Lateral Firefighter

Firefighter

To qualify as a Lateral Firefighter, candidates must have been employed at least 36 months and successfully completed probation as a full-time, paid employee of a firefighting agency. Additionally, Lateral candidates must have current IFSAC Firefighter I certification and Washington State or Nationally Registered EMT Certification. Candidates must successfully pass Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within three months of their start date. Candidates with less than three years of paid experience and those who do not possess the minimum qualifications should apply as an Entry Level Firefighter.

Under general supervision, provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, and protective services to residents and visitors of the City of Tumwater and surrounding service areas. Firefighters respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, accidents, natural and human-caused disasters, and other emergencies threatening life or property. Employees provide emergency medical services within the scope of their certification and training in accordance with Thurston County Medic One protocols while operating as members of an emergency response team. Work is performed in hazardous and physically demanding environments requiring sound judgment, teamwork, and the ability to respond effectively under stressful and rapidly changing conditions. In addition to emergency response, Firefighters participate in training, pre-incident planning, fire and injury prevention, public education, inspections, report preparation, equipment and apparatus maintenance, station duties, and other activities supporting the Department's mission.

This is the journey-level Firefighter classification. Positions at this level perform fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, public education, fire prevention, and related emergency services while operating within an established chain of command. Employees work in highly collaborative team environments and are expected to maintain operational readiness, exercise sound judgment, and perform physically and mentally demanding work under hazardous conditions. Unlike the Paramedic/Firefighter classification, this position provides emergency medical services only within the scope of the employee's certification and does not require Advanced Life Support licensure or authorization.

Essential Job Duties

Fire Suppression, Rescue & Emergency Response

• Responds to fires, hazardous conditions, rescue calls, accidents, natural and human-caused disasters, and other emergency incidents.
• Performs fire suppression, rescue, and other emergency operations consistent with Department policies, procedures, and training.
• Provides emergency medical care within the scope of certification and established Thurston County Medic One protocols.
• Operates fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, communications equipment, and related firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Maintains operational readiness and responds to emergency incidents as assigned.

Training & Professional Development

• Participates in required classroom, practical, and scenario-based training to maintain firefighter knowledge, skills, certifications, and operational readiness.
• Participates in physical fitness and conditioning activities necessary to safely perform firefighter duties.
• Attends schools, conferences, drills, and other training opportunities to remain current on firefighting tactics, emergency response practices, and Department procedures.
• Obtains and maintains Department-required certifications and qualifications.
• Provides mentoring and support to other firefighters as assigned.

Fire Prevention & Community Services

• Participates in public education, community outreach, fire prevention, and injury prevention activities.
• Assists with pre-incident planning, building familiarization, inspections, and related community risk reduction efforts.
• Responds to customer requests and provides professional, service-oriented assistance to members of the public.

Apparatus, Equipment & Facility Readiness

• Inspects, cleans, tests, maintains, and inventories apparatus, tools, protective equipment, and firefighting equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance of stations, facilities, equipment, and assigned work areas.
• Reports damaged, missing, unsafe, or malfunctioning equipment and assists with corrective action.

Documentation & Department Operations

• Completes timely and accurate incident reports, activity documentation, training records, and other required reports.
• Operates Department computer systems, telecommunications equipment, software applications, and related technology.
• Complies with Department policies, procedures, operating guidelines, safety requirements, and the established chain of command.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Modern fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, and emergency operations principles and practices.
• Fire behavior, emergency scene operations, incident command principles, hazardous conditions, and firefighter safety practices.
• Ability to assess emergencies, identify hazards, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively under stressful and rapidly changing conditions.
• Ability to work effectively within a paramilitary chain of command and collaborative team environment.
• Ability to understand and follow Department policies, procedures, operational guidelines, and safety requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain accurate incident, training, and operational documentation.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships with coworkers, partner agencies, and members of the public.
• Ability to maintain operational readiness and meet established performance standards.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Accredited high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
2. Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
3. Valid Washington State Driver License with a driving record meeting Department requirements.
4. Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to appointment.
5. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous fire service, emergency medical, military, or public safety experience.
• Current Emergency Medical Technician certification.
• Firefighter certifications or completion of a recognized firefighter training program.

Training/Licenses/Certifications Required at Appointment

• Valid Washington State Driver License.
• Successful completion of required pre-employment background investigation, medical evaluation, drug screening, suitability testing, and other conditions of employment.

Required Following Appointment

• Successfully complete a Department-recognized firefighter recruit academy.
• Obtain Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certification within one year of appointment and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Obtain IFSAC Firefighter I certification within the first year of employment.
• Obtain IFSAC Firefighter II certification within the first two years of employment.
• Obtain HAZMAT Awareness and Operations Certification within first two years of employment.
• Complete the Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Firefighter program within the first three years of employment.
• Successfully complete required fitness-for-duty evaluations and SCBA/respirator fit testing.
• Maintain all required certifications throughout employment.

Other Information (if any) Specific to This Position

Decision Rights & Problem Solving

• Exercises judgment within established emergency-response procedures, the incident command system, Department policies, and the established chain of command.
• Assesses emergency conditions, identifies hazards, and selects appropriate actions within the employee's training, certification, and assigned authority.
• Emergency-scene decisions frequently involve hazardous, rapidly changing conditions and require sound judgment, teamwork, and effective communication.
• Employees follow the direction of incident commanders and company officers while elevating unusual or high-risk situations as appropriate.

Supervision Received / Exercised

• Received: Works under the direct or general supervision of Lieutenants, Battalion Chiefs, or other designated supervisory personnel.
• Exercised: Does not exercise formal supervisory authority. May provide instruction, mentoring, or task guidance to firefighters, recruits, or members of the public as assigned.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Firefighters, Paramedic/Firefighters, Lieutenants, Battalion Chiefs, command staff, fire prevention personnel, administrative staff, and employees from other City departments.
• External: Patients, family members, residents, visitors, law enforcement agencies, neighboring fire departments, ambulance providers, hospitals, air medical transport providers, Thurston County Medic One, medical control physicians, schools, businesses, contractors, and community organizations.

Tools & Technology

• Fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, and related equipment
• Fire suppression, rescue, ventilation, and forcible-entry equipment
• Self-contained breathing apparatus and personal protective equipment
• Radios, mobile communications equipment