Job Classification: Firefighter

The Seattle Fire Department is currently hiring for the position of Firefighter. This is an invite only testing process. To be invited to test, first you must complete a department application here. Seattle Fire Department is accepting applications from April 17th, 2018 to June 12th, 2018.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive an email notification inviting you to take the FireTEAM test and complete the Work Attitudes Questionnaire (WAQ) through NTN. Both the FireTEAM test and the WAQ must be completed by the closing date of June 23th, 2018.

Note: Additional testing times and location will be continuously added during the application and testing window. If you need to change your testing time or location, please contact National Testing Network customer service at 866-563-3882 at least one week before your registered appointment. Please do not wait until the end of the testing period to schedule your exam, as spaces are still limited.

Vacancies: It is anticipated that approximately 25-50 positions will be filled annual, depending on attrition and budget.

Salary Information: $29.58 – $36.98 Hourly

The starting annual salary for a Fire Recruit is $72,900 per year with step, longevity and cost of living pay increases per union contract.

• $6,075/month – Starting Recruit Firefighter Pay
• $6,439/month – 6 months
• $6,803/month – 18 months
• $7,166/month – 30 months
• $7,530/month – 42 months

In addition to promotional opportunities, there are several premium pay assignments available to Firefighters. These assignments include between five and 20 percent premium pay.

Department Overview: The mission of the Seattle Fire Department is to save lives and protect property through emergency medical services, fire and rescue response and fire prevention. We respond immediately when any member of our community needs help with professional, effective and compassionate service.

The Seattle Fire Department is a national leader in responding to and preventing emergencies with a commitment to excellence and teamwork. We seek a diverse workforce who embrace the following values.

• Integrity – We are honest, trustworthy and accountable. Honor guides our actions.
• Teamwork – We each bring our own skills and experience, yet we recognize that we are better together. We support and depend on each other to achieve our goals.
• Compassion – Caring is part of our job. We could not do what we do without a deep and motivating empathy for those we serve.
• Courage – We show fortitude and determination in a crisis.
• Diversity – We respect the different identities, experiences, and perspectives of those that we work with and the community we serve.

Under general supervision, a Firefighter responds to fires, accidents, and medical emergencies to protect life and property; participates in fire inspections, fire prevention activities, station maintenance, and training activities; and performs related work as required.

All Seattle Firefighters are either EMT or paramedic certified. 80% of emergency calls received by the Department are medical in nature.

Benefit Information: 

• $72,900 starting salary.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits for employee and family.
• Operations Firefighters work approximately eight 24-hour shifts per month.
• State Retirement System pension plan (LEOFF Plan 2).
• Tax deferred compensation account with fixed City contributions (similar to a 401K plan).
• Vacation (up to 14 shifts per year).
• Compensatory time.
• Sick Leave (approximately 4 shifts per year, with unlimited accrual).
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program counseling and referral benefits available for employee and household members.
• Uniform Allowance.
• Paid military leave (256 hours) and military wage supplement pay.
• Veterans are eligible for certain GI Bill reimbursements during Recruit School.
• Paid Parental Leave (between 320 and 480 hours).
• Paid Family Care Leave (up to 160 hours).
• Other leaves include emergency, funeral, pregnancy disability, jury duty, transplant donor, family and medical, EAP counseling, and personal leave.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• IAFF Local 27 union membership.
• Employee Discounts (gym membership, cellphone service, and more).

Job Requirements

Age: 18 years of age

High School Grad/GED: Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

Work Eligibility:
Must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Valid State Driver’s License:
Yes

Necessary Certifications:
Candidates must hold a current Washington state EMT certification or be eligible for certification sponsorship upon hire. The Seattle Fire Department will offer an EMT course to selected candidates who do not meet the EMT requirement. For more information, please visit the following webpage: http://www.seattle.gov/firejobs/emt-requirement

Desired Qualifications:

• Good communication skills
• Good driving history – A candidate’s driving record will be thoroughly assessed and may be a factor for disqualification.
• Ability to effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds.