LATERAL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic

West Pierce Fire & Rescue • 3631 Drexler Dr W University Place, WA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is hiring up to 26 Lateral Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic positions, with employment beginning in January 2027. This posting is for candidates who meet specific lateral entry requirements. Those who do not meet these requirements should refer to the entry-level posting. The role involves a variety of emergency and non-emergency duties, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, training, inspections, and public education. Firefighters are expected to be active members of the incident management system and may be assigned to any division or provisionally appointed to a Captain position. The position reports to a Captain and performance is evaluated based on the ability to perform all job duties.

Requirements

• Currently employed as a Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic with a minimum of 12 consecutive months of full-time paid service with a municipal fire department, fire district, fire authority, or comparable public fire agency.
• Successful completion of probation with current employer.
• Current National Registry or Washington State EMT or Paramedic certification.
• IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications.
• HazMat Awareness and Operations certifications.
• Ability to obtain Washington State reciprocity/certifications prior to completion of probation.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington.
• Demonstrated ability to adopt quick and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety.
• Demonstrated ability to perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator.
• Demonstrated ability to perform emergency medical services within the scope of their certification level - EMT or Paramedic.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out general and special assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate using the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the general public, co-workers, and related agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to operate various electronic/digital multimedia equipment and a personal computer with various software applications connected to a networked system.
• Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions.
• Ability to move about an emergency scene unencumbered.
• Ability to 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 physical demands while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Perform 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Opportunity for a variety of pay incentives
• Longevity Pay based on aggregate qualifying years of full-time paid fire service
• Vacation Accruals based on aggregate qualifying service

What This Job Offers

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