We anticipate hiring 7-10 Firefighters for a Fall 2024 recruit academy. Please see the

2024 Hiring Process FAQ detailed information.

There are no application or exam fees to participate in this hiring process.

We will accept a maximum of 1,000 applications. This job posting will automatically close if the maximum is received, which may occur before the closing date.

*Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is not required.

Minimum requirements to apply as entry-level Firefighter :

> At least 18 years of age

> High school diploma or equivalent

> Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington

All recruits are required to successfully complete The Forge Fire Academy.
During the 22-week program, recruits obtain ProBoard Firefighter I and II, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations and EMT certifications.

The 2024 Firefighter/EMT - 5th Class monthly base salary is $6,874.

Lateral Firefighter/EMT monthly base salary range is $7,425 - $8,658.
Lateral candidates shall be paid one pay grade below their experience. Pay grade shall be no lower than 4th Class nor higher than 2nd Class. Lateral employees shall proceed through the pay grades in accordance with the time frames indicated.
$7,425 4th Class (7-12 months)
$8,016 3rd Class (13-24 months)
$8,658 2nd Class (25-36 months)

Lateral requirements :

> Current National Registry or Washington State EMT or Paramedic certification.
> Minimum one year of service and successful completion of probation in a full-time paid Firefighter* position; with a municipal department, fire district or fire authority with primary duties of fire suppression and emergency medical services.
* Service includes full-time position(s) as Firefighter/EMT and/or Firefighter/Paramedic.
> Years of service will determine placement within the wage scale.
> Employed for at least 12 months of the last 36 months in a full-time paid position.

Pay Incentives (as an addition to base monthly salary) :
Educational incentive of 2.5% to 7% may be approved for college degrees and Executive Fire Officer certification. WPFR supports professional development via reimbursement of tuition and textbooks for degree programs.
Employees who prove proficiency in a foreign language and/or American Sign Language receive 1% for each, not to exceed 4%.
Personnel assigned to Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials and Marine programs may receive one-half percent for each certification type and/or assignment up to a maximum of 3%.
*A ll i ncentives and reimbursement approved on an individual basis; in accordance with contractual procedures and WPFR policies.

Benefits include :
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. Employees with less than ten (10) years of service are entitled to $875 monthly matching contribution for a deferred compensation plan. WPFR Firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 1488 .

Please visit Career Resources for videos and additional information about WPFR. 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. Such activities include, but are not limited to: fire suppression, driving fire apparatus, performing as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator, emergency medical services, execution of training drills, business inspections, code enforcement, public education, and inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and high value apparatus. Firefighters may be assigned to any division of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, and may be provisionally appointed to a Captain position.

Controls over work:
The position shall report to and is accountable to a Captain within their division. Performance is evaluated through observation of their ability to adequately perform all facets of the job duties and responsibilities associated with the position. The position will work a schedule in accordance with contractual agreement.

The position shall:
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.
Performs 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.

The position shall have demonstrated the 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.
Perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator.
Perform emergency medical services within the scope of their certification level - EMT or Paramedic.
Carry out general and special assignments in a timely manner that fulfills the mission and needs of the district.
Communicate using the English language, both orally and in writing.
Work with the general public, co-workers, and related agencies.
Operate various electronic/digital multimedia equipment and a personal computer with various software applications connected to a networked systemMinimum:

At least 18 years of age

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license allowing legal driving in the State of Washington.

Desirable:
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 foreign language(s), in addition to English.

The position shall have the demonstrated physical ability to:
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).Our primary form of communication is email. It is important to check messages frequently throughout this process. The timeline and tentative dates (where noted) are subject to change without notice. We will advise candidates of any changes as quickly as possible via email. Please see the 2024 Hiring Process FAQ for detailed information.

Friday, March 1 until Sunday, April 14* at 5:00 PDT	Application period *We will accept 1,000 applications. The application period will automatically close if the maximum is received.
Wednesday, April 24 & Saturday, April 27	Online Examination accessible from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM WPFR will provide the official orientation guide and practice test. The 2024 Hiring Process FAQ specifies technical requirements. Minimum score of 80% is required as a passing grade. Candidates will be advised of pass/fail* via email by May 13. *Numerical scores will not be provided.
Tentative: May 21, 22 and/or 23	Blind Introductory Interviews Remote (Zoom) interview with a maximum duration of 10 minutes. Candidates selected for this phase will be notified by May 13.
Tentative: June 3-14	Oral Board Interviews Candidates selected for this phase will be notified by May 24. Oral Boards are in-person at Station 31. We may consider video or phone interviews for candidates living out of the area.
By July 1	Hiring List Finalized & Conditional Offers All candidates will be notified of results via email by July 1. Conditional offers will be made via email and phone. Conditions must be successfully completed by August 30. The 2024 Hiring Process FAQ how conditions are scheduled and the process for completing each one.
September 20	Hire Date