Entry Level Firefighter

City of Tumwater•Tumwater Fire Department, WA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Accredited high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Valid Washington State Driver License with a driving record meeting Department requirements.
Successful completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to appointment.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
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.
Valid Washington State Driver License.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background investigation, medical evaluation, drug screening, suitability testing, and other conditions of employment.
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 Firefighters 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.