What is a Paid On-Call Fire Department / Firefighter?

  • A paid on-call fire department is made up of members of the community.
  • All the paid on-call firefighters have full time jobs outside of the fire department.
  • When an emergency occurs, all available paid on-call firefighters respond.
  • All paid on-call firefighters are always on-call.
  • All firefighters are expected to respond to a minimum of 15% of our calls.
  • The average firefighter responds to 30% of our calls.
  • Paid on-call firefighters are paid hourly at the State's current minimum wage for calls, required training, vehicle and equipment inspections, and fire station facility duties.
  • Firefighters are trained to the nationally recognized standard. Initial certification requires approximately 230 hours of classroom and practical training that must be completed within the first two years of employment.
  • We are always looking for more dedicated individuals to join our team. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • 18 years of age on date of application
  • Must possess and maintain for duration of employment a valid Vermont driver’s license with no major citations within the past 36 months.
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Ability to pass a medical exam
  • Ability to obtain firefighter certification within two (2) years of appointment.

Residency Requirement

All employees must maintain their primary residency within 10 minutes’ travel time of the Bristol Fire Station (79 West Street) as a condition of employment and for the full duration of their employment with the Town of Bristol.

Ongoing Response and Training Requirements

  • Respond to 15% of dispatched calls for service annually
  • Maintain Firefighter 1 certification
  • Maintain other annual training requirements based on assigned job function

Schedule

  • On-call – carries a pager and responds to emergency incidents and other calls for service as required by policy.
  • Work irregular hours including weekends, nights, holidays, and extended hours during an emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload and/or staffing difficulties.
  • Attend and actively participate in 2-3 training/meeting sessions per month.

Bristol Paid On-Call Firefighter Position Description
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Paid On-Call Firefighter, please call (802) 453-3201 or email [email protected] and we will get back to you and answer all of your questions.