Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic

Position Description

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) anticipates hiring up to 26 positions, to begin employment in January 2027. Please see the ENTRY-LEVEL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic FAQ on our Career Resources webpage fo r more information.

The FAQ And Supplemental Information Below Detail Application Requirements.

Failure to submit an online application, with the required attachments, will result in removal from the testing process.

• This job posting is specific to ENTRY-LEVEL Firefighters and Firefighter/Paramedics.* If you have full-time, paid firefighting experience, apply via the LATERAL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic job posting on the Employment Opportunities webpage.

The 2026 Monthly Base Salary For Firefighter/EMT - 5th Class Is $7,765. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification Is Not Required To Apply. The

> At least 18 years of age

> High school diploma or equivalent

> Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington

The 2026 Monthly Base Salary For Firefighter/Paramedic - 5th Class Is $8,736. In Addition To The Minimum Requirements Above, Paramedic Requirements Are:

> Current (unexpired) National Registry EMT-P and/or Washington State Paramedic certification(s) OR

> Successful completion of a fully accredited Paramedic program and passing the National Registry examinations

• If currently in Paramedic school you may apply now. You will be required to provide documentation of National Registry EMT-P or Washington State Paramedic certification by no later than December 4.

All entry-level recruits will complete the Red Knights Fire Academy. The FAQs provide detailed information on the training provided.

WPFR provides a generous benefits package and opportunity for a variety of pay incentives. Please see the Benefits tab for more information.

Conditional offers are based on successful completion of: criminal history background investigation, driving abstract review, medical exam with drug screening, psychological/suitability assessment and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)*. Paramedic candidates who have not provided documentation of certification prior to offers, must do so as a condition of employment by no later than December 4.

• If you have completed CPAT within the 2026 calendar year, via an IAFF-approved testing center, documentation will be reviewed and may fulfill this requirement.

Personnel shall be accepted and serve as paramedics in the District’s program in accordance with the following parameters:

• Personnel hired for their paramedic certification shall serve in the District’s program and shall be ineligible to leave the paramedic program and continue employment for a minimum period of six years from the date of employment.

WPFR pays all costs associated with conditions; successful completion is required by December 4. T he probationary period for newly hired Firefighters is 9 months, following assignment to 24-hour shift, inclusive of no less than 70 shifts.

Essential Job Functions

The Firefighter is a uniformed, LEOFF position performing emergency and non-emergency duties with the legal authority and responsibility to direct and/or perform fire protection activities that are required for and directly concerned with preventing, controlling and extinguishing fires. Such activities include, but are not limited to: fire suppression, driving fire apparatus, performing as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator, emergency medical services, execution of training drills, business inspections, code enforcement, public education, and inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and high value apparatus. Firefighters may be assigned to any division of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, and may be provisionally appointed to a Captain position.

Controls Over Work

The position shall report to and is accountable to a Captain within their division. Performance is evaluated through observation of their ability to adequately perform all facets of the job duties and responsibilities associated with the position. The position will work a schedule in accordance with contractual agreement.

The Position Shall

Respond to fire incidents, mass casualty incidents, natural disasters and other emergency incidents, serving as an active member of the incident management system (IMS) as assigned by the incident commander, up to and including actively, physically participating in efforts to effectively mitigate the incident.

Drive district response vehicles to emergency incidents, non-emergency incidents and during routine duties.

Performs duties at emergency incidents, such as placing equipment, laying and connecting hoses and nozzles, serving as the pump operator and/or ladder operator, raising and climbing ladders, removing persons from danger, using chemical extinguishing agents and other tools and equipment, etc.

Deliver/administer medical treatment and transportation to injured and ill patients, as required, in accordance with local, state, and nationally recognized standards.

Participate in training activities, pre-fire planning, inspections, public education, and other programs that enhance a high state of readiness to respond to all types of emergency situations.

Attend meetings and training sessions, as required by local, state, and contractual requirements.

Maintain necessary and accurate records and incident reports.

Communicate to a culturally diverse community in a tactful and effective manner.

Obtain and maintain EMT-B certification within Pierce County.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Adopt quick and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety.

Perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator.

Perform emergency medical services within the scope of their certification level - EMT or Paramedic.

Carry out general and special assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district.

Communicate using the English language, both orally and in writing.

Work with the general public, co-workers, and related agencies.

Operate various electronic/digital multimedia equipment and a personal computer with various software applications connected to a networked system

Recruiting Requirements

Minimum

At least 18 years of age

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington

Desirable

Experience in all of the major function areas of the job description.

College level education and continuing education opportunities that enhance the candidate's ability to perform essential functions of the job.

Ability to communicate in language(s), in addition to English.

Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions.

Move about an emergency scene unencumbered.

Withstand and work in extreme heat, fire, dusty/smoky conditions, and toxic materials when participating as an active member of the IMS team at the scene of an emergency incident.

Possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the job.

Meet all of the above demands while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Supplemental Information

Our primary form of communication is email. It is important to check messages frequently. The timeline and date(s) are subject to change without notice. We will advise candidates of any changes as quickly as possible via email.

• WPFR does not charge application and/or exam fees. There is no cost to participate in this process.

Please see the FAQs for specific details about this process. Any question not addressed may be sent via email to ***email_hidden***.

Monday, June 22 to Sunday, July 26*

Online application period

• WPFR will accept 1,000 applications only. If that volume is received, the application period will close automatically and that may occur prior to the closing date.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

> GovernmentJobs online application in its entirety

There Are Three Attachment Fields Within The Online Application: > Cover Letter is required (maximum one page)

> Resume is required (maximum of two pages)

> Other* may be utilized for

Paramedic certification (if applicable), Veteran documentation, and/or letters of recommendation (optional, to a maximum of three)

• Do not attach any other documents.

If you need to combine multiple files, we suggest using ilovepdf.com.

Failure to submit an online application, with the required attachments, will result in removal from the testing process .

Friday, August 7 OR Saturday, August 8

Online examination (accessible from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM)

Candidates can access the exam ONCE on either date. There are no alternative dates, you must be available to complete the exam August 7 or August 8.

WPFR provides the official Candidate Orientation Guide and Practice Test. The FAQ identifies compatible devices, internet browsers and tips for completing the exam.

By August 17

Exam results via email

The minimum passing score is 80%. Email notifications will advise of pass/fail status only, numerical scores are not provided.

Candidates achieving a passing score will be randomized and invited to the next phase.

Week of August 24

Introductory Interviews

Mini interviews via phone. Specific dates, times and details on what to expect will be included in the email invites. This phase will determine candidates proceeding to Oral Boards.

Email notification if proceeding will occur by August 31.

September 14 - 25

Oral Board Interviews

Conducted in-person at Station 31. We may consider remote or phone interviews for candidates residing out of the area.

By October 1

Certification of Hiring List & Conditional Offers

All candidates will be notified of results via email. Conditional offers will occur via phone and email.

December 4

Deadline to successfully complete employment conditions.

Paramedic candidates: Deadline for providing documentation of National Registry EMT-P or Washington State Paramedic certification.

January 4, 2027

Hire Date

Red Knights Fire Academy begins January 11.

The following overview is from the 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement for IAFF Local 1488.

Pay Incentives (as an addition to base monthly salary) may include: Educational incentive of 2.5% to 7% may be approved for college degrees and Executive Fire Officer certification. WPFR supports professional development via reimbursement of tuition and textbooks for degree programs. Employees who prove proficiency in a language other than English and/or American Sign Language receive 1% for each, not to exceed 4%. Personnel assigned to Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials and Marine programs may receive one-half percent for each certification type and/or assignment up to a maximum of 3%.

• All incentives and reimbursement approved on an individual basis; in accordance with contractual procedures and WPFR policies.

Benefits include: Firefighters are members of Washington State's LEOFF Plan 2 retirement system. WPFR pays 100% of premiums for medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and their eligible dependents. Shortly after hire, WPFR provides $4,000 to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account, and in January of subsequent years. Beginning January 1, 2027; bargaining unit employees with less than ten (10) years of service shall be entitled to $1,025 monthly contribution match for a deferred compensation plan.

WPFR Firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1488.

If Applying As a Paramedic

• CURRENT certification as a National Registry EMT-P and/or WA State Paramedic
• FUTURE Paramedic (with certification by no later than December 4)
• Not applicable

I understand all required attachments must be submitted with my online application. I understand the online examination must be completed on August 7 or August 8; there are no alternative dates. I understand failure to complete either of these steps will result in remove from the hiring process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question