If you want to be a firefighter in Jefferson County, you better be ready to compete — East Jefferson Fire-Rescue is adding some twists to this year’s hiring of paid volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
“It’s going to be a little different than in the past,” said Chief Chuck Tandy.
“The entry-level testing will consist of three parts.
“There will be a written, general aptitude test, a physical and agility test and an interview.”
The written test is a general-knowledge test not specific to the job itself. Tandy said it was a typical writing and math skills test.
The physical test is far from typical, however.
The district will run applicants through a timed obstacle course that will be job-specific.
“It’s more than just agility and physical stuff,” Tandy said.
“It also has to do with fine motion skills after the physical stuff.”
Obstacles outlined
The course includes a hose lift and carry, a forcible-entry simulation, equipment carrying, nut and bolt threading, hose connecting, a dummy drag and threading needles with thread.
An oral interview will also be conducted in front of a panel of five district employees.
Tandy said the tests are hoped to give the district the best available candidates.
The district is looking to hire 10 volunteers and 10 resident volunteers to increase the organization’s staffing.
Tandy said resident volunteers receive around $900 a month, and volunteers receive a monthly stipend depending on the amount of activities they participate in.
Job training
Volunteers also receive training, which could eventually translate into a full-time job at a fire station.
“It is just a part-time job, but you also receive all the training by the end of it,” Tandy said.
“It allows candidates who want to pursue a career to train with crews and gain marketable skills.
“Our hiring of full-time staff will also come from the resident program.”
The Board of Commissioners overseeing the fire district recently increased the volunteer program to a total of 12 residents and 40 volunteers.
Tandy said he hopes the increase in paid positions will help the county as well.
“We’re restricting candidates to Jefferson County,” Tandy said.
“We want to strengthen fire and rescue while also strengthening the community.”
April 3 testing
Testing begins at 6 p.m. on April 3 at the District’s Training Station 1-5, located at 35 Critter Lane.
“We are encouraging interested individuals in our area to come and be a part of something exceptionally rewarding,” Tandy said.
“Volunteers provide the district the safety net needed to effect positive outcomes in difficult situations. The need for qualified volunteers is always present.”
The district — which serves Port Townsend, Cape George, Chimacum, Irondale, Kala Point, Marrowstone Island and Port Hadlock — receives more than 35,000 calls a year, Tandy said.
Applications for the positions are available online at www.ejfr.org or may be picked up at the district’s administrative offices at 40 Seton Road.
Applications must be turned in by noon on April 3.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
