Firefighter Intern

Are you ready to explore an exciting and rewarding career? Have you wondered what it is like to be a firefighter?  

Become a Firefighter Intern with us! The Firefighter Intern position is an unpaid educational position designed to prepare you for a career in the fire service.

What we are looking for in candidates:

• Genuinely care about people and are empathetic to the plight of others.
• Can build rapport and effective relationships with all kinds of people.
• Respect the diversity of residents in our service area.
• Are lifelong learners who continually seek to improve themselves.
• Enjoy working hard, are action-oriented and full of energy for things seen as challenging.
• Reimbursement available for eligible tuition and expenses. 

See our firefighter intern recruitment flyer!
Firefighter Interns work under the direct supervision of a shift officer and work closely with their assigned FTO.  The shift officer and Firefighter Intern Program Coordinator work with the designated academic sponsor from the educational institution providing academic credit to establish learning objectives and monitor the Intern's progress related to those learning objectives.  

Interns are expected to carry out the following functions, which fulfill the learning objectives and are carried out under the close supervision of professional staff.

• Will respond to alarms; perform duties as a firefighter intern including, but not limited to, hose line operations, fire pump operation, operation of heavy equipment (including hydraulic rescue tools), and functions with hand tools necessary in fire suppression.

• If licensed - Interns provide first responder medical emergency response at the basic life support level, including initial patient and situation assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and trauma emergency medical care.

• Interns will participate in fire drills and attend classes on fire techniques and other emergency topics as mandated to maintain necessary skills and proficiency levels that are required by state and District standards.

With a career crew: the Interns will maintain, check, test, and repair all fire and rescue apparatus, equipment and facilities as assigned and perform station chores.

     

• Enrollment (by the time of selection) in fire/EMS related classes or program (fire protection technology, fire science, emergency medical, fire prevention, or closely related field) which grants academic credit for participation in the Intern Program.

• Must be 18 years or older at the start of the program.

• Maintain a current driver's license valid in the state of Oregon and have a driving record insurable by the District's insurer.

• Successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.

• Ability to report to duty on a 24-hour on duty/72-hour off duty shift schedule basis, with shifts beginning at 0700. Consideration will be given to the Intern's school and/or work schedule to provide an optimal working schedule for the Intern and the District.

• Interns may reside within a reasonable distance beyond the District boundaries, as approved by the intern program coordinator.

• Ability to perform the physical abilities required for the essential functions which include, but are not limited to, regular walking, sitting, and standing; the ability to intermittently lift, carry, push, and/or pull over 150 lbs., occasionally climb ladders and stairs, crawl, bend, stretch, twist, run, balance, crouch, stoop, twist, turn, pivot, and otherwise be mobile; and all other physical activities as required in the performance of the essential functions. Selected individuals will be required to complete a post-selection initial physical examination, a psychological evaluation, and continual fit-for-duty expectations per District standard operating guidelines.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE: 

Applications closing date	April 30
Invitation to complete one-way video interview via Spark Hire	Starting April 10
Onsite interview	Week of June 1
Background Investigation	Start June 8
Fit for duty Assessment / Psychological Assessment	Start July 20
Uniform and Equipment Fitting	July 20
Orientation Day	September 3
Program start	September 16

VETERANS PREFERENCE:
It is the District's policy to provide eligible veterans with preference as required by law. Applicants must provide certification of eligibility for entitlement to the preference (e.g. DD-214 long form clearly showing discharge status) with the application submission by the closing date of the posting.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Persons needing accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact Human Resources staff at 503-649-8577. We accept operator relay calls. If you’re deaf, hearing impaired, or have a speech disability, please call 711 for assistance. 

TVF&R evaluates each applicant's work history and responses to supplemental questions. Please be sure to thoroughly answer the application's supplemental questions to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your qualifications.

More questions? Click here to be connected with our recruitment team.