Volunteer Information

Applications

We are not accepting applications at this time. Feel free to check back for future opportunities. 

Basic Requirements

There is a National background check performed on each applicant. An applicant must be at least 18-years of age, have a valid Washington State Driver's License, a relatively "clean" driving record (must be insurable by our insurance company) and have a high school diploma or GED. An applicant must have the physical strength, health and endurance to perform fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical duties safely and must also successfully complete a CPAT test, medical physical examination (including toxicology/ drug screening) & a psych evaluation prior to starting an academy.

Recruiting Process 

Those who meet our basic requirements, and submit a completed application, will be invited to attend the recruiting process. Applicants typically attend an orientation, must successfully pass a written exam & participate in oral board Interviews (process may vary). Based on the feedback we receive from the interview panel, after the oral board interviews, invitations will be sent to select candidates to attend the next available academy (pending successful completion of a CPAT, medical physical, toxicology/ drug screening & psych evaluation). Those who are not selected would need to reapply and go through the recruiting process to be considered for a future academy. 

Recruit Academy  

Currently, recruit academy is roughly five (5) months long and consists of a combination of both classroom and drill ground training. Volunteer academy is based on content from the IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting publication. Academy is typically every Thursday evening from 1800-2200 hrs (6-10 pm) & Saturday's from 0800-1700 hrs (8 am-5 pm), although some training outside of these hours will be required. In order to become a Volunteer with Mountain View, a Recruit would need to successfully complete all aspects of academy. Attendance of all classes is mandatory as is meeting testing minimum thresholds. 

Volunteering

All volunteers are currently assigned a shift (A, B, C or D) alongside career and volunteer firefighters. Once a recruit has successfully completed a structural academy, they will spend roughly 6 months to 1 year in a mentorship program, where they receive on-the-job training and work side-by-side with current firefighters. Those in the mentor program, typically stand watch from 6 AM - 6 PM with their assigned shift. Once the mentor program has been completed, volunteers typically stand watch from 6 PM - 6 AM (overnight) on their assigned shift. Mandatory training is to be completed while on watch, during your shift assignment. If a volunteer meets all department requirements, and has been with our agency a minimum of six (6) months, they may be eligible to attend Emergency Medical Technician "EMT" training through King County EMS at no cost to the EMT student. 

Benefits

Volunteer Fire Fighters receive training to obtain their IFSTA Firefighter I certificate, obtain their National & WA State EMT, on-duty injury medical coverage, stipends for watches, life insurance, and the opportunity for additional training. Volunteering is an excellent first-step for those interested in the fire service as a career

If you have questions regarding recruiting, academy or volunteering, please email us at info@mvfire.org.