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FireMedic/Duty Officer Position Available

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue - San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 - is seeking to fill one vacancy and create an eligibility hiring list for the position of:

FireMedic/Duty Officer

Method of Application and Deadline:

OIFR has engaged outside assistance for this search. Email completed cover letter and resume to james@clarityconnectionllc.com

Application deadline is Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 3 pm.

The successful candidate will be appointed to probationary status for the first twelve months of employment. Click here for the job announcement.

Our mission is to save lives and protect property through services delivered with professionalism and compassion. We provide high-quality services that contribute to a safe, healthy, and thriving community, in a transparent and accountable manner that fosters trust and community engagement. We truly are neighbors serving neighbors.

postcard pic collage

Position Summary:
As a FireMedic/Duty Officer you will respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression activities, rescue work, hazardous materials response, and basic or advanced life-support emergency medical service. You’ll employ your knowledge and attention to detail by maintaining a state of readiness of facilities, vehicles, apparatus, and equipment by comprehensive inspections, cleaning, testing, and maintenance. In addition, you will demonstrate your competence and compassion when interacting with the public performing essential non-emergency duties such as fire prevention, inspections, public fire education, and injury prevention education.

In this position you may hold the rank of Lieutenant or Captain, as such, you’ll carry the title of “Duty Officer” with concurrent responsibilities for managing the day-to-day activities of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue and its operations and personnel.

Salary and Benefits:

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue offers competitive salaries and a range of excellent benefits, including:
• Annual Salary Range Information: $82,562.51 to $132,422.42 based on experience and rank
• Schedule: Four-platoon system with rotating shifts, 48 hours on duty, and 144 hours off
• Benefit information: Per the CBA with IAFF Local 3911

Minimum Requirements:
• Must be able to document a minimum of three years’ experience as a 911 paramedic responder with a recognized first response agency
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must possess a valid Washington State Paramedic certification or be eligible for Washington State Reciprocity, and must complete a successful certification process with the State of Washington prior to appointment
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license by appointment
• Must pass the San Juan County EMS Protocol Exam prior to practicing EMS
• Must have or obtain a department-sanctioned EVIP qualification within six months of selection
• Must have FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• Firefighter I and II courses or approved equivalent
• Fire Officer or equivalent leadership and management certifications/training
• At time of application, preference for IFSAC Certified Firefighter I and II, Wildland Firefighter II (Equivalent certifications and experience will be considered.)
• Applicant must be able to wear PPE and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Ability to complete department wellness assessment

Responsibilities Include the Following:
• Respond to emergency medical, and all hazard calls, and provide service compliant with the department's protocol and up to level of training. Service includes basic and advanced life support.
• Respond to fire calls and rescue individuals from emergencies including evacuations, perform fire suppression, exposure protection, confinement, ventilation, salvage, overhaul operations.
• Respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials and work within the level of training in operations, technician, or specialist positions.
• Drive and operate fire apparatus, ambulances, and other department vehicles; properly utilize equipment for extrication of persons trapped in vehicles or buildings.
• Lead or assist in the creation, delivery, and participation in drills and attend training exercises in firefighting, fire equipment, hazardous materials, rescue, and emergency medical skills; successfully complete training programs in all phases of duties and responsibilities.
• Perform fire prevention and public education programs including public speaking and conducting classes in such topics as: fire extinguisher usage, evacuations, CPR, and first aid.
• Respond to non-emergency calls for assistance and safely perform assigned functions required to assist the public, including but not limited to providing information, lifting assistance, and pest removal.

This list is not exhaustive, a full position description is available upon request.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

Any combination of experience and education that indicates a candidate’s qualifications will be considered. At a minimum, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is looking for a team member who understands that the job is not singularly focused upon responding to emergencies and fighting fires. You can expect to thrive in this position if you have:
• A strong commitment to customer service
• A “self-starter” work ethic with the ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision
• Experience working with volunteer’s
• A Washington State Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
• Experience in a leadership role at emergency scenes, such as Company Officer or Incident Command
• Experience in logistics
• Strong organizational skills

Our Fire District:

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is currently staffed by an Interim Fire Chief, Finance Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Public Records Clerk, and 4 Shifts with a staffing goal of 1 FireMedic and 1 Firefighter/EMT. OIFR has over 50 volunteers who fill various roles from EMT, FF, Tender Operator, Wildland, and Rescue Technicians.

Our District's response area is all of Orcas Island (57.3 square miles) locally known as “the Gem of the San Juans” https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island and serves a supportive permanent population of 6,000 with a peak summer population of 12,000.

Method of Application and Deadline:

OIFR has engaged outside assistance for this search. Email completed cover letter and resume to james@clarityconnectionllc.com

Application deadline is Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 3 pm.

The successful candidate will be appointed to probationary status for the first twelve months of employment.

The contents of this recruitment description do not constitute a specific offer of employment nor does it represent any contractual agreements or promises. San Juan County Fire Protection District 2 does not discriminate during recruiting or the course of employment. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Two Firefighter/EMT or Firefigher/Paramedic Positions Available

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue - San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 - is seeking to fill two vacancies and create an eligibility hiring list for the position of:

Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

Method of Application and Deadline:

OIFR has engaged outside assistance for this search. Email completed cover letter and resume to james@clarityconnectionllc.com

Application deadline is Friday, October 11th, 2024 at 3 pm.

The successful candidate will be appointed to probationary status for the first twelve months of employment. Click here for the job announcement.

Our mission is to save lives and protect property through services delivered with professionalism and compassion. We provide high-quality services that contribute to a safe, healthy, and thriving community, in a transparent and accountable manner that fosters trust and community engagement. We truly are neighbors serving neighbors.

Position Summary:

As a Firefighter/EMT and/or Firefighter/Paramedic you will respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression activities, engage in rescue work, conduct hazardous materials response, and provide basic or advanced life-support emergency medical services. You’ll employ your knowledge and attention to detail by maintaining a state of readiness of facilities, vehicles, apparatus, and equipment by comprehensive inspections, cleaning, testing, and maintenance. In addition, you will demonstrate your competence and compassion when interacting with the public performing essential non-emergency duties such as fire prevention, inspections, public fire education, and injury prevention education.

In this position you may hold the rank of Lieutenant or Captain, as such, you’ll carry the title of “Duty Officer” with concurrent responsibilities for managing the day-to-day activities of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue and its operations and personnel.

Salary and Benefits:

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue offers competitive salaries and a range of excellent benefits, including:
• Annual Salary Range Information: $75,056.83 to $120,384.03 based on experience and rank
• Schedule: Four-platoon system with rotating shifts, 48 hours on duty, and 144 hours off
• Benefit information: Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement with IAFF Local 3911

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must possess a valid Washington State EMT or Paramedic certification or be eligible for Washington State Reciprocity, and must complete a successful certification process with the State of Washington before appointment
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license by appointment
• Must pass the San Juan County EMS Protocol Exam before practicing EMS in San Juan County
• Must have or obtain a department-sanctioned EVIP qualification within six months of selection
• Firefighter I and II courses or approved equivalent
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• At the time of application, preference for IFSAC or ProBoard Certified Firefighter I and II, Wildland Firefighter II (Equivalent certifications and experience will be considered.)
• Applicant must be able to wear PPE and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Ability to complete department wellness assessment
• Note: If you are a certified Paramedic but lack firefighting experience, you are encouraged to apply. Orcas Island Fire & Rescue can provide firefighting training for the right applicant.

Responsibilities Include the Following:

• Respond to emergency medical, hazard calls, fire calls including evacuations, rescue calls any of which may include basic and advanced life support.
• Drive and operate fire apparatus, ambulances, and other department vehicles; properly utilize equipment for extrication of persons trapped in vehicles or buildings.
• Lead or assist in the creation, delivery, and participation in drills and attend training exercises in firefighting, fire equipment, hazardous materials, rescue, and emergency medical skills; successfully complete training programs in all phases of duties and responsibilities.
• Perform fire prevention and public education programs including public speaking and conducting classes in such topics as: fire extinguisher usage, evacuations, CPR, and first aid.
• Respond to non-emergency calls for assistance and safely perform assigned functions required to assist the public, including but not limited to providing information, lifting assistance, and pest removal.

This list is not exhaustive, a full position description is available upon request.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

Any combination of experience and education that indicates your qualifications will be considered. At a minimum, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is looking for a team member who understands that the job is not singularly focused upon responding to emergencies and fighting fires. You can expect to thrive in this position if you have:
• A strong commitment to customer service
• A “self-starter” work ethic with the ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision
• Experience working with volunteer’s
• A Washington State Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
• Experience in a leadership role at emergency scenes, such as Company Officer or Incident Command
• Experience in logistics
• Strong organizational skills

Our Fire District:

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is currently staffed by an Interim Fire Chief, Finance Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Public Records Clerk, and 4 Shifts with a staffing goal of 1 FireMedic and 1 Firefighter/EMT. OIFR has over 50 volunteers who fill various roles from EMT, FF, Tender Operator, Wildland, and Rescue Technicians.
Our District's response area is all of Orcas Island (57.3 square miles) locally known as “the Gem of the San Juans” https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island and serves a supportive permanent population of 6,000 with a peak summer population of 12,000.

Method of Application and Deadline:
OIFR has engaged outside assistance for this search. Email completed cover letter and resume to james@clarityconnectionllc.com

Application deadline: October 11th, 2024 at 3pm.

The successful candidate will be appointed to probationary status for the first twelve months of employment.

The contents of this recruitment description do not constitute a specific offer of employment nor does it represent any contractual agreements or promises. San Juan County Fire Protection District 2 does not discriminate during recruiting or the course of employment. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Orcas Island Fire & Rescue continuously seeks applications to create a pool of experienced Fire Service professionals to serve as:

Full-Time Firefighter Paramedic
Full-Time Firefighter EMT
Per Diem Firefighter Paramedic
Per Diem Firefighter EMT

Pay and benefits will be dependent on experience and per the L3911 CBA.

Annual salary ranges from $75,056.83 to $132,422.42 based on experience and rank.

For more information, please complete a job application and return to Acting Chief Chad Kimple at ckimple@orcasfire.org.

JOB APPLICATION

Emergency First Responders

You may apply by stopping by the Eastsound Fire Hall to pick up an Application Packet or complete the necessary forms and drop them off or email them to our Volunteer Coordinator. To fill out an application and other documents: Start Here.

 

Volunteer Firefighter and EMT application process:

  1. Submit a complete Application Package, available at the Eastsound Fire Hall.
  2. We will contact you after reviewing your application and completing your driving and criminal history report.
  3. We will schedule a face-to-face interview between you and other department personnel, which may include the Chief.
  4. The interview board will make a recommendation to the Chief.
  5. The Chief makes a decision to accept or decline your application.

To learn more about our next Firefighter or EMT training, contact us at info@orcasfire.org or call 360-376-2331!

Volunteer Firefighter

Volunteer Firefighters respond to 911 emergencies, provide basic EMS support, and assist with non-emergency duties. Volunteer Firefighters extinguish, control, and prevent fires through proper training and education. Volunteer Firefighters may pull day or night duty shifts at Station 21 (Eastsound) and Station 24 (Deer Harbor). Volunteer Firefighters are needed at Station 24 (Deer Harbor), Station 25 (Olga), Station 26 (Orcas), and Station 27 (Doe Bay).

Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter requires participation in the Fire Academy hosted by OIFR. The Fire Academy takes up to four months, twice a week and all day Saturday. Upon completion of the Academy, volunteers will have acquired the necessary knowledge and will be provided the opportunity to test for their Firefighter 1 rating.

NEXT FIRE ACADEMY WINTER 2024

  • Fire Academy is held every other year (alternate years are EMT training).
  • Fire Academy requires over 140 hours of weeknight training, as well as multiple skills weekends.
  • Failure to attend all classes and skills weekends will result in failing the academy.

Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Volunteer EMTs are specially trained to handle trauma and medical emergencies and are needed for all areas of Orcas Island. EMTs assist the Paramedic on duty with critical care techniques, such as:

  • Administer CPR and AED
  • Supraglottic intubation
  • Patient stabilization
  • Administer BLS medications per protocol
  • Other duties as described by the San Juan County Medical Program Director
  • EMT Academy (NEXT ACADEMY WINTER 2024/2025)

Volunteer EMTs undergo training that is hosted by Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, or San Juan Island; the host agency rotates each year. EMT training takes approximately five months of classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus all day Saturday (or Wednesday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday, depending). Volunteer EMTs may pull day or night duty shifts at Station 21 (Eastsound) and Station 24 (Deer Harbor).

Volunteer Wildland Firefighter

To become a volunteer Wildland Firefighter, Red Card Certification is required. This may be done by attending an academy outside of OIFR. Continuing education to maintain certification is provided by the department. OIFR offers a pack test annually in the spring for OIFR members. Monthly drills include team safety and communications, a Red Card refresher course, Brush and WASP pump operations, portable pump operations, tool use, and strategy.

Apparatus Operator/Engineer

Training requirements and on-boarding for this role are in development! More coming soon!

  • Apparatus Operator/Engineer
  • Ambulance Driver
  • EVIP Certification

Technical Rescue

Rescue Academy and training requirements for this role are being scheduled. More coming soon!

  • Rope Rescue
  • Vehicle Rescue
  • Search and Rescue

How to become an OIFR volunteer

We appreciate your interest in volunteering with Orcas Island Fire & Rescue. It is very important that prospective volunteers have a strong understanding of our district’s volunteer requirements, which are designed to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and the people we serve in our community.

We accept applications for volunteer clerical service, public education, emergency medical care, and fire suppression. Once you have completed training, you will be assigned to one of seven stations.

  • Volunteer Firefighter and EMT expectations
  • Good driving record.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Some upfront costs include books used in training, prescription safety glasses, work gloves, duty pants, and boots, for example (reimbursed six months after completing the academy).
  • You will be issued gear and a uniform, but you need to supply your own footwear.
  • Volunteers are expected to participate in community events and attend regular training.
  • Volunteers are expected to respond to emergency calls and assist in maintaining our apparatus, equipment, and stations.
  • Volunteers are expected to complete a minimum number of duty shifts, either from home or from the Eastsound fire station.
  • For station duty shifts, you may choose whether to be on duty for the day or night shift (or both) upon approval of the officer in charge.

Volunteer Service Oath

Voluntarily take this oath with purpose and with pride.

I hereby accept the District’s Mission, Values, and Principles as my own in the presence of my family, my neighbors, my officers, and my fellow Firefighters, EMTs, and First Responders. I understand that all these lives will be in my hands and mine in theirs. I am committed to developing my knowledge and skills at training and at drills, knowing that a life may depend on my ability to learn and my dedication to training. I make this oath knowing that my service will protect the lives and property of my family and my neighbors. Because this community and my fellow responders rely on me, I solemnly swear my dedication to the Fire Service as a member of San Juan County Fire Protection District #2. Separately and together, we are the Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.

Non-Emergency Support

Your Orcas Island Fire & Rescue team needs volunteers in non-emergency capacities, too. Community members who feel the call to serve can participate in this rewarding work in a variety of ways.

Auxiliary

The Auxiliary team plays a vital role in supporting Orcas Island Fire and Rescue by supplying food and beverages for firefighters and EMTs during extended emergency calls. Their support is crucial in keeping members nourished, hydrated, and working at their best during exhausting and stressful events. Auxiliary leaders carry pagers and alert the Auxiliary team when needed. The OIFR Auxiliary team may be called upon at any hour of the day and in all types of weather conditions.

Helper Program

If you’re looking for administrative support duties, we invite you to volunteer with our Helper Program. Filing and organizing never seem to be up to date, so volunteer help is always appreciated. Helpers also assist with set up and break down for public events, open houses and public education events. Volunteer hours are flexible — Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Whether you’re able to volunteer several hours per week or once a month, it is appreciated.

Public Education

Individuals who volunteer with the OIFR Public Education Program assist in our efforts to inform and educate the community. Presentations, posters, pamphlets, and displays may be needed for school visits or community displays.

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