IMG_0540Performs firefighting, fire prevention, and emergency medical services, duties include combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and applying skills and knowledge in the saving of life and property, assists other volunteers and officers in insuring the readiness of firefighting equipment and facilities.


Works under the general supervision of the Company Captain and Lieutenant who assigns tasks and responsibilities. Firefighter may also take direction from other company officers.


    1. Responds to fires, emergency medical, hazardous materials, or other calls of the District in accordance with Standard Operating Guidelines, orders of the Chief or Officer-in-charge.
    2. Maintains physical skills and abilities to operate and handle heavy equipment such as fire hose, ladders, extinguishers, and other firefighting equipment.
    3. Performs firefighting activities including driving fire apparatus, operating related equipment, laying hose and performing fire suppression, containment and extinguishment tasks, if certified to do so.
    4. Performs emergency aid activities including administering first aid and providing assistance as required if certified to do so.
    5. Possesses and maintains a thorough knowledge of street names and numbers within the District.
    6. Assists in maintaining safety on the fire and drill grounds and is observant of safety issues around the station.
    7. Assists in the cleanup of apparatus and equipment after an emergency, drill, or training, assuring its readiness for immediate response.
    8. Maintains the physical and mental fitness to perform the duties of the position.
    9. Follow Fire District rules and regulations, maintains familiarity with the Department by-laws, S.O.G.’s and other directives.
    10. Projects an image of professionalism through appearance, cooperation, compatibility, punctuality, and enthusiasm.
    11. Participate in scheduled drills to maintain skills required for the position.
    12. Performs other job-related duties as assigned by District officers.


  1. Responds to emergencies, evaluates situations, determines methods of attack, and acts as command until relieved. Responds to calls for service while on duty per district duty schedule if you are an EMS provider. Arranges cover if unable to cover shift.
  2. Sizes up emergency incident, calls additional alarms, assigns incoming companies, directs the work of personnel at scene until relived.
  3. Directs clean up work and overhaul after the emergency and may help determine cause if approved by Officer.
  4. Returns apparatus and equipment to response status.


The firefighter assists the District Officers with fire suppression, medical services, fire prevention, and fire education activities for the Fire District. This position will be involved with others both inside and outside the organization as he/she performs a wide variety of duties and responsibilities under direct supervision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of the job, the volunteer is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The volunteer is required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, taste, or smell. The volunteer must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 160 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer regularly works in outside weather conditions. The volunteer occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and /or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


  1. Must be 18 years of age. A high school graduate or equivalent is required.
  2. Drivers and pump operators must be 21 years of age due to insurance requirements.
  3. Must pass a criminal background check.
  4. Must maintain CPR/First Aid certification.
  5. Must maintain current certifications in NFPA Firefighter, HAZMAT Awareness, Wildland Urban Interface Firefighter, or equivalent and I.C.S.
  6. Must be able to work in heavy breathing apparatus and turnouts if IDLH certified.
  7. Must meet the physical qualifications of the Fire District if IDLH certified.
  8. Must possess a current driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and have a driving record insurable by the Districts insurer.
  9. Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
  10. Ability to get along with other volunteers, employees, and ability to work under stressful situations.
  11. Required to meet and abide by all by-laws of the organization.
  12. Must be able to take and pass the required training as required by the State and the District.
  13. Must attend meetings and activities as required by the District.
  14. Must meet the requirements for probationary period as outlines in the Department by-laws.

This job description is not a contract for employment, nor shall be construed as a contract for employment. This description is for informational purposes only for the position of volunteer firefighter for the West Side Fire District.