The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) student resident program enhances volunteer firefighter staffing and prepares students for a career in fire and/or EMS services. Resident firefighter volunteers help serve and protect our university and city.
2026/2027 Requirements
- Applications are due in March of 2026 for selection for the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Interview and perform an agility test in person in Moscow, Idaho, on March 28, 2026
- Available to report for “Rookie Week” training on Sunday, August 1st, 2026
Minimum Requirements
- 18 years of age (by August 1st of 2026)
- High School graduate or equivalent by the start of the program
- Possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable by MVFD
- Be enrolled in 12 or more credits at an academic institution for the 2026/2027 academic year, and maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA
Resident Firefighter Responsibilities
In exchange for a room while attending the University of Idaho, WSU, LCSC, or an online university, residents are trained as firefighters initially and given the responsibilities of responding fire apparatus to emergency scenes, fire suppression, public education, and station detail duties. The opportunity for additional training is available in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for interested residents.
Resident firefighters attend a rigorous orientation and begin the Fire Academy several weeks before the start of the Fall semester. Orientation includes driving basics, First Aid/CPR, pump operations, shift assignments, and students begin training to the level of Firefighter I standards.
Expectations
Resident firefighters are on duty once every fifth calendar day. Duty shifts are 4:30 pm-7:30 am on weekdays and 7:30 am – 7:30 am (24hrs) on weekends. Residents are relieved of duties during breaks recognized by their educational institution.
Resident firefighters are expected to balance their school responsibilities with their fire department responsibilities. You may trade coverage with another student when a school conflict arises.
Benefits
- Housing provided in college dorms at fire stations (meets University of Idaho “on campus” housing requirement)
- Training opportunities and continuing education, including;
- IFSAC Firefighters 1 and 2
- IFSAC Hazmat Operations
- IFSAC Driver Operator
- EMT-Basic
- Extrication, Rope Rescue, and many more…
- Leadership and professional development
- Community, friendships and fire service family
Position Details
- Provide emergency services to the citizens of Moscow, ID, as a trained firefighter. EMT is optional, but encouraged. All training provided!
- Complete Fire I Academy
- Complete Driver/Operator Training
- Cover shift every 5 days
- 1630-0730 weekdays
- 0730-0730 weekends
- Residents are relieved of duties during school breaks
- New residents must report for move-in and Rookie Training Academy on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
The Physical Abilities Test
The MVFD requires all applicants to successfully complete a physical abilities test that is designed to ensure proper physical conditioning for the performance of firefighting duties. The test comprises six stations:
- Ladder Climb
- Hose Carry and Climb
- Hose Raise
- Sledge Hammer
- Hose Drag
- Dummy Drag
- Confine Space Maze
How do I apply?
Applications are due Sunday, March 1, 2026, by midnight.
Interview and perform an agility test in person in Moscow, Idaho, on March 28, 2026
Applying to the resident program includes;
- Completion of the resident firefighter written application
- Successful completion of a background and driving check
- Successful completion of the MVFD physical abilities test is to be conducted in March of 2026 in Moscow, Idaho.
- Successful completion of an oral interview to be conducted in March of 2026 in Moscow, Idaho.
- Completion of a medical examination/physical (paid for by the applicant)