Participate in department events, which include, but are not limited to department Fire and EMS Training, Candidate lecture and skills training, department association meeting, County Mutual Aid meeting, public education events, water fights, cleaning or special committee meetings. Time availability: Will be determined by Fire Chief or designee. Will be scheduled according to time availability and training.
• Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm.
• Public Education or special events: according to schedule.

10. Observes fire prevention inspections of business buildings.

11. Observes fire preplanning of business buildings.

12. Assist in administrative duties.

13. Maintenance such as washing and cleaning apparatus

14. Assisting with setting up training.

15. Help keep work areas neat and organized to promote positive image. Use appropriate behavior in keeping with the mission, vision and beliefs and in accordance with operating procedures and policies.

Qualifications: Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Enrolled in an accredited high school program.

2. Ability to understand and follow supervisory direction

3. Report to the fire department at the agreed upon days and times as determined by the Intern’s counselor and the fire department. For circumstances that require a change to the schedule, Interns shall advise the fire department as soon as possible.

Special Requirements:

1. No felony criminal records (unless approved in writing by the Fire Chief).

2. Hours of report shall coincide with Iowa State labor laws for juveniles. Interns who have reached the age of eighteen (18) shall be treated as an adult for purposes of labor laws. Under Iowa Child Labor laws, Iowa Code Chapter 92, minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in certain occupations, performing certain duties, and from using certain equipment.

3. Proper attire shall be required for all Interns participating in fire station or emergency scene activities which will include; close-toed shoes (steel-toes recommended), long dark pants and a T-shirt (T-shirt will be supplied by Fire Department and must be returned at the completion of internship).
a. Intern will only be allowed to wear the Fire Department issued T-shirt during scheduled duty.

4. While operating as an intern of the Fire Department, all Interns shall act in a professional manner. Any requests for information or comments from citizens or the media shall be
directed to the Incident Commander or a Chief Officer. Unprofessional behavior could result in removal from the Intern Program.

5. Interns shall understand that their role in this program is as an educational experience and they may be present at situations that require a high degree of confidentiality/privacy related to incident or medical information. Interns are not allowed to openly share such information with anyone outside the fire department for any reason. Failure to maintain proper
confidentiality/privacy will be means for dismissal from the program.

6. Fire Interns may not be in the fire stations unaccompanied at any time with the exception of during their scheduled duty and the full-time staff is out of the office.

THIS DESCRIPTION DOES NOT LIST ALL DUTIES. INTERN MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER DUTIES BY THE STAFF OR SUPERVISOR. INTERN WILL BE EVALUATED ON PERFORMANCE OF THE PROJECTS LISTED AS WELL AS INTERACTION WITH EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS. ON-SITE HOURS WILL BE NEGOTIATED WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HARASSMENT, SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH THE HOST.

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