EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The Ruidoso Fire Department advertises for its entry level firefighter positions, on average, 3 times a year. Volunteer positions within the Department are filled, without advertisement, as vacancies occur from existing applications on file. Other staff positions within the Department are advertised infrequently and on an as needed basis.
When entry level firefighter positions are advertised, there is a concerted effort to look closely at the volunteer firefighter ranks for a source of employment. Although volunteers compete equally for openings on testing day along with non-volunteers, volunteers often have an advantage since they represent a “known commodity” to the hiring officials and usually already meet the minimum training and knowledge requirements for the entry level positions. Most of the volunteer positions are filled with individuals that are seeking employment with the Department.
QUALIFICATIONS: The basic firefighter positions description can be reviewed through the link provided below. A New Mexico State Drivers License and a high school education or GED equivalent, plus one year of experience in fire/rescue or EMS work is minimally required by all applicants. In addition then, applicants must also obtain a New Mexico Emergency Medical Technician Basic license within one year of employment. Certification as an National Wildland Coordination Group (NWCG) Firefighter 2 (wildland) and at the International Fire Service Accreditation College (IFSAC) Fire I (structural) must also be completed during the probation period. Applicants must maintain an (NWCG) Incident Management Card for wildland firefighting which requires that the arduous pack test physical fitness exam be successfully completed annually after being hired.
Depending on the staff position being applied to, other position qualifications within the Department can be quite vigorous, including a formal advanced education and specific certifications in fire science, investigation or inspection, or technology. Staff positions are very competitive and generally require considerable experience in the fire service.
TESTING PROCEDURE: Entry level positions with the department require that both a written and physical fitness exam be completed during the application process. Both exams apply directly to the position description. The written exam tests for basic concepts and practices associated with firefighting. The physical exam requires applicants to perform some basic firefighting tasks, in bunker gear and during a timed trial.
HIRING PROCEDURES: All personnel within the department are hired by the Human Resources Department within the Village of Ruidoso after a selection from qualified applicants is made by the selecting official. In most cases, rank and file firefighters are selected by the Assistant Fire Chief with concurrence by the Chief. Staff positions are selected by the Chief.
A one year initial probation period is required of all VOR employees, during which time the performance of the employee will be reviewed quarterly. All other hiring procedures occur in accordance with standardized Village of Ruidoso hiring procedures, which can be reviewed at the Human Resources website.
