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1. Are Paid-on-Call and Career Firefighter positions the same?

Paid-On-Call Firefighters (POCFFs) and Career Firefighters work together to provide 24-hour emergency coverage to the Oak Harbor community.

POCFFs were once called "volunteer firefighters". They still volunteer their time to train, respond to emergency incidents, and work shifts; but they are paid for each hour of their time and are not assigned to a specific schedule.

POCFFs obtain the same training and certifications as career firefighters. Many enter fire service as POCFFs with the desire to become career firefighters. Because they determine their own level of participation and set their own schedules, many participate simply to serve their community and maintain employment outside of fire service.

POCFFs are a distinct class of individuals who are paid by the City of Oak Harbor on an on-call basis. They are not eligible for many City-provided benefits. Some benefits are available through the Washington State Board for Reserve Officers and Volunteer Firefighters.

Entry-Level POCFFs are hired through an application process with the City of Oak Harbor Human Resources department through open recruiting periods as needed. Successful applicants are sponsored through an initial academy period to obtain knowledge and skills required to pass the IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification test.

When there is a vacant Career Firefighter position, it is filled using an eligibility list created by National Testing Network, Inc. To complete an application and schedule testing, visit the National Testing Network website.

2. As a Paid-on-Call Firefighter (POCFF), will I receive payment for my time?

Yes, POCFFs are paid an hourly wage for time spent training, responding to emergency incidents and filling shifts at Station 81.

3. As a POCFF, are there opportunities for advancement?

POCFFs serve in all positions up to Captain. How far you advance depends upon your initiative.

4. As a POCFF, my uniforms and equipment will be provided free of charge, is this correct?

All uniforms and protective gear are provided by Oak Harbor Fire Department. Personnel are issued uniforms and equipment on the quartermaster system and are required to return issued items when they leave the department. Exiting personnel are held responsible for the replacement cost of items not returned.

5. Do men and women have to meet the same requirements?

Yes, the training and testing standards are developed to assure that personnel are well equipped to perform effectively in emergency situations. The standards do not vary for gender or for age.

6. Does Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) have volunteer firefighters?

All OHFD firefighters are paid for time spent training, responding to emergency incidents and filling 12-hour night or day shifts. Firefighters who are not full-time/Career Firefighters are called Paid-On-Call Firefighters (POCFFs).

We have one volunteer Chaplain position.

7. How much physical strength is required?

Firefighters must be able to climb ladders and stairs, lift and pull hose, and wear moderately heavy protective clothing when responding to an emergency. Candidates are required to pass a physical ability test which includes climbing a 100-foot aerial ladder, lifting weights, completing sit-ups, squats and chin-ups, balance and flexibility tests and a 1-mile run.

8. If I have prior fire service experience, will it count toward meeting OHFD requirements?

Even with prior training, entry-level recruits will be required to attend training to obtain their IFSAC Firefighter I certification. If you have already earned your Firefighter I certificate you will not be required to attend the academy (in most cases), but will be required to work through OHFD certifications as a new recruit and complete the OHFD probationary manual.

9. What are the minimum qualifications to be a POC Firefighter?

Successful applicants to the POCFF program will possess the minimum qualifications listed below:

• Live or work within a 5-mile radius of Station 81, 855 E Whidbey Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA
• 18 years of age
• United States citizen
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Valid Washington State Drivers License
• Driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier
• Ability to read, write and speak the English Language
• Ability to meet training requirements (Monday nights or Tuesday mornings) upon appointment
• Pass physical ability test, written test, interviews, medical examination, and pre-employment drug screen
• Be of good moral character and temperament suitable for the fire service

10. What happens if I fail the POCFF physical or medical examination and who will pay for it?

OHFD will assume the cost of all testing examinations for POCFF candidates.

Due to the rigorous nature of emergency services work, POCFFs responding in this capacity must be in excellent health and physical condition. The physical agility tests and medical examination are intended to identify any health problems which may place the candidate at a higher risk of injury. These examinations must be passed to become a POCFF.

11. What is the Oak Harbor Fire Academy?

Entry-level Paid-On-Call Firefighters without Firefighter I certification will be sponsored through the Oak Harbor Fire Academy to obtain training hours required for the certification.

This training takes place at Oak Harbor Fire Department and is generally once each year, usually from January through May. The schedule is designed to allow participants to continue their full-time jobs while training to be POC Firefighters.

Each academy session prepares recruits for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter 1 certification exam. The Firefighter 1 certificate is recognized across the nation; it requires 130 credit hours of training and successfully completing a written and fire ground practical exam to obtain.

Please visit the Washington State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal website for more information on accreditation and certification.

12. When are Oak Harbor POC Firefighter applications taken?

Applications for entry-level Paid-on-Call Firefighters (POC) are taken during active recruiting sessions, as needed. Successful applicants will begin training and an initial academy period - usually 6-9 months of training held on mostly weekends and evenings.

Lateral-POC Firefighters (with Firefighter I certification) are invited to apply at any time. For an application, please contact City of Oak Harbor Human Resources at 360-279-4518. The process to become a POC Firefighter:

• Application screening
• Physical agility examination
• Written examination
• Oral-board interviews
• Medical examination, drug screening, and a background check
• Recruit academy (for entry-level POC Firefighters)
• Oak Harbor Fire Department probation manual completion (6 months to 1 year)

13. Where do POC Firefighters serve?

When there is an emergency call, firefighters will respond to Station 81 on Whidbey Avenue. Oak Harbor Fire Department POCFFs serve the City of Oak Harbor.

14. Who provides insurance coverage for POCFFs?

The Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters and Reserve Officers provides on-duty insurance coverage for all POCFFs. This includes injuries received while responding, on the scene, or returning from an incident, while on stand-by at the station, and while attending department training and/or meetings. Coverage includes auto liability while operating fire apparatus, accidental death and disability, medical and comprehensive liability.