Payson Fire Department

Reserve Firefighter Recruitment Information

Recruitment

Payson Fire Department’s reserve firefighter program will be conducting a new recruitment cycle starting in the summer of 2012. Please refer back to this website from time-to-time for more information as it becomes available. Successful candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Be currently certified as an Arizona Firefighter II.
2. Reside within a 2 hour drive of Payson.
3. Have no felony convictions within the last 10 years.
4. Have a clean driving history.
5. Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

For those looking to get started in the fire service, there will be a fire science class starting January of 2012 in Payson through Gila community college (gilaccc.org). Upon successful completion of the class and testing process individuals can gain certification as firefighter. For more information, either call 474-5242, ext 330 or email jlubetz@paysonaz.gov.

Why be a Reserve Firefighter?

Whether your interests lay in a career change or just looking for an exciting and meaningful way to help others, becoming a reserve firefighter might be the right place for you.  

What is a Reserve Firefighter?

Reserve Firefighters function in much the same capacity as fulltime career firefighters by responding to calls related to fire, medical, and other emergencies. Under the current staffing model used at Payson Fire, one reserve firefighter is scheduled per 24 hour shift 365 days a year, creating a great opportunity for our reserves to gain valuable on the job experience has a firefighter.

What type of time commitment is involved with being a Reserve?

The time that you commit to being a reserve firefighter is largely up to you.  The department does require that each reserve firefighter contribute at least 24 hours per month.  Unlike a Paid-on-Call program, our reserve program compensates reserves at their hourly wage for each hour worked.  Most participation hours are completed as 24 hour shift work with opportunities for event stand-by and trainings. 

What are some of the minimum qualifications for the job?

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Live within a two hour drive of Payson.

Arizona Firefighter II certification. (Those not meeting this qualification can enroll in a fire science class at Gila Community College , gilaccc.org ). 

Special Requirements

Must be eighteen (18) years or older at the time of joining the fire department.

Must possess or be able to obtain by time of joining the fire department, a valid Arizona Driver's License.

No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history within the past ten years.

Legally eligible to work in the U.S. .

Must be able to read and write the English language.

Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Must be able to meet departmental physical standards.

What does the testing process involve?

Payson Fire Department usually conducts reserve testing once a year. The actual testing process begins with a written exam relating to fire fighting, mathematical skills and reading comprehension.  The second phase of our testing process involves a 7 station physical agility course that is pass/fail followed by an oral interview.  

For more information about the Reserve Firefighter program, either call 474-5242, ext 330 or email jlubetz@paysonaz.gov for further information.

To download printable version click here.

Revised November 2011