Firefighter/Paramedic - Lateral

Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Bremerton Fire Department is seeking Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic candidates who are committed to public service, teamwork, continuous learning, and serving the community. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career where every day brings new opportunities to help others, we encourage you to apply.

Under the direction of a unit supervisor, Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergency fire, medical, rescue, and other calls; use specialized equipment to protect life and property; suppress and extinguish fires; provide emergency medical care; and perform rescue operations.

Firefighter/Paramedics also maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies in a constant state of readiness and participate in training, inspections, investigations, public education, fire prevention, pre-incident planning, recordkeeping, and routine station activities.

Lateral Firefighters/paramedics are expected to successfully apply the techniques, equipment, procedures, and skills necessary to perform the work of the firefighting and paramedic profession. As training progresses, firefighters assume increasing responsibility for applying those skills in accordance with Bremerton Fire Department policies and operating procedures.

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Note - this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that ma be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position)

Emergency Response

• Respond to fire, emergency medical, rescue, and other emergency calls.
• Perform fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, salvage, and related emergency operations.
• Provide advanced prehospital medical care using specialized paramedic protocols, equipment, and supplies to preserve life until the patient is transported and transferred to medical facilities and physician care.
• Apply regional emergency medical services, protocols, regulations, and techniques
• Safely operate fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, radios, and specialized equipment.
• Use and apply paramedic and emergency medical equipment and supplies, including intravenous equipment, oxygen equipment, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, and other patient-care equipment
• Participate in patient assessment, treatment, stabilization, and transportation in accordance with applicable paramedic protocols and department procedures.
• Perform fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical tasks while operating hoses, pumps, ladders, breathing apparatus, extrication equipment, ropes, and other emergency tools.
• Participate in mutual-aid and major emergency operations.
• Prepare accurate reports and documentation following emergency incidents.

Fire Prevention & Community Service

• Assist with fire inspections, complaint investigations, and code-enforcement activities.
• Assist with pre-incident plans and maintaining fire-service information.
• Participate in fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, school programs, and community activities.

Station & Equipment Readiness

• Clean, test, inspect, replenish, and restore equipment and supplies following emergency responses.
• Maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain records and identify equipment or supply needs.
• Participate in drills, training programs, department meetings, and instructional activities.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing training.

These duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

We're looking for candidates who:

• Are committed to serving the public.
• Can learn quickly and apply new information in high-pressure situations.
• Can make sound decisions while considering safety and changing conditions.
• Are able to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Are willing and able to learn to safely operate emergency vehicles, fire apparatus, radios, and specialized equipment.
• Can learn and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical information.
• Can perform physically demanding fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical tasks.
• Demonstrate the physical and psychological readiness necessary to successfully complete firefighter training.
• Are committed to maintaining physical and mental readiness and contributing to a positive team environment.

Physical & Operational Requirements

Firefighting is physically demanding work. Candidates must be capable of safely performing the physical tasks required during emergency response, including lifting heavy objects, controlling equipment such as pressurized hoselines, pumps and ladders, and entering hazardous locations, elevated areas, confined spaces, and areas with limited access.

Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a current Nationally registered Paramedic or Washington State Emergency Medical Service Paramedic certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention training/certification as required
• One (1) year of full-time, paid career firefighter/paramedic experience with a fire agency
• Successful completion of fire agency probation

Examination Process and Required Documents

The anticipated selection process will include:

1. Application & Minimum Qualification Review

• Submit a complete City of Bremerton Employment Application, including:
• Valid Driver License
• Resume
• Current Paramedic Certification
• IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Ops

Applications will be reviewed to verify minimum qualifications.

2. Oral Board Interview

• Applicants may be invited to participate in an oral board interview.

3. Eligibility List/Certification

• Candidates who successfully complete the examination process (oral board interview) are placed on the applicable eligibility list in accordance with Civil Service rules.

Placement on the hiring list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:

SME Review - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40%

Oral Board Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on all scored components to be placed on the eligibility list.

4. Chief's Interview & Selection

• Candidates selected for further consideration participate in an In-person interview with the Fire Chief or designee.

5. Conditional Offer

• Selected candidate(s) receive a conditional offer of employment. (Candidates must successfully complete and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Proof of successful completion must be provided before a conditional offer can be extended.)

6. Pre-Employment Screening

• Conditional candidates must successfully complete required background, medical, psychological, drug-screening, driving-record, employment, certification, and reference checks as applicable.

7. Final Appointment

• Candidates who successfully complete all required pre-employment conditions receive a final appointment in accordance with Civil Service requirements.

Timeline is tentative and subject to change based on Civil Service requirements, department needs, candidate availability, and completion of required pre-employment screening.

Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven-point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score. Layoff Preference: Qualified applicants who have been laid off or have received notice of layoff from a position outside of the City of Bremerton within twelve (12) months of the date of this announcement, will have five (5) percent of the PASSING score added to their examination score to establish their final score for the eligibility register. Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW. Any applicant who wishes to appeal any part of an examination shall file an appeal in writing with the Civil Service Officer within five (5) working days (Civil