Fire Department · Combination
Frenchtown Rural Fire District
Frenchtown, MT · Missoula County
8 full-time career firefighters, up to 18 resident firefighter/EMTs (via a Helena College partnership), and a corps of community volunteers.
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Frenchtown Rural Fire District is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Frenchtown Rural Fire District covers more than 125 square miles of mountainous, heavily forested terrain in Missoula and Mineral Counties, serving roughly 12,000 residents across the communities of Frenchtown, Missoula, Evaro, Huson, and Alberton. Narrow, steep, and often unpaved roads shape much of the district's response challenges alongside significant wildland-urban interface exposure.
The district operates a blended staffing model: eight full-time career firefighters, up to eighteen resident firefighter/EMTs living at stations through a partnership with Helena College, and a corps of community volunteers who support both operations and administration. Seven stations are spread across the district, with three routinely staffed by career and resident crews and four serving as support stations.
FRFD responds to structure fires, basic and advanced life support medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, water and rope rescues, hazardous materials releases, and wildland fire and WUI structure protection. The district also runs a Community Integrated Health (CIH) pilot program launched in 2022-2023 alongside fuel mitigation, Firewise community engagement, car seat inspection, and fire prevention education programs.
MissionFrenchtown Rural Fire District provides fire and emergency services to the communities of Frenchtown, Missoula, Evaro, Huson and Alberton in Western Montana.
FRFD offers multiple pathways into the fire service: a Volunteer Firefighter program, a live-in Resident Firefighter program (100% tuition/expense reimbursement upon successful completion), full-time Career Firefighter positions represented by Local 4654, and a Junior Firefighter program for ages 16-17.
Requirements
- Submit an application
- Complete a 24-hour ride-along (observational)
- Meet the physical fitness entry standard
- Pass an interview
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug screening
- All requirements must be completed one month prior to onboarding
Hiring process
- Application submission
- 24-hour ride-along
- Physical fitness entry standard
- Interview
- Background check
- Drug screening
- Onboarding (2nd week of January, 3rd week of June, or 2nd week of August)
Resident Firefighter/EMTs train through a partnership with Helena College; upon successful completion and graduation the district reimburses 100% of tuition and authorized expenses.
What area does Frenchtown Rural Fire District serve?
The district serves the communities of Frenchtown, Missoula, Evaro, Huson, and Alberton in Western Montana, covering more than 125 square miles and about 12,000 residents.
How many stations does the district operate?
FRFD operates seven stations; three are routinely staffed by career and resident firefighters, with four serving as additional support stations.
What is the Resident Firefighter program?
It's an intensive, live-in training program at district stations. Upon successful completion and graduation, the district reimburses 100% of tuition and authorized expenses, in partnership with Helena College.
How do I schedule a ride-along before applying?
Ride-alongs can be scheduled by contacting FF/EMT Kyle Rauch at 406-626-5791.
When does the district onboard new members?
Onboarding cohorts begin the 2nd week of January, 3rd week of June, and 2nd week of August.