BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter please download the volunteer application at the bottom of the page. Once you have completed the application please return the paperwork to Station 5 located at 13420 Midlothian Turnpike Midlothian VA 23223.

Job Description – Volunteer Firefighter

General Definition

As a member of the Midlothian Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD), a component of Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Service (CFEMS), the volunteer firefighter is charged with the responsibilities of responding to emergency and non-emergency alarm calls, protecting lives and property through fire education, prevention and suppression of fires. Volunteer firefighters are also expected to perform basic first aid until advanced life support unit arrives. The volunteer firefighter participates in formal and informal training and maintenance activities necessary to achieve the appropriate preparedness level to safely respond to and operate at fire, rescue, disaster emergency calls, and other emergency situations while protecting life and property and supporting mitigation activities.

This is a volunteer position and is exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirement of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Supervision

Exercised: None
Received:  Work is performed under the direct or general supervision of an officer or senior firefighter.

Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Be familiar with all MVFD and CFEMS rules, regulations, policies and operating guidelines applicable to the efficient operation of the Department.
2. Attend and participate in MVFD meetings and training sessions; meeting requirements to remain knowledgeable of MVFD and CFEMS operations and to promote job performance.
3. Appropriately wear all assigned protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus for its intended purpose. Completes regular checks of zippers, snaps, hooks, worn or torn material, and Velcro strips. Report any irregularities or broken items immediately for repair and/or replacement to assigned officer.
4. Respond to emergency and non-emergency alarm calls to protect lives and property through the prevention and the extinguishments of fires.
5. Perform emergency medical care when needed up to level of training.
6. Respond to emergency and non-emergency alarm calls and properly perform all basic firefighting functions according to MVFD and CFEMS training standards which may include, but not limited to the following:
   • Select and properly operate the use of fire service tools and equipment
   • Raising and lowering of ladders; Climbing up and down ladders
   • Use extinguishers
   • Lay and connect fire hose
   • Ventilate burning structures
   • Maneuver and direct water streams
   • Perform search and rescue operations
   • Work to complete salvage and overhaul operations
7. Assist in maintaining apparatus, equipment, and tools in a clean and serviceable condition.
8. Assist, as necessary, in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the fire station assigned to.
9. Monitors and communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications; exchanges information with Emergency Communication Center dispatchers and other CFEMS personnel.
10. Implement emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented.
11. Incorporate continuous quality improvement principles in daily activities.
12. Maintain good interpersonal relationships with all members of CFEMS and citizens we serve.
13. Successfully complete the CFEMS Volunteer Recruit School (or equivalent) within the established time frame.
14. Upon successful completion of the CFEMS Volunteer Recruit School (or equivalent) and meeting all eligibility requirements the volunteer firefighter shall complete the MVFD and CFEMS Driver/Operator training program.
15. Participate in non-emergency activities as required and requested.
16. Conduct oneself in a mature, professional, and courteous manner at all times, both on and off duty.
17. Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements (minimum)

1. Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age for junior members).
2. Successfully complete the application process to include:
   • Application form
   • Background check
   • Criminal History Record check, including fingerprinting
   • Drug screen
   • Successfully pass a physical exam by the CFEMS provided physician
   • Panel interview
3. Possess a valid Virginia Drivers License and excellent driving record
4. Physically and mentally fit to meet the demands of the position

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of street and fire protection systems within the MVFD first-due response area.
2. Knowledge of basic first aid, including annual American Red Cross CPR and Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) certification.
3. Ability to learn and demonstrate a wide variety of firefighting and related duties and methods.
4. Ability to work well with others and work as a team member under the supervision of an officer or senior firefighter.
5. Ability to establish rapport and interact professionally, sensitively, and patiently with individuals of all ages and abilities.
6. Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
7. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and orders in the English language.
8. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in written correspondence.
9. Ability to work and remain calm under stressful situations.
10. Ability to read a variety of informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
11. Ability to write job-related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
12. Ability to achieve and maintain adequate level of fitness to perform essential functions of the job.
13. Participation in Chesterfield County’s random alcohol and drug use screening program.

Working Conditions

Significant exposure to undesirable working conditions such as outside weather, fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, wetness, humidity, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, extreme heat (non-weather), working at night, poor ventilation, self-contained breathing apparatus, working while wearing heavy equipment, extreme cold (non-weather), work with explosives, risk of radiation, risk of blood borne/airborne pathogens, and varying noise levels.

Physical Activities

Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for significant physical activity while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus such as: sitting, standing, walking, running, kneeling, crouching/stooping/squatting, crawling, twisting upper and lower body, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling, swimming; driving a motor vehicle at high rates of speed; operating heavy equipment; regularly lifting and or maneuvering up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting and maneuvering up to and over 175 pounds.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION