Pacific County Fire District 1 employs eighteen line staff.  Fifteen of these are full-time career staff.  The career firefighters of Pacific County Fire District 1 form one bargaining unit as IAFF Local 3999. The paid positions are as follows: three Captains, nine Firefighter/Paramedics, two Firefighter/EMTs, one Firefighter/Mechanic, and three part-time Firefighter/EMTs.

For Employment Opportunities click here.

The District also employs four administrative positions which include Fire Chief, District Secretary, Office Manager / Human Resources, and an Administrative Assistant / Community Relations.

Pacific County Fire District 1 uses Emergency Reporting for the documentation of all incidents.

Click for Emergency Reporting

How Do I Become a Career Firefighter?

Pacific County Fire District 1 follows a formalized testing process for the selection of Firefighter.  This process usually contains the following:

• Physical Abilities Test: Physical assessment is determined by a physical abilities test.  This test is pass/fail and a passing score must be obtained to remain eligible.
  
  
• Written Test: The initial phase of the testing process includes a written test.  The test is not fire-related; it tests the general knowledge of the applicant and includes psychological and personality components.  While a minimum score of 70% is needed to pass, the written test score is not the sole basis for selection.  It is combined with the Oral Interview and Physical Abilities Test to determine the final interview list.
  
  
• Oral Interview: The third phase of the testing process is an oral interview. This includes a practical assessment of job-related skills.  This score is combined with the written test score to determine the hiring list from which final candidates are selected.
  
  
• Peer Assessment: Potential candidates will be asked to spend a full shift with the duty crew to observe how the candidates interact with other members of the department with whom they may work.
  
  
• Chief's Interview: The number of individuals chosen for the Chief's Interview is based on the number of openings.  Final selection is determined by this interview.
  
  

Firefighting as a Career:

Those interested in a career of firefighting can enter the field in several ways.  Current employees have become firefighters with various working and educational experience.  The following are recommendations that will help prepare you for a career in the fire service:

• Volunteer Experience: Experience as a volunteer firefighter provides hands-on exposure to situations that are regularly encountered by career firefighters.  For information on how to become a volunteer firefighter for Fire District 1, click here.
  
  
• College Courses: Many applicants have gone through the Fire Sciences programs at Clatsop Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Portland Community College, or Bates Technical College.  Individuals receive their Associates Degree in Fire Science, and are given hands-on, practical education that will prepare them for work in the fire service.
  
  
• Paramedic Training: The resources of individuals certified as Paramedics are becoming greater in demand by many fire departments.  Individuals may become certified as a paramedic through a two-year program which is offered by institutions such as Tacoma Community College, Northwest Regional Training Center, OHSU, and Chemeketa Community College.