Role
Your job is to ensure the safety of both persons and property. You will take part in operations involving fire safety and rescue on the airport platform and the maintenance of the vehicles and equipment.
Profile
You will have the Certificate in Emergency Team Response (CFAPSE) and a "C" class heavy goods vehicle licence (tonnage not limited, unexpired).
Experience
You will be currently employed in this field or have been continually active in this area for the previous two years and be able to demonstrate 3 years as a member of a professional or military fire-crew or 5 years as a volunteer in a primary or secondary response centre.
Patrick, Chief Firefighter
" Dialogue with management, along with critical feedback and information on the various objectives and projects, have all contributed to achieving a positive and constructive environment"
You are a "Chief Firefighter" for Aéroports de Paris. What does your job involve?
First of all, it should be remembered that the main objective of a firefighter is to save human life in the event of an accident or aircraft incident and to ensure the safety of persons and property of people in the airport and its surroundings.
In my capacity as chief firefighter, I head a team of 37 and co-ordinate all of the interventions both on the platform itself and within the terminal buildings.
What are the attractions of this job and what qualities does it require ?
The fact that no intervention is the same nor any day the same, working as a team and using specialist vehicles are all part of the attraction.
The qualities required are a sound knowledge of what a firefighter's job entails, familiarity with the site itself (aircraft circulation routes, road network, the different aircraft and terminal buildings) and to be physically fit.
What made you choose Aéroports de Paris?
After several years as a volunteer fireman and then with the Paris fire service, it was the attraction of a different world, a different perspective to this work and the discovery of the potential wealth and range of jobs at one of Europe's largest airports, not forgetting my keen interest in the aircraft themselves, which drew me to Aéroports de Paris.
What was your integration into the company like?
Despite the generation gaps within the team, integration was relatively smooth. The older hands with their experience of the aeronautical business, coupled with the younger people's knowledge of the latest tactics and equipment, made for good chemistry.
You have been with Aéroports de Paris for 19 years. How do you see your future within the company
The career path of a firefighter in an airport environment is constrained by a number of rules.
The career path of a firefighter in an airport environment is constrained by a number of rules. First, you have to have been there in that capacity for at least 4 years before being able to apply for an executive position, in my case chief firefighter (Deputy Team Leader). Prior to this you need to have taken and passed a theory and practical exam, which is only possible when such a post becomes vacant and to have passed the various modules imposed on firefighters by the DGAC (Civil Aviation Authority). After that, you need to have had at least 5 years' experience as a chief firefighter before being able to apply to be a Team Leader. This time, the application is subject to approval by a committee consisting of managers in the relevant operational unit. You can only apply when a post falls vacant.
Tell us what your working environment is like (atmosphere, relations with line managers, information etc.)
I work regular hours and as part of a team (38 operatives per team). For the main part, those involved have come from a military background and this element of consistency has enabled a good working atmosphere.
Dialogue with management, along with critical feedback and information on the various objectives and projects, have all contributed to achieving a positive and constructive environment.