Intern Program

The Longview Fire Department Intern Program is provided for individuals attending college who wish to gain work experience in the fire service.

Firefighter Intern Training Program

The Firefighter Intern Training Program is designed to provide a learning environment that allows students a means to acquire hands-on firefighting experience and demonstrate the required skills and techniques needed to effectively respond to emergency situations. An intern is expected to work 8 24-hour shifts a month and be an integral part of the fire crew, gaining the skills needed to become a career firefighter.

Three Phases to Complete

During their three-year internship, they are required to complete three phases. A lieutenant assists the responsible battalion chief with developing target dates for completion of each phase. Quarterly assessments are completed of the interns to ensure they are on-task to complete each phase.

Each intern will provide assistance to interns with testing and interview skills, and with a mentorship for the individuals in their pursuit of a career.

Interest in Becoming an Intern

If you are interested in becoming an intern and would like more information, please contact the Longview Fire Department at 360-442-5503. We maintain a list of interested candidates and when there are vacancies, a notice is sent to the candidates on the list outlining the dates and times of examinations.

Intern Qualifications

To be successful in this position, candidates must have the following knowledge/skills/attributes:

• Ability to follow verbal directions and follow through with commands, read and interpret fire codes, training reference manuals, and emergency plans.
• Ability to learn the following: 
  • Emergency medical practices and rescue techniques
  • Fire prevention codes
  • Hazardous materials awareness
  • Modern firefighting techniques
  • Ordinances
  • Principles of firefighting
  • Regulations, laws, and policies
  • Salvage and overhaul
  • Ventilation
• Withstand strenuous physical labor in cumbersome protective clothing and equipment, often in hazardous working conditions for necessary periods of time.

Minimum Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Completion of high school or GED
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing in English
• Must be in (or scheduled to enter) a related field of study at an accredited college or university
• Possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record
• Successfully pass an entry-level skills examination, oral interview process, physical examination, and reference/background investigation process Must be a U.S. citizen