Entry Firefighter/Paramedic — Begin January 2027 Academy

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan (LEOFF)

457(b) plan with employer match

Paid time off (vacation and holidays)

Sick leave

Job summary

The City of Bellingham is recruiting Entry Firefighters for the January 2027 Academy. Successful candidates will join the Bellingham Fire Department and provide emergency medical and fire suppression services to the community.

Applicants must meet prerequisites (CPAT, valid CPAT, U.S. citizen or eligible, high school diploma or GED, WA EMT or paramedic readiness) and complete NTN testing. The role offers comprehensive benefits and a structured career path.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• US citizenship, permanent resident status, or ability to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fires and emergencies; operate hoses and water streams; perform rescue and ventilation tasks.
• Provide Basic/Advanced Life Support medical care and transport patients as needed.
• Maintain communications with dispatch; use incident command system.
• Drive fire apparatus and transports patients; develop pre-incident plans for facilities.
• Participate in training and drills; maintain equipment and records.

Skills

CPAT readiness

Emergency response

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or GED

WA EMT certification or ability to obtain within 1 year

Paramedic certification (WA) with MPD approval

Tools

CPAT certification

FireTEAM Testing

Job description

The City of Bellingham is recruiting Entry Firefighters for the January 2027 Academy. Successful candidates will join the Bellingham Fire Department and provide emergency medical and fire suppression services to the community.

Applicants must meet prerequisites (CPAT, valid CPAT, U.S. citizen or eligible, high school diploma or GED, WA EMT or paramedic readiness) and complete NTN testing. The role offers comprehensive benefits and a structured career path.