Firefighter/EMT-Basic

East Pierce Fire & Rescue; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

East Pierce Fire & Rescue in Washington is seeking 4-8 firefighters to join our all-hazards team. You will respond to emergencies, provide EMS, participate in fire suppression, rescue, and inspections, and train to maintain certifications.

Pre-employment includes CPAT, medical, drug screening, and background checks, with costs covered by EPFR. Minimums include 21+ years, a valid driver's license, HS diploma or GED, ability to read/write/speak English, and EMT certification with Recruit Fire

Qualifications

• Must meet minimum physical, medical, and suitability standards for firefighter.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies and calls for assistance.
• Participate in firefighting and rescue operations.
• Provide emergency medical care, including patient transports.
• Participate in salvage and overhaul operations.
• Respond to hazardous materials incidents.
• Complete duties and work assignments to meet deadlines with district policies.
• Perform inspections of facilities, equipment, and apparatus.
• Conduct station tours and educational presentations to the public.
• Maintain facilities and equipment at fire stations.
• Communicate transfer of information between shifts.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

EMT certification

Recruit Fire Academy eligibility

Job description

It's tough work. It's meaningful work. It's our work.

East Pierce Fire & Rescue is an all-hazards agency with the mission to not only rapidly and effectively respond to the needs of our community, but to do so with compassionate care and a commitment to exceeding customer service expectations - and we are looking to add 4-8 more Firefighters to our team!

At East Pierce, you’ll be part of a crew that trains hard, shows up for each other, and takes pride in serving with heart. Every shift is different, but what stays the same is the sense of purpose and the shared vision that guides everything we do. We aim to uphold the highest level of integrity, accountability, humility, consistency, and respect.

We show up to help, solve problems, and offer support when it matters the most. This is more than a career. It's a commitment to service, to community, and to each other. When you join the fire service, you become part of a mission-driven team that makes a real impact in the community every day. If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, keep reading to find out how!

The firefighter is a uniformed, LEOFF position that performs technical duties in the areas of fire suppression, emergency medical care, emergency rescue, hazardous materials incidents, fire investigation, fire inspection, fire personnel training, and public education. Incumbents are responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency activities. Incumbents are expected to exercise a high degree of judgment and initiative while making critical fire and life safety related decisions under high pressure and/or adverse conditions, and have 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. This classification reports to and receives guidance and mentoring from the first line supervisor for the shift.

It is important you review the RK27 Information Sheet & FAQS (pdf)

The following duties are considered essential for this position:

• Respond to emergencies and calls for assistance.
• Participate in firefighting and rescue operations.
• Provide emergency medical aid, including patient transports.
• Participate in salvage and overhaul operations.
• Respond to and take appropriate action at hazardous materials incidents.
• Complete duties and work assignments to ensure deadlines and milestones are met and that all decisions and actions are consistent with district policies, procedures and emerging priorities.
• Perform frequent inspection of facilities, equipment and apparatus to ensure operational readiness.
• Participate in the inspection of buildings, residences and installations for fire hazards and fire safety systems as required by State laws and City ordinances and for pre-fire planning purposes.
• Conduct station tours, participate in demonstrations of equipment and techniques, and make educational presentations to members of the public.
• Clean and maintain facilities, grounds, quarters, equipment and apparatus at the fire stations.
• Ensure appropriate written and oral communication takes place to transfer information and current priorities from one shift and/or crew to another.
• Attend and/or participate in technical skills training and continuing education courses as needed to maintain technical and leadership skills and certifications. Demonstrate the ability to read, write and comprehend these and other related materials.
• Complete incident reports accurately and completely.
• Prepare reports related to assigned activities; and maintain maps and records.

Pre-employment process will include CPAT (candidates with valid CPAT certification completed within one year prior to the start date will not need to test again), medical exam, drug screening, psychological assessment, and comprehensive background investigation with criminal history and driving record – EPFR pays all costs associated with the pre-employment process

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Requirements

• 21 years of age by date of hire
• Valid Driver's License
• High school graduate or GED certification
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must meet all minimum physical, medical, and suitability standards for firefighter
• Ability to complete EMT certification, Recruit Fire Academy, and probationary period

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands and working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent must meet all district-mandated physical agility, medical, and licensure standards.

Firefighters are required to maintain peak physical and mental readiness to perform their duties safely and effectively in a wide range of emergency and non-emergency situations, including fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical services (EMS). The position demands strength, endurance, agility, and the ability to function under high-stress, hazardous, and emotionally intense conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Perform strenuous physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, dragging, and moving patients, equipment, and tools—often exceeding 100 pounds and sometimes in confined or elevated spaces.
• Provide emergency medical care, including CPR, lifting and transferring patients onto gurneys or stretchers, and carrying medical bags and equipment.
• Wear and operate full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), for extended periods in high-heat and low-visibility environments.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and work at heights; crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, and reach while performing firefighting, rescue, or EMS tasks.
• Perform tasks that require precise arm-hand coordination, the use of multiple limbs, and the strength and dexterity necessary to operate multiple pieces of equipment including rescue tools, fire hoses, communication devices, and EMS equipment.
• Operate emergency vehicles, lift stretchers, and navigate through physically demanding terrain or environments.
• Maintain prolonged physical exertion during extended incidents, often with limited rest or recovery time.
• Possess hearing sufficient to detect and understand radio communications in high-noise environments (e.g., fireground, moving apparatus, office settings), as well as the ability to perceive alarms, and calls for assistance.
• Possess vision necessary to perform emergency response duties, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Enter and operate effectively in tight, confined, or low-visibility spaces, including rooftops, attics, crawlspaces, or elevated platforms under emergency conditions.

Working Conditions:

• Respond to structure fires, medical emergencies, vehicle collisions, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and other public safety events.
• Work in all weather and environmental conditions, including exposure to smoke, flames, toxic chemicals, bodily fluids, and biohazards.
• Encounter emotionally challenging situations, including traumatic injuries, fatalities, and distressed patients or family members.
• Subject to rotating 24-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and unpredictable call-outs with limited notice.
• Frequently operate in high-noise and low-visibility environments, relying on radios, flashlights, and teamwork for safety and coordination.
• Perform non-emergency duties such as station and equipment maintenance, training, public education, and report writing.
• Attend ongoing education and certifications in fire, EMS, rescue, and safety procedures to maintain operational readiness.