Volunteer Firefighter

This is a recruitment for local volunteers only. Please submit your application when you are living within the Astoria, Oregon response area.

About the role

To assist with the Fire Department's operations and activities utilizing department standards and continued training to perform fire suppression and emergency medical assistance duties on emergency scenes and in other duties as assigned. This position requires a high level of training for firefighting activities. Volunteers receive call pay based upon drill attendance and incident responses.

Responsibilities

• Participate in drills and classes studying techniques and procedures for firefighting, emergency rescue, emergency medical response, and response to hazardous materials incidents.
• Perform duties in response to fire, medical, and other emergency calls; perform fire suppression, emergency medical assistance, and general public assistance duties.
• Respond to fire and emergency alarms; perform all phases of fire suppression work; place fire hoses, set ladders, operate fire streams, ventilate and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operate pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators or pumps; perform rescue, ventilation, overhaul, salvage, and clean-up activities at fire scenes.
• Place equipment and ladders in appropriate position at emergency scenes; estimate height and adjust equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency medical calls; determine and perform appropriate emergency medical interventions within guidelines of certification; write medical response reports as needed.
• Respond to hazardous material incidents.
• May operate fire apparatus under general supervision, as training allows.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of the Fire Department mission.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check (includes criminal, sex offender, motor vehicle records checks, drug screen, and a medical evaluation).
• Vision sufficient to distinguish objects in limited visibility; to read small print, computer screens, and printed documents.
• Physically able to perform duties described and pass a medical evaluation.
• Ability to obtain NFPA/DPSST Firefighter I and NFPA/DPSST Wildland Interface Firefighter certifications.
• Availability to attend a majority (minimum 75%) of the drills that occur most Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
• Be able to respond, once qualified, to a minimum of 25% of emergency call outs (currently averaging 25 times per month).

Skills

• Progressively higher skill set certifications, such as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, or Pump Operator, fully paid by the department.
• Leadership training for qualified individuals as training program instructors and officers.
• State of Oregon Certified Emergency Medical First Responder or Emergency Medical Technician.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Travel to emergency scenes and/or firefighting incidents.
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, extreme heat, hazardous materials.
• Work at heights on ladders; work with water.
• Required to maintain physical condition necessary for walking, standing, running, climbing, crawling, reaching, and bending for prolonged periods at heights and in unlit areas wearing heavy gear.
• Lift, push, and pull objects.
• May drive and operate fire suppression equipment and apparatus, as training allows.