Entry Level Firefighter (Multiple Vacancies)

Entry Level Firefighter

The Kirkland Fire Department is seeking Entry Level Firefighters who are passionate about serving their community and answering the call in times of need. We are looking for individuals who are committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through professional emergency response and compassionate public service.

Working for the Kirkland Fire Department provides a unique opportunity to join a collaborative, community-focused team that values preparedness, teamwork, and continuous learning. Our firefighters take pride in delivering high-quality emergency medical care, fire suppression services, and public safety education while building trust and connection through the Kirkland community.

Recruitment Process An application with the City of Kirkland is not required at this time. Please visit Public Safety Testing to complete the required testing and choose to share your test scores with the Kirkland Fire Department. The Kirkland Fire Department accepts test scores on a continuous basis for the Entry Level Firefighter hiring process, however, scores are reviewed once annually in February. Please reference the deadline listed on Kirkland Fire's Public Safety Testing webpage to submit written and physical exam (CPAT) test scores. Do not submit your scores directly to the Kirkland Fire Department - only scores submitted through Public Safety Testing will be considered. The City of Kirkland applies veteran preference points. The next anticipated hiring process will begin February 2027. To submit your scores, please visit Public Safety Testing.

Job Summary Responsible for performing general firefighting and emergency medical care at fire and disaster scenes.

Essential Duties

• Responds to fire alarms with a company; lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water stream; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment.
• Drives fire apparatus; operates pumps, and other auxiliary fire apparatus.
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or cutting holes in roofs and floors.
• Removes persons from danger and administers emergency care to injured or ill persons.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of department property, cleans and washes walls and floors, cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs, washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Performs salvage and overhaul operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
• Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and emergency medical care.
• Inspects buildings to determine fire hazards.
• Performs other work as assigned.
• Writes and maintains accurate reports.
• At higher level of Firefighter, instructs job skills to others.
• May be required to perform duties as a disaster worker in the event of a disaster affecting the City of Kirkland. This may require returning to work during off-hours or remaining at work past normal work hours.

Peripheral Duties

• Performs administrative and/or technical support tasks for Fire Administration such as computer data entry, maintaining maps, researching programs and issues, and other related support tasks.
• Instructs the public in fire and emergency medical safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to obtain and maintain a working knowledge of fire suppression techniques. Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions and to maintain an adequate level of physical fitness at all times. Ability to achieve and maintain certified status as an Emergency Medical Technician. Firefighter V must maintain defibrillation certification. Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period.

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school or a GED. Candidates must meet such medical, age, psychological, and physical standards as may be prescribed. Must maintain a valid Washington Driver's License. Must be able to move objects weighing up to 150 pounds.

Working Conditions Work is usually performed during 24-hour shifts. May frequently require exposure to hazardous conditions that are typical to a fire or emergency situation, such as, intense heat, smoke, burning debris and falling structures. Wears self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing in emergency situations. A large part of the time is spent in the performance of routine duties at a fire station.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 711. Final candidates for this position will be required to successfully complete a background check, consistent with applicable law.

Benefits

This position includes a health insurance benefit package with 100% City-paid premiums for 1.0 FTE (medical/dental/vision for employee and dependents). Premium is prorated for less than 1.0 FTE positions with cost shared between City and the employee. Participation in the Washington State DRS Public Employees Retirement System is mandatory for all eligible positions. Other employment benefits include:

• 401b Municipal Employee Benefits Trust (MEBT) with 6.2% City matching contribution
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA dollars with City contribution (City contribution depending on employee elected medical plan)
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Childcare
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City paid Life Insurance
• City paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Paid vacation (starts with 13 days first year may be prorated for part-time positions)
• Annual 12 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Paid sick leave accruals (benefit may vary based on applicable bargaining unit)
• Paid Management Leave for select leadership positions

Perks include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Free EV charging at Level 2 and 3 chargers
• Free ORCA card for public transit
• Access to onsite fitness center and secure bike storage at City Hall
• Free employee parking
• Childcare programs with discounted tuition rates
• Wellness and transportation incentives