OCTOBER 25, 2024 |
Photo – Carbon County Fire Protection District patch – Bigfoot99 file photo
The recently established Carbon County Fire Protection District is looking to hire two full-time firefighters. Like being an astronaut or a fighter jet pilot, kids often dream of a career as a firefighter. Now you can live out your childhood fantasy by joining the Carbon County Fire Protection District.
Formed in 2022, the taxpayer funded fire district is tasked with responding to emergency calls in unincorporated areas of the county. While the bulk of the force is made up of volunteers, the fire protection district board is now accepting applications for two paid firefighter positions.
Fire Chief John Rutherford explained that full-time firefighters will be certified to respond to emergency calls. However, their primary role is to support the volunteer firefighters.
When not responding to emergency calls, paid firefighters perform maintenance and housekeeping duties at the station. When an emergency occurs, Chief Rutherford said the firefighters leap into action.
Chief Rutherford said as of now, the two paid firefighters will work regular 40-hour weeks, although overtime is required during an emergency. If calls on Interstate 80 continue to rise, the fire chief said he won’t rule out the possibility of having the fire stations manned around the clock.
Applicants will take a written exam to test their basic reading and writing comprehension. However, Chief Rutherford said mechanical knowledge is the most important qualification for becoming a firefighter.
After completing the tests, applicants are ranked by a board made up of volunteers and fire protection district members. The board’s recommendation is then sent to Chief Rutherford for review.
The fire chief said Carbon County volunteer firefighters will be given priority treatment in the hiring process.
The starting salary is $49,966 a year with benefits similar to what is offered to county employees. Chief Rutherford explained that the fire protection board tried to strike a balance between adequate pay and comprehensive benefits.
Applications for the two open full-time firefighter positions can be downloaded from the Carbon County Fire Protection District website or a physical copy can be obtained from the fire protection district office, located at 812 East Murray Street in Rawlins.
All applications must be submitted by next Wednesday, October 30th.
