Experienced Firefighter and Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bellingham is now accepting Experienced Firefighter and Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic applications for the January 2027 Academy. Join the Bellingham Fire Department and support 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Two years of full-time, paid experience as a structural firefighter with an agency responsible for residential and commercial fire responses, at least one year of which must have been within the last three years.
• Graduate of a recruit academy and/or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I certification.
• Documentation of completion or certification required.
• 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 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 have ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Willingness and ability to work at considerable heights (up to 100 feet) on a ladder.
• Completion of departmental training and certification as Driver/Engineer.
• Certification as a paramedic in Washington State with Whatcom County MPD approval is required to provide advanced life support services.

Nice To Haves

• Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic applications

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs administrative and technical support activities for Fire Administration on a regular or special project basis.
• Prepares and maintains reports and records within assigned area of responsibility.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 144 hours of vacation leave upon hire + 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 6 shifts off incorporated into the work schedule in lieu of holidays
• 456 hours of sick leave upon hire + monthly accruals based on assigned schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED