Build Your Firefighting Foundation with the TVF&R Firefighter Intern Program!

Imagine learning about the fire service side-by-side with our firefighters. Build on the skills you are learning in the classroom with people passionate about giving back and creating a safer community.

Your journey to learning about being a firefighter starts here!


Intern title page

What you will gain:

  • Experiencing the camaraderie of station life
  • Invaluable hands-on experience in fire operations (under the guidance and supervision of career staff)
  • Introduction to maintaining and operating various types of firefighting and EMS equipment
  • Training in the principles of firefighting, prevention, education, fire control, and emergency medical services (EMS)
Intern page pics 1
Intern page pics

About the Program

  • Program year timeline: October – June
  • Interns will be placed with a station crew and assigned to a 24-hour on duty / 48-hour off duty schedule. On January 16, 2026, TVF&R will move to a 24-hour on duty / 72-hour off duty schedule.
  • Interns who successfully complete the program will be placed on the Firefighter Intern Preference List to be considered for a career firefighter position.

Minimum Requirements and Expectations

  • 18 years of age or older
  • A TVF&R  firefighter volunteer in good standing at time of application or a Fire/EMS college student
  • Be currently enrolled, or in the process of enrolling, in an associate degree program in fire protection technology, fire science, emergency medical, fire prevention, or closely related field, which grants academic credit for participation in the Intern Program
  • Pass a fit-for-duty assessment to ensure candidates can perform the essential duties of a first responder
  • Reside inside or within a reasonable distance beyond the District boundaries, as approved by the program coordinator
  • Interns who have their EMR/EMT certifications must maintain their licenses during the internship. (An EMR/EMT license is not required to apply).

  • Maintain a current driver's license valid in the state of Oregon and have a driving record insurable by the District's insurer.

Intern page pic 2
Intern title page 1
   How and where can I apply?
  • Recruitment for Interns typically occurs in the late Spring for a program start in the Fall.
How does the application process work?
  • Candidates need to complete a TVF&R application during the recruitment period. Interested individuals can sign up to be notified when we begin recruiting for the intern program.
How does the 24 / 48-hour shift schedules work with my school schedule?
  • Interns are assigned to a station and a 24-hours on / 48-hours off shift.  TVF&R will move to a 24-hours on / 72-hours off shift as of January 16, 2026. Interns are encouraged to attend all their assigned shifts with their crew.  However, school is the priority, and we will work with and around school schedules and other obligations.  
   Is the internship paid?
  • The internship is unpaid.  
  • Students are eligible for tuition reimbursement for courses taken towards an associate degree in fire protection technology, fire science, EMR/EMT, fire prevention, or closely related field, from a program granting academic credit for participation in the Intern Program.
What is a fit-for-duty assessment?
  • Because Interns will be performing many of the functions of a firefighter, it is important that they are able to perform the essential functions of this job.  The assessment is conducted by a designated physician who understands the firefighter physical/medical conditions standards which generally follow those in the National Fire Protection Association Publication 1582. 
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