Grant Funded Full-time Recruitment & Retention Coordinator 

Grant-funded position term ending no later than December 19, 2030

Position purpose

The Recruitment & Retention Coordinator will develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program for Riddle Fire Protection District.

The primary goal is to increase the number of qualified volunteer firefighters, improve firefighter retention, strengthen daytime and overall response capabilities, and establish a sustainable volunteer workforce.

The coordinator will work under the direction of the Fire Chief and serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer recruitment initiatives, community outreach, and retention programs.

Primary job responsibilities

1. Volunteer recruitment: Develop recruitment campaigns, identify potential candidates, coordinate applications, and guide recruits through the onboarding process.
2. Community outreach: Establish relationships with schools, local businesses, community organizations, and residents to promote volunteer opportunities.
3. Volunteer retention: Develop programs to improve firefighter engagement, satisfaction, recognition, and long-term membership.
4. Training coordination: Work with department training officers to assist recruits with training schedules, certifications, and progress toward required qualifications.
5. Marketing and public relations: Maintain recruitment information on the district website, social media, printed materials, and at public events.
6. Grant administration: Maintain recruitment records, track program expenses, document accomplishments, and assist the Fire Chief with required FEMA performance reports.
7. Program development: Establish recruitment goals, evaluate progress, identify barriers to volunteering, and recommend improvements.

Recruitment Perfomance Goals

1. Recruit at least five new volunteer firefighters per year.
2. Improve volunteer retention and reduce preventable turnover.
3. Increase the number of volunteers available for daytime responses.
4. Establish an annual community outreach and recruitment calendar.
5. Track applicants, accepted recruits, training progress, active membership, and separations.
6. Provide quarterly progress reports to the Fire Chief.

Applicants must possess the following qualifications and certifications:

• NFPA Firefighter I certification
• NFPA Driver/Operator certification
• NFPA Fire Instructor I certification
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2
• Oregon Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification
• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or GED
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office and basic recordkeeping
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and deliver firefighter recruitment and retention programs
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet established deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with department personnel, community organizations, and the public

Preferred Qualifications

• NFPA Firefighter II certification
• NFPA Fire Officer I certification
• NWCG Engine Boss
• Oregon EMT certification or higher
• Experience with volunteer fire department operations
• Experience in firefighter recruitment, retention, and training
• Experience with grant administration, documentation, and reporting
• Experience with public relations, community outreach, and social media management

Certification requirement: Applicants must possess all required certifications at the time of appointment. Equivalent certifications recognized by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) may be considered, where applicable.

Application can be downloaded and returned to Devinl@riddlefiredistrict.com, or mailed to Po Box 474. Riddle, OR 97469.  It can be submitted electronically by filling out the form below.