Volunteer Testing
Volunteer applications are accepted on a rolling basis – if interested, please return the Volunteer/Resident Application to humanresources@ejfr.org. Applications are kept on file for a minimum of one year. To learn more about the different opportunities, please see “Volunteer Roles” below.
All applicants for a recruitment will take a GED level written exam and be interviewed. Those testing for firefighter, EMT and support volunteer positions will take an EJFR-specific physical agility test. Upon receiving a passing score on the written test, the EJFR-specific physical agility exam will be held. All in-house testing will be held at EJFR Fire Station 2, located at 35 Critter Lane, Port Townsend.
Volunteer Opportunities
EJFR has had a strong tradition of volunteer service for well over 100 years. We have a wide range of opportunities available for volunteers. There are five roles in which someone can support the Department. In-District residency is not required. Read below for more information. Volunteers must be 18 years of age to qualify for most positions.
Ride Along with EJFR Firefighters
Volunteer and FF in Training (FIT) Application
Volunteer Roles
Scope: The FIT is a firefighter/EMT position focused on education and live practical training which supports individuals who seek fire service career opportunities. The FIT receives education in fire and medical sciences which allow for Washington State and national certification testing. As an FIT, the firefighter/EMT is a working team member on emergent and non-emergent calls for service from staffed fire stations within EJFR. The live practical training is centered on assigned shifts as a member of the shift. The Firefighter in Training is a voluntary job training program which receives a stipend and mileage reimbursement while assigned. All educational and training opportunities are at no cost to the FIT.
Expectations: The FIT, while a member of the response team, shall meet education and training requirements including attendance, evaluations, and successful completion of a Washington State Fire Academy, EMT class, vehicle operations and driving program and on-the-job application of skills. The Firefighter in Training program is a multi-year program designed for skill acquirement and knowledge retention through practical skill usage during actual calls for service. The FIT is expected to test competitively with fire departments and medical service providers. The understanding is that experience is gained through application of skills that encompasses the scope of the FIT program. The FIT will be assigned to one of three shifts (A, B or C) and will be expected to follow a 48 hour on 96 hours off rotation. All FIT’s shall report to their assigned shift / station prior to 0800. The FIT duty hours will normally commence at 0800 hours and conclude at 0800 hours. Variances from these hours will be allowed on an individual basis at the discretion of their Chief Officer. Because the FIT is a member of the District, they shall be able to perform in a volunteer capacity when not functioning under the rules of the FIT program and are encouraged to respond to any department call back and emergency alarms while off duty.
These individuals are motivated to participate in this program for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons.
Firefighting Volunteer
Scope: The firefighting volunteer is a person certified to function as either an interior firefighter and/or wildland firefighter. The interior firefighter operates in hazardous conditions to the minimum level of Washington State Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Hazardous Materials Operations certification. A wildland firefighter operates in hazardous conditions with the minimum certification of a Wildland Firefighter Type 2. These volunteer positions are compensated for their fuel via a quarterly point system to assist their community in both emergent and non-emergent times, which include times of natural disaster. The firefighting volunteer can either bring to the agency certifications or attain the certifications through training and education provided by EJFR. Education and training shall be no direct cost to the firefighting volunteer. A firefighting volunteer is eligible for membership with the Volunteer Firefighters’ and Reserve Officers’ pension.
Expectations: This position is as needed on call, with notification for need via radio and or cell alerting 24/7 or as assigned, addressing special need services or scheduled events. The combat volunteer is required to maintain current training and education status through regularly scheduled drills and education with a percentage of calls attended or supported events staffed. The expected number of training hours needed to maintain their interior firefighting credentials is 20 hours per month.
These individuals are motivated to participate in this program for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons.
EMS Volunteer
Scope: The EMS volunteer is responsible for emergency medical service delivery during emergencies. The EMS volunteer can operate in potentially dangerous and hostile environments with the minimum certification of an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic. These volunteer positions are compensated for their fuel via a quarterly point system to assist their community in both emergent and non-emergent times, which include times of natural disaster. Education and training shall be no direct cost to the EMS Volunteer. An EMS volunteer is eligible for membership with Volunteer Firefighters’ and Reserve Officers’ pension.
Expectations: This volunteer is available 24/7 via radio and or cell notification to assist the department in the delivery of fire suppression and medical services. This service may include driving and operating ambulances, and medical support units. Education and training are commensurate to the level of support the volunteer shall deliver at a fire or emergency medical scene. The EMS volunteer is required to maintain current training and education status through regularly scheduled drills and education with a percentage of calls attended or supported events staffed. The expected number of training hours needed to maintain their EMT certification are 24 hours per year.
These individuals are motivated to participate in this program for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons.
Support Volunteer
Scope: The Support Volunteer, as required by Volunteer firefighter pension and relief must support the duties of the fire department in the suppression of fires and emergency medical service delivery. Examples of typical duties may be apparatus operator, marine boat pilot or rehabilitation support. This volunteer is not a firefighter requiring the ongoing certification of respiratory protection and firefighter competency and will remain outside of the “hot zone” of any incident. This volunteer may or may not be a certified Emergency Medical Technician; however, this volunteer will support emergency medical services through fire centric education and training. Education and training shall be no direct cost to the Support Volunteer. A support volunteer is eligible for membership with the Volunteer Firefighters’ and Reserve Officers’ pension.
Expectations: This volunteer is available 24/7 via radio or cell notification to assist the fire department in the delivery of fire suppression and medical services. This service may include driving and operating fire engines, ambulances, fire tenders, marine units, support units, and communication units. Education and training are commensurate to the level of support the volunteer shall deliver at a fire or emergency medical scene. The support volunteer is required to maintain current training and education status through regularly scheduled drills and education with a percentage of calls attended or supported events staffed. The expected number of training hours required to remain a support volunteer are 24 hours per year.
These individuals are motivated to participate in this program for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons.
Administrative Volunteer
Scope: This volunteer is not eligible for the Volunteer Firefighters’ and Reserve Officers’ pension. Their service to the department is on a voluntary level in which fuel compensation through activity points is provided on a quarterly basis. The service provided by the administrative volunteer is designed on a one-on-one basis for best use of skills and talents provided by the volunteer to the needs of the divisions of the department. As a volunteer, the time commitment is centric to the time available from the volunteer and specific to the needs of the department. Job functions may include, data entry and statistical management, technical drawing, communication support, public outreach, pickup and delivery services, medical concierge services. Education and training shall be no direct cost to the Administrative Volunteer.
Expectations: This volunteer is not expected to directly support the functions of the fire department in the delivery of emergent fire suppression or emergency medical services. Indirect support of the fire department through administrative assignments shall be the primary function of the Administrative Volunteer. Training and education shall be commensurate to the job tasks assigned or requested.
These individuals are motivated to participate in this program for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue is a drug-free workplace. Volunteer candidates must complete a successful physical and background check according to department policies and guidelines. If you’d like to speak to someone about volunteer opportunities, contact our Administrative staff at 360.385.2626.
Volunteer Roster