What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paid Per Call Volunteer Firefighter position at City of River Falls?
A Firefighter serves the City of River Falls and surrounding townships by responding to a wide variety of incidents, including fire suppression, prevention, rescues, hazardous materials mitigation, and other emergency calls as required. Additionally, firefighters assist with providing fire and life safety education to building owners, homeowners, and citizens of River Falls. They may also support fire inspectors and investigators as needed.
This position requires candidates to attend an informational meeting before advancing in the process.
Informational meetings will be held at the River Falls Fire Station from 6pm - 7pm on the following dates:
- August 12
- September 23
- October 7
- October 22
You are encouraged to bring your spouse or partner to the session so they can learn about the time commitment of the position.
Interviews for this position will be held in early November 2026.
- Safely drive or ride in emergency vehicles in response to fire, rescue or other emergency incidents
- Wear appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment at all incidents
- Participate in department drills and training activities, maintaining proficiency in all emergency response, firefighting, and emergency medical skills
- Apply proper firefighting techniques to control and extinguish fires using equipment and procedures in accordance with safety guidelines
- Respond to hazardous materials incidents
- Quickly read and interpret hazard warnings and labels in emergency situations
- Communicate clearly, calmly, and confidently in oral and written communications
- Assume command in the absence of a ranking officer
- Comply with Federal Rules, Wisconsin State Law, City of River Falls Ordinances, and Department Administrative Regulations
- Perform maintenance and care of apparatus, equipment and tools; report needed repairs to the appropriate authorities
- Conduct pre-incident surveys of structures and businesses in the community
- Always present yourself in a courteous, professional and responsible manner; serve as a role model for members for department members, upholding high ethical and professional standards
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding fire and rescue incidents
- Keep stations, apparatus, tools, and equipment clean and in good operating condition
- Keep a superior officer informed of fire suppression developments and perform other duties as assigned
NON-ESSENTIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS RELATED TO THE JOB:
- During the course of the calendar year, the Department sponsors and participates in a number of Department and community events, including, but not limited to, an annual banquet, River Falls Days, Fire Safety Week, and an annual open house. Members are encouraged to participate in these Department events.
- Exceptional communication skills orally and written
- Perform CPR and administer basic first aid
- Comfortable working at varying heights above grade
- Function and work under stressful conditions
- Learn the geography of the River Falls Fire District, the location of important buildings and the street system
- High School Diploma, GED or HSED
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- Valid driver’s license
- Live or work within Department responding district
- Must possess or obtain a Firefighter I certification, a Firefighter II certification, a Haz Mat Ops certification and have completed or will complete an emergency driver/operator class, within twenty-four (24) months of becoming a member of the department
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The characteristics described here represent those a Firefighter may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Firefighters often work in adverse conditions that pose a high risk of personal injury or exposure to hazardous situations.Potential physical hazards include exposure to fire, equipment, traffic, smoke inhalation, falling objects at emergency scenes, and health risks. Firefighters may be required to perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, often involving strenuous exertion. These tasks may be complicated by limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extreme temperatures, confined spaces, encounters with death, and emotional stress.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the Firefighter is regularly required to use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls, and must be able to talk and hear. The Firefighter is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift, carry, push, or pull. Specific vision abilities required for this role include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The job may require moving firefighting equipment and rescuing injured individuals from various types of accidents, including vehicular, industrial, and residential incidents. At times, the work involves navigating difficult terrain, such as steep, rocky, or slippery surfaces. Firefighters may also be required to assist in moving patients from injury sites to transportation modes, including vehicles or helicopters. Firefighters must frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 125 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EXCEPTIONS
All Firefighters must meet the outlined requirements by the completion of their probationary period (within 24 months). After that time, the Chief may authorize exceptions to specific physical requirements when warranted, provided they do not jeopardize the safety of other department members.