Firefighter

FirefighterThe City of Bellingham has opened the Entry Firefighter NTN FireTeam Testing window for the January 2027 Academy. Test today through NTN to start the process of joining the Bellingham Fire Department and supporting our mission of helping people every day!Firefighters provide emergency assistance and protective services to citizens. They are trained and equipped to protect life and property threatened by disaster, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, illness, accidents and other hazards. Activities include emergency prevention, emergency and non-emergency response, fire code enforcement, building inspections, training and drill and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, fire station and grounds. They perform a wide range of emergency work under adverse environmental and strenuous physical conditions. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment such as heat resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and medical masks, gloves and gowns.Firefighters may be required to drive fire apparatus or medical units and perform special firefighting, pre-hospital medical care, rescue work or other skills acquired by work experience and specialized training programs. Firefighters are subject to shift work and off-duty recall for major emergencies.Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.Salary and benefits information: Starting 2026 wages for Firefighter: Entry Firefighter - $8,012/mo - $10,164/mo. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 106 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The 2026 full monthly salary for an Entry Firefighter is $8,012/mo - $10,164/mo. Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals and require employees to be paid status at least 96 hours/month.At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team.Testing information: All applicants interested in this position must complete testing through National Testing Network. Please visit the National Testing Network website for information regarding the testing process. FireTEAM Testing and a valid CPAT certification are required for this position. Please see below for the FireTeam and CPAT Testing windows.Essential functions: Responds to fires and other emergencies. Places equipment; lays and connects hose; operates high capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, safety belts, lines and hooks; uses self-contained breathing apparatus; performs ventilation tasks above ground; and performs salvage and overhaul operations. Uses ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and anchors for special rescue situations. Identifies, isolates and mitigates hazardous material incidents.Provides basic and/or advanced life support medical assistance to citizens in non-emergency and emergency situations where life may be endangered. Sets up and operates equipment such as resuscitator, inhalator, oxygen, and cardiac monitor, defibrillation equipment, intravenous solution and medications.Maintains contact with communications center and Department to report initial observations, progress on handling incidents, and receive orders and instruction on handling event(s). Utilizes the incident command system.As qualified and appropriate to the incident, drives fire apparatus, drives medical or aid vehicles or pilots fire boat. Determines appropriate response routes to the emergency. Transports patients to hospitals or other destinations.Conducts inspection of residential, commercial and industrial buildings for possible hazards and violations of fire code requirements. May issue correction notices as directed by the Captain. Participates in the development of pre-incident plans on how to handle fire and medical emergencies at various businesses and facilities.Participates in the development and delivery of emergency prevention programs.Responds to various service calls providing assistance to citizens in situations that are not life threatening, such as requests for physical assistance, flooded basements, and complaints about unsafe or illegal burning.Participates in company and battalion training program and drill exercises. Instructs job skills to others. Researches, compiles, organizes and presents information at training and drill sessions.Periodically tests facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems and maintains records of test information.Performs general and preventative maintenance on apparatus, equipment and facilities to ensure proper function and reliability.Working environment: The work environment includes 24-hour shift work including weekends and holidays. Work is performed at fire stations, on various apparatus, on the drill ground and at different emergency scenes. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion in environments with limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings, exposed heights and in and around water. Firefighters also work with citizens experiencing a wide range of emotions (rage, grief, confusion, etc.) as a result of an emergency. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including: Carry hose bundle of approximately 50 pounds and don personal protection and firefighting equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds to the scene of an emergency (sometimes to upper floors of businesses, apartments and hotels). Lay and operate hose lines (160 pounds per 50 feet of hose with 100 pounds of nozzle pressure). Stabilize and lift patients with backboard and cot. Carry, place and extend ladders in training and in emergencies. Operate power equipment such as a chain saw, portable generator, hydraulic jaws, smoke ejector, etc. Set up and operate master streams and aerial ladder pipes. While wearing protective clothing, performs heavy labor such as chopping, shoveling, moving furniture, equipment and merchandise.Experience and training: Entry: Must have received a high school diploma or G. E. D. Candidates must not have smoked tobacco products for a minimum of 24 months prior to application to be considered for employment as a firefighter.Necessary special requirements: ALL Entry Firefighter Candidates must meet the following requirements: Must be 21 years of age. Must be a U. S. citizen, deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient, or a registered permanent resident able to work in the United States. Successful completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Employment contingent upon the following: Employment contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test. (This position is considered a safety sensitive position; therefore, the pre-employment drug test includes testing for marijuana. Positive test results will exclude an applicant from being hired) Passing a medical evaluation. Passing a swim test, demonstrating the ability to swim at a distance, tread water, and retrieve a submerged weight. Passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check, and local background check with no felony convictions within the last seven years. Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed. A misdemeanor conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant but offenses within the last seven years may, by their nature and recentness, reveal a lack of specific qualifications for the position. Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire. No record of driver's license suspension or revocation in any state within the last three years. Must possess or obtain a Washington State Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVAP) certification within 90 days of initial hire. Must possess Washington State EMT certification or acquire within one year of employment and maintain for the duration of employment. Willingness and ability to work at considerable heights (up to 100 feet) on a ladder. Advanced Life Support: Certification as a paramedic in Washington State with Whatcom County MPD approval is required to provide advanced life support services.Selection process: Step 1: Applicants interested in this position must complete the written exam (FireTEAM) testing through National Testing Network. In addition, a current and valid CPAT certification is required. All written testing must be completed by September 23, 2026. Candidates will be notified of their results on or around October 1, 2026. Step 2: All candidates with a combined score of 80.00% that also achieve the following City of Bellingham cutoff scores for each component of the NTN written test will be invited to participate in 8-minute speed interviews tentatively scheduled for October 12-16, 2026. Speed Interviews will be conducted virtually. The speed interviews are pass/fail. NTN Test cutoff scores set by City of Bellingham are: Human Relations - 70%; Mechanical - 60%; Math - 70%; Reading -80%. Additionally, candidates must also achieve a combined average score of