Apprentice Firefighter Program (Application Period Closed 10/31/2024)
Firefighter Apprentice Program
The Firefighter Apprenticeship program is a 2-year program that creates paid positions within a sponsoring agency that do not replace or displace union-represented firefighters or other agency members. These positions are designed to provide career-minded individuals with an opportunity to gain firefighting experience through participation in fire suppression, prevention, and rescue activities after achieving measurable competencies.
Becoming an Apprentice Firefighter
Corvallis Fire Department is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences best serve our mission – to protect the life, property, and environment of the communities we serve with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Corvallis Fire Department is accepting applications for an Apprentice Firefighter process to establish a pool of candidates to be selected and serve a 2-year firefighter apprenticeship which includes on-the-job training and academic components. To apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/corvallisor.
Qualifications – please note that these requirements are subject to change.
- 18 years of age and older
- High School Diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
- Successfully complete Corvallis Fire Department evaluation components (see below)
- Successfully complete Corvallis Fire Department post-testing clearance (see below)
Evaluation Components
Application and General Aptitude Testing
- During the application period, test with Criteria Corp on general cognitive skills assessments related to Mechanical Reasoning, Workplace Safety, Basic Skills and Employee Personality Profile.
- Criteria Corp test scores will be screened along with applications submitted.
Phone Interview
- Top scoring applicants and all qualified veterans preference applicants will be invited to a phone screen interview.
Panel Interview
- Top scoring applicants will be invited for an in person four-person panel interview.
Chief’s Interview
- Top scoring applicants will be invited for a Chief’s interview with the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief.
Conditional Job Offer
- The top six applicants will be offered a conditional job offer along with applicable number of alternates for the positions.
- Applicants will then schedule for their Post-Testing Clearance.
Post-Testing Clearance
- Successfully complete pre-employment NFPA 1582 physical and medical exam.
- Successfully pass a comprehensive background check clearance.
- Successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.
- Successfully meet the driving record standards.
Benefits
- Paid Personal, Sick and Vacation Leave
- Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) / Oregon Public Service Retirement System (OPSRP) / Individual Account Program (IAP)
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Wellness Incentive for Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHSP)
- Deferred Compensation (457b) and Employer Match
- Health Savings Account (HSA) / Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
*Subject to IAFF Local 2240 Contract. See full IAFF benefits summary here: http://apps.corvallisoregon.gov/webdocs/showdoc.aspx?docID=934409
Preparation for Recruit Academy
Preparation for Recruit Academy Firefighting is a physically demanding profession. Research shows that it requires a high level of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength and muscular endurance. The following information was developed to assist you with physically preparing to become a firefighter with Corvallis Fire Department.
Preparation for the Career Recruit Academy
*There is no CPAT or written testing for the apprentice firefighter position
Apprentice Firefighter Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the firefighter apprenticeship program?
A: The Corvallis Fire Department apprenticeship program is a two-year program from the first day of the fire academy, February 18, 2025, to February 15, 2027.
Q: How is the academy structured?
A: Apprentices will attend a minimum 16-week fire academy and then be assigned to an engine company with an officer, apparatus operator, and firefighter field training officer (FTO). The 16-week academy is Monday-Thursday, 0700-1730. The academy may be longer at the discretion of the training division. The academy start date is February 19 and runs to the first week of June. The fire academy is physically demanding and includes firefighter and EMS training, both hands-on and written testing and physical fitness throughout the program.
Q: What schedule are the apprentices required to work?
A: After the 16-week fire academy, apprentices will be assigned to an engine company with a company officer, apparatus operator, and firefighter FTO. The apprentices will work with a crew to ensure they are receiving structured on-the-job training (OJT) on a three-battalion schedule, ABC. The schedule is 24-hours on shift followed by 72-hours off shift, followed by 48-hours on shift, followed by 72-hours off shift. The apprentices will work 121 days a year minus any time for accrued leave usage as allowed per the Local 2240 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Schedule: XOOOXXOOO and repeat.
Q: Can I work another job at the same time as the fire academy?
A: This is discouraged. The firefighter academy is a 16-week program that is physically and mentally demanding and is scheduled Monday-Thursday, 0700-1730. Apprentices are required to attend all days of the academy and meet all benchmarks to successfully complete the academy.
Q: What if I don’t complete the two-year program?
A: To obtain Journey Level Firefighter status you must complete the two-year program which includes 4,000 hours of OJT and academic classes required for the program. There is no two-year commitment contract, if you complete the two-year program, you will receive a Journey Level Firefighter card from the Bureau of Labor and Industry and the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (OSFFJATC). This will be beneficial when seeking employment after the program is complete.
Q: Is there a probationary period?
A: Yes, there is a one-year probationary period. The one-year probationary period begins on the first day of hire and includes a structured quarterly evaluation phase and daily and monthly observation reports to ensure apprentices are meeting all fire department standards as built out by the training and operations divisions. Corvallis Fire Department is committed to creating a constructive learning environment for all employees for a successful probationary year.
Q: What are the academic requirements for the program?
A: The academic requirements to be completed during the program include Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Algebra MTH70, Speech Comm 111, Writing 121, EMT Part I and II, and Building Construction for Fire Protection FST214. These classes will be provided to the apprentice.
Q: What if I have already met some or all the academic requirements?
A: If you have completed some or all the required courses, you will receive credit towards your academic requirement after official transcripts have been verified.
Q: Do I have to go to Chemeketa Community College?
A: Due to the proximity of the fire department to Chemeketa Community College (CCC) this would be the natural choice and currently Corvallis Fire Department has a signed agreement through CCC as the related training agent. If an apprentice is already attending or has history in another community college program other than CCC, there will be consideration for attendance in another program and Corvallis Fire Department can establish relationships with other institutions.
Q: Can I attend other academic classes if I have all my academic requirements met for the apprentice program?
A: Not currently.
Q: How much does it cost to the apprentice to attend school?
A: There are no costs to the apprentice for the required academic classes, books, or fees. Apprentices are paid while attending classes on days they are on shift duty. Apprentices will not be paid to attend classes while off duty. For example, if an apprentice is on duty on Tuesday this week and they have EMT class from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. they will leave shift to attend and return after class is over. The apprentice is paid while attending this required class. If the apprentice is off duty, they will not be paid for attending class. The apprentice is responsible for transportation and any other costs outside of classes, books, or fees.
Q: What if I do not complete the academic classes in the two-year apprenticeship?
A: If an apprentice does not meet all the required OJT and/or the academic requirements, they do not receive their Journey Level firefighter status. It is the apprentice’s responsibility to complete the academic requirements during the two-year apprenticeship. Corvallis Fire Department will provide training, on-the-job experience opportunities, and will support the apprentice through the academic requirements.
Q: Are there any other costs associated with becoming an apprentice firefighter?
A: Apprentices will be equipped with all gear, uniform, and equipment needed to fulfil their responsibility as a firefighter. This includes and is not limited to, turnout gear, wildland gear, uniform items, footwear, helmets, flashlights, and other miscellaneous gear. Apprentices will be responsible to pay 7% of insurance premiums per the Local 2240 CBA. The cost is approx. $150 a month for family coverage. Apprentices will also be responsible to pay Union dues as a Local 2240 member, these are also approx. $116 a month. Both deductions will be made through automatic payroll withdrawals. Other payroll taxes and flexible spending and supplemental insurance optional deductions are also automatically withdrawn from apprentices’ paychecks during the one payroll periods per month (12 payroll cycles annually).
Q: What is the difference between a volunteer firefighter and an apprentice firefighter at Corvallis Fire Department?
A: Corvallis Fire Department does have a volunteer firefighter program. For more information on the Corvallis Fire Department Volunteer Program, follow the link: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/fire/page/volunteer-firefighter-information.
Apprentices are paid full-time members who attend a full 16-week Firefighter I academy to obtain the training required for their Firefighter I certification. The apprentice will work with full-time career staff on a first out fire engine to all hazard emergencies. Apprentices will be part of a crew consisting of a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Engineer, and Firefighter/EMT FTO. These positions are full-time and mirror the same shift schedule as other personnel working on first out fire apparatus. Apprentices will be working side-by-side with career firefighters responding to all hazard emergencies. For all intents and purposes, apprentices are full-time career firefighters who are learning the job and will be operating as a member of a team.
Q: Will apprentice firefighters be allowed to do everything other full-time firefighters are doing?
A: For the most part, yes. Apprentice firefighters will work with a Journey Level Firefighter FTO or member of their crew most of the time. There are rare times where the apprentice may work independently with supervision from the crew and FTO. At no time will apprentices be put in an “Immediate Danger to Life or Health” (IDLH) situation without another crew member or firefighter. Apprentice firefighters will not be allowed to drive fire apparatus or go to the hospital as a rider on an ambulance by themselves.
Q: Are volunteers allowed into the apprenticeship program?
A: Yes, if volunteers are pursuing a career in the fire service; however, upon becoming an apprentice, those in the program may not return to or become Volunteers with the Corvallis Fire Department. This program is to augment a fire department’s effective fire fighting force while providing on the job training and certifications that make apprentices attractive for future employment. It also gives those who previously never considered a career in the fire service a chance to explore a career in the fire service.
Q: Will this program affect Volunteer Fire Departments in Oregon?
A: No, this program is to augment or improve career or combination fire departments or fire districts’ response to emergencies.
Q: Are apprentices paid and how much?
A: Yes, apprentices wages are based on the Local 2240 CBA. The apprentices are paid 73% of year 1 step and 80% for year 2 step based on the CBA step progression. The 100% salary range is $74,300.52-$97,106.40.
Q: Are the apprentices allowed to be Union members?
A: The apprentices are provided a Union orientation and provided an opportunity to join IAFF Local 2240, the representing labor Union of Corvallis Firefighters. When apprentices join Local 2240, they will pay Union dues for their membership.
Q: What other benefits does Corvallis Fire Department and the CBA provide?
A: The apprentice will receive the same benefit package as all other Corvallis Fire Department career firefighters. In addition to the benefits listed above, employees are also eligible for bereavement leave, access to fitness equipment at each fire station while on duty, tuition reimbursement, public service loan forgiveness, and more.
Q: Where do apprentices sleep?
A: Apprentices will sleep in the fire station while on shift. Some Corvallis Fire Department fire stations now have private dorms while there are a some with community dorms with dividers to separate the sleeping areas. Apprentice firefighters will live at the station while on shift but will go home when shift is over.
Q: Who will pay for this program?
A: The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Apprenticeship and Training Division implemented a legislatively created workforce development grant program to support the development, expansion, and implementation of registered apprenticeship in the Firefighting Occupation in Oregon. The grant program was authorized by House Bill 2294 (2023), of which the City of Corvallis Fire Department was awarded as a training agent for this program. The structure and adherence to the program is at the employer level with their IAFF Local and the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (FFJATC).
Q: Will apprentices have a guaranteed job at the end of the two-year apprenticeship?
A: No, there is no guarantee of a job offer. It is a goal and a benefit to Corvallis Fire Department to retain apprentices during the program or after the apprentices have received their JLFF status.
Q: Are apprentices allowed to test for firefighter positions while in the apprentice program?
A: Yes, apprentices are allowed and encouraged to test for Corvallis Fire Department and any other organization if they meet the minimum qualifications for those positions while in the apprentice program. It is the goal of the program to develop apprentices to be successful JLFF both inside Corvallis Fire Department and for other agencies. Apprentices DO need to complete the JLFF program to receive their JLFF card but can pursue career opportunities prior to obtaining their JLFF card. Not completing the apprentice program prior to testing has NO effect on the hiring status of apprentices into a full-time career position.
Q: Who makes up the Oregon State Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (OSFFJATC)?
A: The Oregon State Firefighter Apprenticeship is a registered apprenticeship program through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry (BOLI) and the OSFFJATC. The OSFFJATC is made up of four labor and four management representatives. Currently, these representatives come from the four agencies and IAFF Locals currently involved with the program. This includes Coos Bay Fire Department, Corvallis Fire Department, Eugene Springfield Fire and Umatilla Fire District #1. A subcommittee made up of two labor and two management members from Corvallis Fire Department makes recommendations to the OSFFJATC for changes to the program standards and policies.
Q: Where can I obtain more information about the Corvallis Fire Department Apprentice Program?
A: You can go to https://www.oregonfireapprenticeship.org/ to see what other apprentice sites are available.
The application process will close on October 31, it is unknown at this time if Corvallis Fire Department will host a second apprentice firefighter process but check back often for further information. To apply, go to: https://governmentjobs.com/careers/corvallisor
For more information, please email: staci.voight@corvallisoregon.gov, the Fire Administrative Services Manager
