Volunteer Firefighter

A volunteer firefighter for Forest Grove Fire & Rescue will fall under one of the three categories: 

The following vacancies will be filled as needed by the department

First Response Capable Volunteer: First Response Capable Volunteers will respond to EMS and fire related emergencies to help mitigate the emergency. First Response Capable volunteers will receive monthly training.

Water Tender Response Capable Volunteer: Water Tender Response Capable Volunteers are trained to operate and respond to emergency scenes with a water tender. This position is restricted to operating a water tender only.

Support Volunteer: Support Volunteers assist Forest Grove Fire & Rescue with operations and activities by performing duties in a variety of roles and in support of community events, or fire department activities; duties may include logistical support, administrative support, public outreach and education, or similar duties as assigned. 

Please indicate which position you are interested in applying for on the supplemental questionnaire.
  
 Volunteers are responsible for adhering to City of Forest Grove policies as well as fire department standards, qualifications, and practices.

The following tasks are typical for positions in these classifications. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

First Response Capable Volunteer:

1. Participate in drills and classes studying techniques and procedures for firefighting, emergency rescue, emergency medical response, and response to hazardous materials incidents.
2. Perform duties in response to fire, emergency rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials.
3. 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 scene while providing for personal and crew safety.
4. Respond to emergency medical calls; determine and perform appropriate emergency medical interventions within scope of practice; transport patients to appropriate medical facility; communicate with medical staff via two-way radio; write prehospital care reports as needed.
5. May operate fire apparatus under general supervision, as training allows.
6. Serve a minimum of 24 hours per month of staffing/ride-alongs.
7. Ability to attend 75% of training opportunities per month.
8. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of the Fire Department mission.

Water Tender Response Capable Volunteer:

1. Drive and operate the water tender safely to and from incidents.
2. Transport large volumes of water to emergency scenes.
3. Manage water supply operations.
4. Set up fill sites at hydrants or rural water sources.
5. Maintain a minimum of 2 hours per month driver/operator training.
6. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of the Fire Department mission.

Support Volunteer:

1. Support Volunteers typically serve in one of the following areas:
   • Community Service & Public Education: Activities may include participation in community events such as parades, educational booths and other community liaison functions.
   • Administrative Support: Activities may include office assistance, including data entry and record maintenance; assisting with the rural sign program; and fire command assistance. Volunteers may also provide support on emergency scenes by providing rehab (e.g., food, drinks or other supplies).
   • Antique Apparatus Program: Volunteers may assist in the maintenance and repair function of the current antique fleet and participate in community events such as antique auto displays and parades.
   • Fire Watch: After fire emergencies have been suppressed, support volunteers may be utilized for fire watch activities to ensure rekindles are detected and immediately reported.
2. Ability to participate in a minimum of two events and/or responses per year. 
3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required in support of the Fire Department mission.

Education:

First Response Capable Volunteer: Highschool diploma or equivalent supplemented by completion of a recruit academy from an accredited or recognized agency, including all required certifications identified under Licenses or Certifications and/or EMT Certification or higher.

Water Tender Response Capable Volunteer: Highschool diploma or equivalent. Possession of an Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Tanker (N) endorsement.

Support Volunteer: Highschool diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

First Response Capable Volunteer: Completion of a recruit academy and/or EMT training or higher.

Water Tender Response Capable Volunteer: Commercial driving experience and tanker experience is highly desirable. Training and support may be provided by the department to facilitate minimum qualifications.

Support Volunteer: Basic computer skills preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Not all may be applicable to every volunteer position
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. 

Environment: Travel to emergency scenes and/or fire fighting incidents; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, extreme heat, hazardous materials; work at heights on ladders; work with water.

Mobility: Incumbents may be 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; drive and operate fire suppression equipment and apparatus.

Vision, Hearing and Communication: Vision sufficient to distinguish objects in limited visibility; to read small printed documents, and computer screens; some positions may require the ability to distinguish color. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person, over the phone and on mobile radios.

Selection Process
Submit completed City application by posted deadline. if required, applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a physical ability test (pass/fail). Applicants passing the physical ability test will be invited to a panel interview. An offer of a volunteer position will be contingent upon verification of an acceptable criminal history check and driving record review. A thorough background investigation may be required for some FGF&R volunteer positions. 

Please be sure to include in your application a valid email address you check frequently (including spam and junk folders), as candidates may be notified via email.