Fire Department · Career
Seattle Fire Department
Seattle, WA · King County
“Here to Serve”
over 1,000 firefighters in 5 battalions
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Seattle Fire Department protects Washington's largest city with a workforce of over 1,000 firefighters organized into five battalions operating out of 33 stations around the clock. Crews deploy engine companies, ladder companies, and aid and medic units to fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters.
The department is nationally recognized for emergency medicine as a home of the Medic One paramedic program, and it maintains specialized capabilities including marine firefighting aboard the fireboat Leschi, hazmat, and technical rescue through its Special Operations division.
Seattle Fire holds an ISO Protection Class 1 rating, the highest possible, reflecting the strength of its fire suppression, communications, and water-supply systems.
MissionSave lives and protect property through emergency medical service, fire and rescue response and fire prevention
Seattle Fire hires entry-level firefighters through a competitive, multi-stage process that begins with the FireTEAM/National Testing Network written exam and Public Safety Self Assessment. Top-scoring candidates are invited to an oral board, placed on a hiring register, and then progress through a suitability assessment, the CPAT physical ability test, a panel interview, and medical, psychological, and background screening.
Candidates do not need to be EMT-certified to apply, but must obtain current Washington State EMT certification before recruit training. There is no residency requirement, and veteran's preference points are applied per Washington law. Applications open in defined cycles; recruitment questions go to SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Current Washington State EMT certification required before recruit training (not required to apply; sponsorship/EMT courses offered to selected candidates)
- Meet or exceed established standards throughout the hiring process
Hiring process
- FireTEAM test and Public Safety Self Assessment (PSSA1) at National Testing Network (~2.5 hours)
- Oral board exam (top 1,500 candidates invited)
- Placement on the firefighter register; top 25% added to the certified hiring list
- Submit employment packet (employment/education history, references, EMT status)
- Suitability assessment (pass/fail questionnaires)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), eight stations, pass/fail
- Formal panel interview in Seattle
- Medical exam, psychological evaluation, and background check
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and family; life and disability insurance; Employee Assistance Program. Retirement through Washington's LEOFF Plan 2 pension plus an employer-matched tax-deferred compensation account. Vacation up to 14 shifts annually, unlimited sick-leave accrual, 20 shifts of paid parental leave, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility. Premium pay of 5-18.5% above base for paramedic (17-18.5%), hazmat, technical rescue, and instructor assignments.
Selected candidates without EMT certification may be sponsored for EMT courses; recruits must hold current Washington State EMT certification before recruit training begins.
Do I need to be an EMT to apply?
No. You do not need to be EMT-certified to apply, but you must obtain current Washington State EMT certification before recruit training begins. Selected candidates without it may be sponsored for EMT courses.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Seattle firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, and meet or exceed the standards throughout the hiring process.
What does a Seattle firefighter earn?
Starting pay is $102,048/year ($8,504/month), increasing to $10,529/month (about $126,348/year) after 42 months, with premium pay of 5-18.5% for assignments such as paramedic, hazmat, and technical rescue.
What is the work schedule?
Operational firefighters work approximately eight 24-hour shifts per month.
Is there a residency requirement?
No. There is no residency requirement to be a Seattle firefighter.
What does the hiring process involve?
It starts with the FireTEAM test and self assessment at National Testing Network, followed by an oral board, register placement, an employment packet and suitability assessment, the CPAT physical test, a panel interview, and medical, psychological, and background screening.