Fire Department · Combination
South Kitsap Fire And Rescue
Port Orchard, WA · Kitsap County
The department describes roughly 140 career employees plus 40+ volunteers on its careers page, and 'over 150 personnel' across all divisions on its services page.
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Department careers page ↗South Kitsap Fire and Rescue has served the South Kitsap community since 1946, providing fire suppression, emergency medical, and rescue services across roughly 117 square miles that include Port Orchard, Manchester, Olalla, and Gorst, protecting an estimated 80,925 residents.
The district runs on a combination staffing model: a career workforce of roughly 140 employees staffs seven of the district's stations around the clock, while the South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Association supplies 40-plus volunteers who staff two additional stations and support suppression crews, air units, water tenders, chaplaincy services, and community fire-prevention outreach. Operations are led by a Fire Chief, two Deputy Chiefs, and three Division Chiefs overseeing training/safety, prevention, and EMS. The department is funded primarily through two voter-approved property tax levies (a suppression levy and an EMS levy) plus voter-approved bonds for stations, apparatus, and equipment.
Beyond emergency response, which includes both Basic and Advanced Life Support medical transport, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response, the department runs an active public-education program covering home fire safety, wildfire preparedness, water/travel safety, and youth and senior safety, along with burn-permit issuance and fire-hydrant testing.
MissionTo provide the work our community needs with purpose, performing as a team of professionals, always evaluating, always improving.
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue hires career firefighter/EMS personnel and separately recruits volunteers through the South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Association. Career applicants for suppression roles go through public safety testing, a written exam, and the CPAT physical ability test before a multi-stage interview and background process.
Requirements
- Public safety testing
- Written examination
- CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) for suppression roles
- Background investigation
- Driving record review
- Medical exam
- Psychological evaluation
- Physical evaluation
- Gear fitting (suppression roles)
Hiring process
- Complete employment application and any position-specific testing
- Qualified applicants receive a Spark Hire video interview invitation (may include additional online testing)
- In-person panel and/or chief/leadership interviews
- Conditional offer of employment to selected candidates
- Background investigation and pre-employment screening: driving record, medical exam, psychological evaluation, physical evaluation, and gear fitting (suppression roles)
- Formal offer and start date, including academy/training dates if applicable
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; a Health Reimbursement Account; education and wellness incentives; tuition reimbursement; vacation and sick leave; a retirement/pension system with employer match; an in-house wellness support program; and a peer support program.
Successful candidates receive academy/training dates as part of their formal offer where applicable.
How long has South Kitsap Fire and Rescue been serving the community?
The department has served the South Kitsap community since 1946.
What area and population does SKFR cover?
SKFR covers roughly 117 square miles, including Port Orchard, Manchester, Olalla, and Gorst, serving an estimated 80,925 residents.
How many fire stations does SKFR operate?
SKFR operates 11 fire stations: 7 staffed around the clock by career personnel and 2 staffed by the volunteer association, per the department's station listing.
What is the hiring process for a career position?
Applicants complete an application and testing (including public safety testing, written exam, and CPAT for suppression roles), a video interview, in-person interviews, a conditional offer, background/medical/psychological screening, and finally a formal offer with academy dates if applicable.
How do I become a volunteer with SKFR?
Volunteers apply online through the South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Association, then attend a program orientation, which is offered twice a year in the fall and spring, before beginning training.