City of Santa Clara Reserve Firefighter - Volunteer

Description

Reserve Firefighter Volunteer Opportunities
The Reserve Firefighter Program of the Santa Clara Fire Department serves as a supplemental resource to the Fire Department’s Suppression Division. Previous fire service experience is not required. All reserve firefighters are put through a mini academy and then provided on-going routine training in standard rescue and firefighting procedures. During station duty, reserve firefighters work as the second firefighter with an engine or truck company.

How Do I Become a Reserve Firefighter Volunteer ?
Anyone interested in volunteering for the City must first complete and submit an online City volunteer application. In addition, a signed Release of Liability form must be completed and submitted. Anyone interested in volunteering for the City must complete a signed Release of Liability form and attach it to the volunteer application during submission. To obtain a Release of Liability form click HERE.

Typical Duties

In a normal month, a reserve firefighter will have opportunities to receive approximately 20 to 30 hours of fire service training and numerous hours of actual incident experience.Basic training includes:

• Instruction in SCBA use
• Ventilation procedures
• Common hose operations
• Common ladder operations
• Fire service tools
• Hoisting and lifting procedures
• Salvage and overhaul procedures
• Fire behavior and control
• Care and maintenance of fire department equipment

In addition, reserve firefighters will be re-certified in CPR. All reserve firefighters are expected to maintain proficiency in firefighting skills by attending regularly scheduled training drills. Additional minimum activity requirements are described below. Reserve firefighters can work in IDLH environments. Reserve firefighters are required to demonstrate proficiency in all required firefighting skills.
Benefits
Serving as a reserve firefighter is an excellent way to make a tangible contribution to your community. Reserve firefighters experience life in the fire service first-hand and are rewarded with memories and friendship that last a lifetime. The Santa Clara Fire Department is one of the most recognized departments in the State, if not the Country! People interested in a career in the fire service are therefore also provided with an excellent introduction to the firefighting community and given the opportunity to gain invaluable firefighting experience. Participation in the reserve program meets the requirement for obtaining your State Fire Marshal Firefighter certification.

Compensation
Reserve firefighters are not financially compensated for their services. Each reserve company is however provided with funding for company meetings and discretionary equipment for its members. Reserve firefighters are also provided with all required firefighting personal protective equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

People interested in applying to the City of Santa Clara’s Reserve Firefighter Program must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Residency within the County of Santa Clara, CA or be enrolled in-person at Mission College or Santa Clara University

Required License:

• Possession of a valid state of California driver’s license with proof of insurance.

Required Certification:

Applicants must have the following certifications by the time of application:

• Possession and maintain a valid CPR certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross acceptable)

• Either of the following:

Graduation from a California State Fire Marshal Accredited Firefighter 1 Academy held at either an accredited California Community College that is approved as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) or an Accredited Local Academy (ALA) hosted by an authority having jurisdiction. For a current list of ARTPs and ALAs, visit the State Fire Training website .

OR

A California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certification or out-of-state IFSAC and/or Pro Board Fire Fighter I certification or Department of Defense (DoD) issued Fire Fighter I which includes IFSAC and/or Pro Board seal(s). For more information on Firefighter I reciprocity, please visit the State Fire Training website .

• California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the twelve (12) months prior to the first day of the agency specific training. For more information on where to obtain your CPAT card, go to: https://www.fctconline.org/cpat/

Driving Record, Background Investigation and Live Scan Fingerprint:

If selected for the Reserve Program, the candidate will be required to provide a DMV driving record and successfully complete and pass a background investigation and Live Scan Fingerprint.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of :

• Tools, methods, materials, equipment, and terminology used in construction and maintenance of street, storm, landscape, and traffic control facilities
• Traffic safety control equipment
• Equipment, methods, materials, and practices used in sign fabrication and traffic painting
• Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards
• City, State, and Federal Standards using specialized airless paint equipment and striping line removal equipment

Ability to :

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others
• Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines
• Set up traffic safety control equipment in a variety of conditions
• Read blueprints and striping diagrams
• Operate sign graphic programs using a personal computer
• Perform heavy physical labor including bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, crawling, climbing and lifting as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Walk or stand for extended periods of time
• Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, and climb as necessary to perform assigned duties
• Lift up to 50 pounds of static weight
• Make minor repairs to equipment using common tools
• Operate a variety of light and moderately heavy types of street and traffic maintenance construction equipment, including trucks

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Santa Clara, California United States View Map