Entry-level Firefighter/EMT

About the role

The Seattle Fire Department is a nationally recognized leader in fire and emergency services. As the largest fire department in the state of Washington, its 1000-plus workforce responds to more than 100,000 incidents per year. Seattle Firefighters save lives and protect property through emergency medical service, fire and rescue response, and fire prevention. All Seattle Firefighters are either EMT or Paramedic certified, and approximately 80% of the emergency calls the department receives are medical in nature.

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.

Vacancies: It is anticipated that approximately 60-100 positions will be filled annually, depending on attrition and budget.

Responsibilities

• Medical emergency response: provide emergency medical services to the public; administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons; assist in patient stabilization prior to transportation.
• Fire scene response: provide suppression action after assessing public safety relevance; search buildings to locate and rescue victims; use firefighting equipment to extinguish fires in buildings, grass, terrain, automobiles, or other situations; take action to contain hazardous chemicals.
• Operating vehicles and equipment: drive vehicles or mechanized equipment; operate radios; service, repair, and test mechanical equipment; perform apparatus maintenance.
• Training and drilling: participate in drills, demonstrations, and classroom and practical training; practice manipulative skills.
• Performing and maintaining physical fitness: perform physical activities; maintain physical abilities through exercise; maintain above average physical fitness levels in accordance with departmental guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
• Education: Candidates must have a high school diploma or must have passed an equivalency test (G.E.D.).
• License: Candidates must possess a valid Driver's License.
• EMT Certification: Candidates must have a valid state or national (NREMT) EMT certification at the level of EMT or higher at the time of 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.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be a citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to learn a variety of firefighting procedures, methods, and operations.
• The ability to learn and apply principles of building construction as it applies to fire suppression and fire protection.
• The ability to learn proper driving procedures of various