ENTRY-LEVEL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic

About the role

This job posting is specific to ENTRY-LEVEL Firefighters and Firefighter/Paramedics. If you have full-time, paid firefighting experience, apply via the LATERAL Firefighter & Firefighter/Paramedic job posting on the Employment Opportunities webpage.

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, etc.
• 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.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington

Qualifications

• Current (unexpired) National Registry EMT-P and/or Washington State Paramedic certification(s) OR
• Successful completion of a fully accredited Paramedic program and passing the National Registry examinations

Skills

• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to effectively adopt quick and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to perform emergency medical services within the scope of their certification level - EMT or Paramedic.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to carry out general and special assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to communicate using the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to work with the general public, co-workers, and related agencies.
• Demonstrated ability and/or skill to operate various electronic/digital multimedia equipment and a personal computer with various software applications connected to a networked system.

Benefits

WPFR provides a generous benefits package, including:

• Firefighters are members of Washington State's LEOFF Plan 2 retirement system.
• WPFR pays 100% of premiums for medical, vision and dental insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Shortly after hire, WPFR provides $4,000 to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account, and in January of subsequent years.
• Beginning January 1, 2027; bargaining unit employees with less than ten (10) years of service shall be entitled to $1,025 monthly contribution match for a deferred compensation plan.
• WPFR Firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1488.

Pay

• The 2026 Monthly Base Salary For Firefighter/EMT - 5th Class Is $7,765.
• The 2026 Monthly Base Salary For Firefighter/Paramedic - 5th Class Is $8,736.

Schedule

The position will work a schedule in accordance with contractual agreement. The Firefighter is a uniformed, LEOFF position performing emergency and non-emergency duties with the legal authority and responsibility to direct and/or perform fire protection activities that are required for and directly concerned with preventing, controlling and extinguishing fires.

Benefits

All entry-level recruits will complete the Red Knights Fire Academy. The FAQs provide detailed information on the training provided. WPFR provides a generous benefits package and opportunity for a variety of pay incentives. Please see the Benefits tab for more information.

Conditional offers

• Successful completion of: criminal history background investigation, driving abstract review, medical exam with drug screening, psychological/suitability assessment and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
• Paramedic candidates who have not provided documentation of certification prior to offers, must do so as a condition of employment by no later than December 4.
• If you have completed CPAT within the 2026 calendar year, via an IAFF-approved testing center, documentation will be reviewed and may fulfill this requirement.
• Personnel shall be accepted and serve as paramedics in the District’s program in accordance with the following parameters: Personnel hired for their paramedic certification shall serve in the District’s program and shall be ineligible to leave the paramedic program and continue employment for a minimum period of six years from the date of employment.
• Conditional offers are based on successful completion of: criminal history background investigation, driving abstract review, medical exam with drug screening, psychological/suitability assessment and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

Recruiting Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington

Physical Abilities

• Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions.
• Move about an emergency scene unencumbered.
• 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 of the above demands while wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Supplemental Information

• Our primary form of communication is email. It is important to check messages frequently.
• The timeline and date(s) are subject to change without notice. We will advise candidates of any changes as quickly as possible via email.
• WPFR does not charge application and/or exam fees. There is no cost to participate in this process.
• Failure to submit an online application, with the required attachments, will result in removal from the testing process.
• Exam results via email. The minimum passing score is 80%. Email notifications will advise of pass/fail status only, numerical scores are not provided.
• Candidates achieving a passing score will be randomized and invited to the next phase.
• By August 17 Exam results via email. The minimum passing score is 80%. Email notifications will advise of pass/fail status only, numerical scores are not provided.
• Candidates achieving a passing score will be randomized and invited to the next phase.
• By October 1 Certification of Hiring List & Conditional Offers All candidates will be notified of results via email. Conditional offers will occur via phone and email.
• December 4 Deadline to successfully complete employment conditions. Paramedic candidates: Deadline for providing documentation of National Registry EMT-P or Washington State Paramedic certification.