Volunteer Requirements
Example of Duties
 Drives or rides a fire vehicle in response to fire alarms; places equipment; lays
and connects hose; operates high capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises
and climbs ladders; uses fire extinguishers; and uses self-contained breathing apparatus.
Performs ventilation tasks above ground. Participates in training drills, attends
schools and department classes on firefighting, hydraulics, first aid, fire equipment
and apparatus and safety education classes.
Essential functions of the position of Volunteer firefighter include the ability
to:
- Physically perform all activities and tasks related to firefighting activities.
- Maintain minimum medical standards required for the safe operation of equipment
and performance of emergency and life-saving tasks.
- Maintain mental alertness to perform all activities and tasks related to firefighter
activities, including the capability to exercise reasonable and prudent judgment.
- Drive an emergency vehicle and operate emergency medical and firefighting equipment
in a safe manner.
- Physically navigate rapidly and without jeopardizing the safety of others or self,
and conceivable surface, including but not limited to: slippery, uneven terrain,
various building levels (roofs/stairs), high volume traffic areas and intersections.
- Climb ladders, perform duties at heights of 110 feet or more, and life, move and/or
carry a minimum of 180 lbs.
- Operate a variety of mechanical, motorized and hydraulic equipment and small tools,
requiring, but not limited to: finger dexterity, ability to grasp, reach, push/pull,
extend/flex, and operate foot control.
- Maintain capability to perform a wide variety of physical tasks, including: climbing,
running, lift, carry or control heavy objects, bend, stoop, crouch, squat and crawl,
and twist/turn.
- Endure performing duties in restrictive clothing and breathing apparatus, and in
workspaces that are cramped, exposed to extreme temperatures, and contain a variety
of toxins.
- Read, memorize and interpret geographical and technical information (in written
and verbal form).
- Constantly communicate verbally to a wide variety of people in stressful, emergency
and life-threatening situations, including operation of emergency two-way radio.
- Manage stress associated with emergency services and maintain composure in emergency
situations.
- Effectively perform normal daily living functions in a dormitory, residence environment.
- Learn, understand and execute basic and algebraic calculations.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Ability to learn and apply technical information pertaining to fire fighting
- Ability to cope with emergency situations calmly but effectively and to react quickly
to secure accurate precise information on the location, extent and nature of fires
and emergency aid requests.
- Ability to acquire and maintain State, Federal and local certifications as required.
- Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses
of action, based upon training.
- Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to sustain heavy physical labor during periods of intense activity in emergency
situations.
- Ability to work at varying heights above grade.
- Ability to acquire skill in first aid practices and in the use and maintenance of
fire equipment/apparatus.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member.
- Ability to work with and in a para-military organization and respond readily to
command instructions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers,
supervisors and the general public.
Physical Ability Evaluation Criteria
- Simulated Stair Climb: The applicant will climb stairs on the stair mill for three
(3) minutes at 60 steps a minute while wearing a 50 pound vest.
- Simulated Extension Ladder Exercise: The applicant will lift 45 lbs tied to a rope,
hand over hand and return it to the ground two (2) times while wearing a 50 pound
vest.
- Simulated Forcible Entry: The applicant will swing a sledge hammer 20 times (10
left 10 right) while wearing a 50 pound vest.
- Equipment Carry: The applicant will carry two (2) fire extinguishers for a designated
number of feet and set them on a shelf while wearing a 50 pound vest.
- Dummy Drag: The applicant will drag a 180 pound rescue dummy around a cone while
wearing a 50 pound vest.
- Hose Drag: The applicant will carry a dry hose line through an obstacle while kneeling
and pull the hose hand over hand while wearing a 50 pound vest.
The above must be completed in 7 minutes.
Special Requirements
Minimum age of eighteen (18). Possession of a valid Washington State motor vehicle
operator's license is required for appointment. All candidates must be a U.S.
Citizen or a registered permanent resident alien with authorization to work in the
United States.
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