Firefighter Lateral

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Lateral Firefighter within the Fire Rescue Department. This position requires a minimum of one (1) year of firefighting experience with a career fire department and candidates must be currently employed with a career fire department in good standing having served within the last ninety (90) days. The Lateral Firefighter will initially be assigned to the Training Division for a one-to-two-week evaluation. Upon successful completion of the evaluation the firefighter will be assigned to a station in the Operations Division working a 48/96 shift schedule. The Lateral Firefighter is responsible for responding to structure fires fire alarms medical emergencies hazardous materials incidents motor vehicle accidents and other calls for service.

Major Job Duties

1. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
2. Performs firefighting duties including fire suppression containment and extinguishment; rescues fire and accident victims; provides emergency medical care (within scope of practice); and identifies hazardous materials incidents.
3. Maintains and inspects equipment and apparatus to ensure constant readiness for emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
4. Provides fire prevention information to the public for fire and life safety education.
5. Enters data into computer programs for call reporting equipment inventory information sharing and communication.
6. Performs station housekeeping building maintenance and groundskeeping duties.
7. Operates department vehicles including passenger vehicles and fire apparatus in emergency and non-emergency modes in response to calls for service routine work assignments and training.
8. Remains subject to recall and/or holdover for minimum staffing and emergency events.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Intermittently sitting standing walking bending crouching or stooping. Frequently lifting light objects and occasionally lifting heavy objects; climbing ladders; using tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity; and distinguishing between shades of color.
• Work environment includes office settings very noisy environments and outdoor conditions occasionally in cold or inclement weather. Exposure to dust dirt grease machinery with moving parts contagious or infectious diseases and irritating chemicals. Required use of protective devices such as masks goggles breathing apparatus and gloves.

Knowledge Required

• Fire suppression techniques and tactics; fire dynamics behavior science and smoke patterns.
• Fire investigation principles and practices.
• Computers and job-related software programs.
• Local state and federal fire codes; local ordinances; and departmental rules and regulations.
• County geography streets buildings traffic patterns and water supply.
• First Aid CPR and emergency medical principles and applications.
• Hazardous materials handling and response.
• Operation and use of firefighting apparatus and equipment. Building construction and basic mechanics.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Skills Required

• Oral and written communication.
• Interpersonal relations.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• Fire investigation.
• Operation of fire equipment and apparatus.

Education Required

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Georgia Class C drivers license and acceptable driving record.
• Minimum of one (1) year of firefighting experience with a career fire department. Current employment with a career fire department in good standing having served within the last ninety (90) days.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.

Required Certifications

• Firefighter I
• Hazmat Awareness
• Hazmat Operations
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Card (American Heart Association)
• Current NIMSand 800

Preferred Certifications

• Firefighter II
• EMT-R or higher
• Current NIMS G-191
• Valid Georgia Class E or F drivers license

Salary & Benefits

The Lateral Firefighter is assigned to the Training Division for evaluation and training for one (1) to two (2) weeks. Upon successful completion of the evaluation period the individual is assigned to a station in the Operations Division working a 48/96 schedule on a shift. The compensation range is $16.55 to $18.09 (depending on qualifications/experience). Additional overtime is available.

Liberty County government offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees including:

• 401(a) retirement plan with employer match
• 13 paid holidays
• paid vacation and sick leave
• low-cost health dental and vision insurance
• free term life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health & wellness program

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office via telephone at or by email to