.png)
About Volunteering
Fire District 5 proudly serves the communities of Phoenix, Talent, and unincorporated Ashland by providing fire suppression, wildland firefighting, Advanced Life Support (ALS), hazardous materials response, rescue, and vehicle extrication services. Our Volunteer Program is a cornerstone of the District, offering dedicated individuals the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing to the District’s exceptional service and strong community relationships.
Minimum Qualifications for Volunteer
-
Be at least 18 years of age
-
High school diploma or GED
-
Valid driver’s license
-
Pass a thorough background check
Volunteer Firefighters are an important part of protecting our communities. Our rural stations rely on community members who are willing to help when emergencies happen. Volunteer firefighters are neighbors helping neighbors when lives, property, and the environment are at risk.
As a Volunteer Firefighter with Fire District 5, you can expect to:
-
Attend Tuesday evening training drills on a regular basis.
-
Contribute a minimum of 36 hours of on- site volunteer service each month.
-
Participate in ongoing training and emergency response activities.
-
Serve alongside a team committed to professionalism, safety, and community service.
Volunteer FAQs
Who can become a volunteer firefighter?
Anyone who meets the District's minimum requirements, completes the application process, agrees to participate in the background process, and has a desire to serve their community is encouraged to apply. Prior fire service experience is helpful but not always required.
Do I need firefighting experience?
No. We provide training to help volunteers develop the skills needed to serve safely and effectively.
Can I volunteer if I have a full-time job?
Yes. Many of our volunteers balance service with full-time employment, school, and family commitments.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Benefits may include:
-
Valuable training and experience
-
Service to your community
-
Camaraderie and teamwork
-
Leadership development opportunities
-
A pathway to a career in fire or emergency services
How do I get my FF1 certificate?
Become a volunteer: Some agencies provide FF1 training at little or no cost to volunteers. After joining the department, members complete training, skills evaluations, and task books as part of their progression toward certification.
DPSST: The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) periodically offers Firefighter I academies at the Oregon Public Safety Academy and through regional training programs.
Several Oregon community colleges offer fire service training that may lead to FF1 certification or prepare candidates for certification, including: Rogue Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Portland Community College, and Lane Community College.
Rogue Interagency Training Association (RITA): RITA coordinates regional fire training opportunities throughout Southern Oregon and can be a valuable resource for finding academies, FF1 courses, and certification-related training offered by local agencies.
How do I get EMT certification?
EMT certification can be obtained through Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs offered by community colleges, fire departments, and other EMS education providers throughout Oregon. Candidates should choose a program that fits their schedule, career goals, and location while ensuring it meets Oregon licensure requirements.
What is Drill Night?
Tuesday night volunteer drill night is a weekly, evening training session held by local fire districts and departments across Southern Oregon. Volunteer firefighters gather at local stations to learn and practice critical rescue and firefighting skills to keep the community safe.
These drill nights are required for local volunteers to maintain their certifications.
A typical drill night involves:
-
Hands-on Practice: Volunteers practice using hoses, running fire engines, and setting up portable water tanks.
-
Wildfire Preparedness: Because of Southern Oregon's geography, drills often focus on wildland-urban interface (WUI) tactics, like protecting homes from approaching forest fires.
-
Medical Training: Crews review Basic Life Support (BLS) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) protocols.
Many departments in our area host these training sessions every Tuesday evening, usually from around 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Notable local agencies include:
-
Jackson County Fire District 3: Serving the White City, Central Point, and Eagle Point areas.
-
Jackson County Fire District 5: Serving Southern Jackson County and the Ashland outskirts.
-
Applegate Valley Fire District: Partnering frequently with local districts for regional drills.
SIGN UP HERE: Observe a drill night, find out locations and times and learn more about what training is scheduled: https://www.rvfrso.com/tnt
What is the background investigation requirement?
The Background process includes a criminal history check, DMV record review, medical exam, interviews with references and a psychological evaluation. Your time and commitment to fully cooperate with honest statements, accurate information and respond to requests in a timely manner are required.
What kinds of skills will I learn and have the opportunity to practice and use to help the community?
-
EMS skills including scene assessment, patient questioning, CPR/First Aid.
-
Fire Response for structure fires, car fires and wildland fires including arrival reports and size ups, search skills, suppression tactics, safety considerations.
-
Apparatus Operation including driver, pump operator, tender operator, drafting/water supply and wildland.
-
Motor Vehicle Crash response including EMS, traffic control, vehicle stabilization, access and size up protocols.
What happens during an emergency?
When an emergency call is received, volunteers may be alerted by cell phone or station notification systems. Volunteers quickly report to the emergency scene or the nearest station, receive information about the incident from the arriving Chief or Company Officer, and respond with other firefighters or emergency personnel as directed.
Depending on training and qualifications, volunteers may assist with fire suppression, medical emergencies, wildland fires, traffic accidents, public service calls, and other emergency incidents.
Resident Volunteers on standby are expected to respond when a call is received. A resident volunteer will work under the direction of and alongside career personnel to provide professional emergency services to the community. Being on standby helps ensure that trained responders are available to answer calls quickly, especially in our rural service areas.
What if I don't want to fight fires?
There are other ways to serve. Fire & Life Safety Volunteers help with community risk reduction, wildfire preparedness, public education, and other support activities.
Why do people volunteer?
People volunteer for many reasons—to serve their community, learn new skills, make lifelong friendships, prepare for a fire service career, and make a difference when their neighbors need help most.
Careers
At Jackson County Fire District 5, our people play a vital role in protecting lives, preserving property, and serving our communities.
Jackson County Fire District 5 serves the communities of Phoenix, Talent, and surrounding unincorporated areas. Serving more than 23,000 residents across 120 square miles from three fire stations, our career firefighters and volunteers respond to over 3,100 calls annually and work alongside strong local, state, and federal partners to deliver exceptional emergency services.
Whether you are beginning your public safety career or seeking the next step in your professional journey, Fire District 5 offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while serving one of Southern Oregon's most vibrant and resilient communities.
Response Division
Our Response Division staffs three stations 24/7 with first responders dedicated to the District’s mission to provide customer-centered fire and emergency medical services that save lives and property.
Our career firefighters are committed to consistently providing outstanding service that exceeds the expectations of the community. We deliver reliable response and service performing fire suppression, wildland firefighting, Advanced Life Support, hazardous material response, rescue, and extrication services throughout our communities. Employees are supported with a clear promotional pathway from Firefighter to Engineer or Captain.
District 5 is a Civil Service agency, following an established system and process for hiring and promotion of our classified service positions. Opportunities for entrance into the organization or promotional advancement are scheduled and in accordance with the Civil Service rules to maintain current hiring registers.
Career FAQs
How do I apply for a position with Fire District 5?
Applications must be submitted through the District's online application process. Follow the instructions listed in the job announcement and submit all required materials before the closing date.
What types of careers are available at Fire District 5?
Fire District 5 offers careers in emergency response. Our career first responders staff three fire stations.
What benefits does Fire District 5 offer?
Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Does Fire District 5 offer opportunities for career advancement?
Yes. The District is committed to employee development and provides training and promotional opportunities for career paths.
Do I need fire service experience to work for Fire District 5?
Yes, our sworn positions require applicants to have Firefighter 1 and EMT certification at time of hire.
Can I apply for more than one position at a time?
Yes. Candidates are welcome to apply for any positions for which they meet the minimum qualifications.
How will I know if my application has been received?
Candidates will receive confirmation through the application system once their application has been successfully submitted.
What is the hiring process like?
The hiring process varies by position and may include application screening, written assessments, interviews, practical evaluations, physical agility testing, background investigations, reference checks, and pre-employment testing.
Does Fire District 5 conduct background checks?
Yes. Employment offers will be contingent upon successful completion of background checks and other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position.
The Background process includes a criminal history check, DMV record review, medical exam (dependent on position), interviews with references and a psychological evaluation. Your time and commitment to fully cooperate with honest statements, accurate information and respond to requests in a timely manner are required.
Are there part-time or temporary employment opportunities?
Employment opportunities vary throughout the year. Available positions will be posted on the Careers page as they become available.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes. All new employees serve a 15-month probationary period during which development is focused on and performance is evaluated
Do I have to live within the district?
Residency requirements vary by position. If residency is required it is listed on the position description and job announcement.
Can I be notified when new positions are posted?
Candidates are encouraged to check the Careers page regularly and follow the District's communication channels for updates on employment opportunities.
When a new opportunity is posted online, you can receive immediate notifications by completing our job alert form here.
Who can I contact if I have questions about a job posting?
Questions regarding employment opportunities can be directed to our team using the contact information provided in the job announcement or our job interest form.
How do I get my FF1 certificate?
Become a volunteer: Some agencies provide FF1 training at little or no cost to volunteers. After joining the department, members complete training, skills evaluations, and task books as part of their progression toward certification.
DPSST: The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) periodically offers Firefighter I academies at the Oregon Public Safety Academy and through regional training programs.
Several Oregon community colleges offer fire service training that may lead to FF1 certification or prepare candidates for certification, including: Rogue Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Portland Community College, Lane Community College.
Rogue Interagency Training Association (RITA) - RITA coordinates regional fire training opportunities throughout Southern Oregon and can be a valuable resource for finding academies, FF1 courses, and certification-related training offered by local agencies.
Do I have to be an EMT to work at District 5?
All first responder positions require candidates to be an active and current EMT in good standing at the time of application.
How do I get EMT certification?
EMT certification can be obtained through Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs offered by community colleges, fire departments, and other EMS education providers throughout Oregon. Candidates should choose a program that fits their schedule, career goals, and location while ensuring it meets Oregon licensure requirements.
How can I learn more about working as a First Responder?
There are several ways to learn more about working in Fire Service positions and our staff is always excited to answer questions and share information with interested candidates preparing to pursue a career.
Here are some first steps to take to get connected with us:
What happens during an emergency?
When an emergency call is received, our crews are alerted by cell phone or station notification systems. We quickly report to the emergency scene or the nearest station, receive information about the incident from the arriving Chief or Company Officer, and respond with other firefighters or emergency personnel as directed.
Our first responders assist with fire suppression, medical emergencies, wildland fires, traffic accidents, public service calls, and other emergency incidents.
What is the PAT, and is it required?
The Physical Ability Test (PAT) measures job-related physical tasks. District 5 hosts their own PAT on site to assess candidates physical readiness to perform the position applied for in entry level or sworn entrance positions. A PAT is required for our first responder roles.
Is a fire academy provided for new Firefighters?
Yes. New hires in first responder roles are typically required to attend and successfully complete a fire academy hosted by the District.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Our crews work a 48-96 work schedule. 48 hours on shift and 96 hours off shift.
How can I prepare for the hiring process?
Applicants are encouraged to maintain physical fitness, review positions descriptions and study materials provided, audit their training and experience information, and gain volunteer or EMS experience if available.