Join our Team

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels who have a desire to serve their community. Our department is made up of a diverse group ranging from those with no prior fire or EMS experience to highly seasoned professionals, with many members in between. We proudly utilize local volunteers, resident volunteers, part-time personnel, and a small cadre of full-time, fully certified staff. This team-based approach allows us to deliver a high level of service to our community while also mentoring, training, and developing those who are new to the fire and EMS profession.

  • Responders who live within a specific area that desire to serve the organization in a variety of roles, including emergency response.

  • Stipend volunteers are individuals who desire to serve but do not reside within our district. These members are willing to work toward obtaining basic fire or EMS certifications and are utilized on a scheduled basis to support the day-to-day operations of our organization. While they are not required to live within the district, stipend volunteers must commit to a minimum of 48 hours of service per month. In recognition of their time and commitment, they receive a modest stipend for the shifts they work at the station.

  • Part-time personnel are minimally certified at the Firefighter and EMT-Basic level and are eligible to work scheduled shifts supporting our operations. Preference is given to Paramedics to supplement our full-time staffing on the ambulance. Part-time members are compensated on an hourly basis and are required to commit to a minimum of 48 hours of service per month.

  • Full-time personnel are certified at a minimum as Firefighter/EMT-Basic or as a licensed Paramedic. These members are expected to work toward full dual certification as both a Firefighter and Paramedic within a reasonable and defined timeframe, ensuring the highest level of service and operational readiness for our community.

Group of five firefighters in uniform standing outdoors on a gravel area near a large truck, smiling at the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering/Working for Ponder VFD

  • Volunteer Applications will be open twice a year typically during December and July to allow time for processing and onboarding! These dates may fluctuate slightly depending on on schedules.

  • Getting started is simple. Click the banner at the top of the page labeled “Now Taking Applications” or use the Apply Now button above. You will be directed to our online application system, where you can apply for the position that best fits your experience and interests. Once your application is submitted, our team will review it and contact you regarding next steps.

  • The next steps in the selection process includes an interview with a panel of your potential peers, followed by a background check and a medical physical. These steps help ensure a professional, safe, and supportive environment for both our members and the community we serve. Applicants that are pursuing a full-time position will be required to complete a physical ability test.

  • The PAT includes a 75 ft ladder climb in 3 minutes or less. Followed by a 1 minute rest. The candidate proceeds to the remainder of the test which includes: 100ft 1.75 in charged hose drag, 75 ft equipment carry (using weights 60 lbs), Kaiser sled, 50 ft dummy drag, and 2 x ladder extension Max time 4 minutes.

  • Applicants pursuing a full-time position have to successfully complete the PAT, all other candidates will be encourage to participate during testing opportunities.

  • Item descriptiAs a new volunteer, you will be expected to attend regularly scheduled weekend training sessions designed to build the basic skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively assist crews on emergency responses. Initial training typically lasts 8–10 weeks and includes a combination of hands-on skills days and required online coursework completed outside of scheduled training. The course culminates with a live burn training day, marking an initial major milestone in your development as a firefighter.on