The Boulder Creek Fire Protection District is comprised of an all volunteer staff.  We are always looking for new volunteer firefighters to provide emergency services to our community.  If you are interested in becoming a firefighter with us below is our hiring process. (link firefighter to job description below)

Hiring Process

1. Complete the Boulder Creek Firefighter Application.
   You may turn in both the application and questionnaire via
   fax: 831-338-7226 or email: mbingham@bcfd.com
2. After reviewing application, and meeting minimum qualifications, candidates will be invited to take the physical agility test, which is typically held in May of each year.
3. Successfully pass Physical Agility Test, which is designed to evaluate the candidates overall strength, stamina and agility.  See the agility test video below.
4. Successfully pass line interview.
5. Successfully pass Chief’s interview.
6. Successfully pass medical exam.
7. Successfully pass background check, which consists of a Live Scan report and a DMV check.  Applicants must be insurable by the District’s liability carrier.
8. Successful candidates will then be placed on an eligibility list to be used to fill current and future openings.  The list is good for one year and may be extended by the Fire Chief.
9. Accept offer of employment by the Fire Chief.

All new hires must successfully pass a one year probationary period.

Physical Agility Test

Firefighter Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
• Citizen of the United States
• Minimum age of 18
• High school graduate or it’s tested equivalent
• Must reside within the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District
• Weight must be proportional to height,  to be determined by the District’s Occupational Health Clinic Provider as outlined under the guidelines of the Santa Cruz County Fire Agencies
• Insurance Group.
• Must possess an appropriate, valid California drivers license at time of application.
• Must be “insurable” to drive and operate District vehicles as defined and determined by the District’s insurance carrier.
• Must pass a medical physical examination as outlined under the guidelines of the Santa Cruz County Fire Agencies Insurance Group.
• Good physical condition and agility.

Firefighter Job Description

Reports To:
Company Officer

Supervises:
Non-Supervisory Position

Definition:
Under supervision, a volunteer firefighter conducts a variety of duties; protects life and property from fire and destruction by natural causes; performs rescue and salvage operations; performs related work as required.

Essential Job Functions:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Respond to fire alarms and other emergencies, works in suppression of fires and major rescue operations
• Lay and connect hose, and raise and climb ladders at fire scenes.
• Use fire hose, forcible entry tools (axes, bars, pike poles, etc.) and operates power driven machinery such as chainsaws and Hurst tools.
• Move and/or covers furnishings, removes smoke, and performs other salvage operations to minimize property damage.
• Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of all fire equipment, apparatus, as well as fire stations.
• Attend training drills (minimum of two per month) in fire fighting, emergency medical service, and related duties.
• Drives a fire engine or special fire apparatus to and from fires, drills, EMS incidents, and routine assignments.
• May act as Acting Captain supervising firefighters on a temporary basis.
• Operate radio, computer and telephone equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other public agencies and the public.
• Perform strenuous physical labor, maintain self control and show common sense during stressful, adverse and dangerous conditions situations.
• Communicate effectively with personnel and the public, and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn job-related material through structured lecture, reading, oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in an on-the-job training setting.
• Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Provide emergency medical care, including CPR and AED, and be able to utilize rescue equipment available at scene.
• Maintain physical fitness, demonstrate physical strength and agility sufficient to perform the work.

 Working Conditions/Physical Demands

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with some travel to various locations to attend meetings or respond to emergency scenes, disasters, or critical incidents; occasional exposure to excessive noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, airborne particles, noxious odors, gases, explosives and blood-borne pathogens; and all types of weather and temperature conditions; occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in areas of limited and restricted entry and exit, and in high precarious places; exposure to vibration from equipment and vehicles; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot motion; extensive public contact; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level may be very loud when responding to emergency calls and when working at a fire or other emergency incident; wear appropriate personal protective equipment including goggles, face protector, turn-outs, safety shoes and self-contained breathing apparatus; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside District boundaries to attend meetings. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors, in office and in meeting rooms but may also occur in hostile and hazardous environments.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment and to respond to emergency alarms. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; reaching below the shoulders; fine finger dexterity; simple grasping and repetitive use of hands. FREQUENT walking and walking on uneven ground; twisting at waist; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. OCCASIONAL standing, running, crawling, kneeling, climbing, balancing and squatting; bending at the waist; reaching at and above should height; pushing and pulling; power grasping to pick up equipment; lifting and carrying objects weighing 11-100 pounds; may lift and carry objects weighing more than 100 pounds with or without assistance; operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; operate fire suppression and medical response, equipment, apparatus, and tools; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: Must see in order to perform essential job tasks; respond to incidents, provide care; operate emergency vehicles and apparatus; keep records, operate a computer, and perform office work; maintain station and equipment.

Hearing of instructions, radio messages, and emergency tones, alarms and other warning devices; sufficient to perform essential job tasks. Vision and hearing must be sufficient to meet NFPA Medical Evaluation criteria.