Lateral - Firefighter Paramedic

City of Tacoma (WA)•Tacoma, WA

35d•$53 - $56

About The Position

The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Firefighter-Paramedics to join the Tacoma Fire Department. In this vital role, you will help protect lives, property, and the environment while serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. This position is represented by Tacoma Firefighters Union Local 31. Tacoma Fire is looking for experienced and motivated professionals who are ready to make an immediate impact in a dynamic and diverse community. As a Firefighter-Paramedic, you will respond to a wide variety of emergency situations-delivering advanced medical care, performing fire suppression and rescue operations, and supporting your fellow community members when they need it most. Joining Tacoma Fire means becoming part of a department that values excellence, service, and innovation. Your experience will be recognized from day one and rewarded with competitive pay, excellent benefits, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team culture. If you are passionate about helping others, committed to your craft, and ready to make a difference in a city that values its first responders, Tacoma is the place to build your career and your future.

Requirements

Age: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Employment Status: Currently employed as a full-time, paid professional firefighter in good standing.
Paramedic Certification: Current certification as a Paramedic through the National Registry or another state.
Washington State Credentialing: Must possess or be eligible for Washington State Paramedic certification or reciprocity through the DOH. This includes being a graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited paramedic program.
Physical Ability: Possess a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification at the time of hire, or obtain certification within the first month of employment.
Driver's License: Maintain a valid driver's license at the time of appointment with the ability to obtain a Washington State driver's license upon hire.
Tobacco Use: Must have abstained from the use of tobacco or nicotine products for a minimum of two years prior to appointment.
Firefighter Experience: Experience as a career structural firefighter performing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response duties.
Training: Completion of a recognized career Fire Academy program and possession of relevant certifications such as Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations (IFSAC, Pro Board, or equivalent).
Advanced proficiency in pre-hospital emergency medical care, including patient assessment, airway management, resuscitation, medication administration, and other paramedic-level procedures.
Skilled in the operation and maintenance of fire suppression apparatus, rescue tools, and life-safety equipment.
Strong understanding of fire behavior, suppression tactics, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue operations.
Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills in high-pressure or rapidly changing environments.
Ability to effectively manage emergency scenes and ensure safe, coordinated operations.
Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation and record-keeping.
Physical and mental resilience to perform demanding tasks in a variety of environments while upholding safety, professionalism, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Interest or experience in quality improvement, instruction, and mentoring within EMS or fire service programs.

Responsibilities

Provide Advanced Emergency Medical Care: Deliver high-quality pre-hospital treatment, including patient assessment, advanced life support procedures, resuscitation, IV therapy, medication administration, and operation of life-support equipment such as IV pumps and ventilators.
Respond to Fire and Rescue Incidents: Perform firefighting, rescue, and hazardous-materials response operations; conduct search and rescue activities; protect lives, property, and the environment using tools, techniques, and safety procedures.
Operate and Maintain Equipment: Drive, operate, and maintain emergency vehicles, and firefighting tools; ensure all equipment is inspected, serviced, and mission-ready.
Leadership and Mentorship: Provide direction and on-scene guidance to Firefighter/EMTs; foster teamwork and effective communication during emergency and non-emergency operations.
Training and Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training, drills, and educational activities to maintain and enhance firefighting, rescue, and medical skills; stay current with evolving medical standards and departmental protocols.
Documentation and Reporting: Accurately complete and maintain records, reports, and logs related to medical incidents, fire responses, and equipment maintenance in accordance with department and state requirements.
Physical Readiness and Safety: Maintain the physical conditioning and situational awareness required to safely and effectively perform the duties of a Firefighter-Paramedic under demanding conditions.