Volunteers

Volunteer fire fighters on yellow fire truck

Volunteer Program

Woodburn Fire District is a combination department utilizing both Career and Paid-on-Call Volunteers (POCV) to provide the needed services to the community. We call our Volunteer personnel Paid-on-Call Volunteers because they are compensated a modest wage for the hours they spend training, on alarms and special functions. Anyone can be a POCV for the Woodburn Fire District provided they meet the minimum qualifications. People who do not live in the Woodburn Fire District can be a POCV. If you do not live in the Fire District you must provide 24-hour duty shift coverage per pay period. These duty shifts may be done in one 24 hour shift or two 12 hour shifts.

Whenever firefighters are called to emergencies, they can be placed in situations that threaten the safety and lives of themselves, their fellow firefighters and members of the public. The ability to exercise good judgment and/or react quickly is important to anyone responding to emergencies. POCV’s, like any other member, must adhere to the policies and procedures of the Woodburn Fire District. For more information please contact our Recruitment & Retention Coordinator at (503) 982-2360.

Apply Today
Volunteer fire fighters on yellow fire truck

Common Questions

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid and insurable driver’s license. Applicants must have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certification. Applicants must pass a background check, drug screen and physical abilities test. Members at this classification must, by virtue of their professional background, experiences, accomplishments and perspectives, be compatible with the organizational culture and climate of the Woodburn Fire District. 

Volunteer Requirements

The Fire District provides 2 to 3 hours of training a week and it is important to our operation that members attend these training sessions. The Fire District also understands family demands, flexing work schedules, seasonal work, and vacations can make it difficult to attend training sessions. The Fire District wants each member to maintain the competencies of the position they hold and be active within their assigned station.

It is the POCV responsibility to notify the Divison Chief of any change in your personal schedule preventing you from attending drill nights and/or alarms.

Student Resident Volunteers

Woodburn Fire District has maintained a longstanding commitment with regional colleges providing work experience opportunities for fire science students through our Student Resident Volunteer Program.

College students currently enrolled in fire science career curriculum programs are encouraged to apply for this unique hands-on learning opportunity. Through the SRV program, it is our intent to help fire science students develop necessary skills and acquire applicable knowledge that is needed in a fire service oriented career, during their tenure with us.

Program Benefits

  • Free housing
  • Very flexible volunteer hours and independent scheduling
  • Experience in the field
  • Networking with current career fire fighters and fire district staff
  • Resume experience

Program Operations

The program manager will oversee the application process, conduct interviews with prospective candidates and select new residents from the applicant pool to fill vacancies in the program as needed. The SRV program is designed to mimic the organizational structure of the department, with more leniency for busy students. Students can choose to sign up for shift assignments, upon which they will report directly to a shift supervisor. Residents who are off-duty in the station will be under supervision of the on-duty shift supervisor and career firefighters.