Full-time positions are hired exclusively out of the Reserve Firefighter program so the only way to obtain a full-time position with the department is through this program.  

The Reserve Firefighter program utilizes part-time personnel to fill shifts for firefighters who are absent for a number of reasons.  In order to join the Reserve Firefighter program, applicants must follow the process listed below:

• An employment application is obtained from Human Resources, filled out and returned. Following are the minimum requirements for a Reserve Firefighter:  must be at least eighteen years of age, have a high school diploma or G.E.D., possess a valid driver’s license, possess EMT certification or be enrolled in a class before the start of the Reserve Firefighter Academy.

• The candidate is contacted with a date for testing after a test is scheduled by the department.  The test consists of three portions:  written, physical agility, and oral interview.

• If the candidate is successful in testing and falls within the maximum number of trainees needed, they are invited to participate in the Reserve Firefighter Academy, which is approximately 16 weeks in length.  The candidate attends a three-hour class each Wednesday night and an eight-hour class every Saturday culminating in a live fire burn at the Hammer facility in the Tri-Cities over the final weekend.  The candidate must then complete four 12-hour ride-alongs with the crews.

• Upon successful completion of the Reserve Firefighter Academy, the candidate is required to have a physical examination performed at the city’s cost.

• After passing the academy and the final physical exam, the Reserve Firefighter Trainee is promoted to Reserve Firefighter and will be eligible to begin working for the Lewiston Fire Department.