Firefighter/Paramedic (Lateral) · Expired

Job Description

Job Description: Controls and extinguishes fires and engages in search and rescue for the preservation of life and property.  Responds to all medical emergencies and administers life saving measures as defined by the State Department of Health and Regional Emergency Medical protocol for a certified paramedic in Advance Life Support (ALS), or EMT in Basic Life Support (BLS).  Maintains apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds as directed.

Job Responsibilities

• Respond to fire emergency calls as assigned, and perform tasks that may include search, rescue, ventilation, or suppression.  Use department equipment as appropriate to extinguish fires of all types in buildings, grass, terrain, automobiles, or other sites.
• Respond to emergency medical care calls as assigned for assistance to sick or injured people and treat them according to Skagit County EMS Protocols and guidelines and within the scope of practice.  Drive and operate all department vehicles as qualified and appropriate.
• Perform daily tests to keep all equipment and apparatus in state of readiness for emergencies.  Perform routine equipment maintenance, such as checking fluids, hoses, and air pressure, and making corrections. For mechanical maintenance and repair, take to the City shop.  Participate in training classes to maintain and increase knowledge, skills, and levels of certification.
• Check hydrants and perform maintenance on a regular schedule and as needed; maintain records.  Perform work in accordance with all safety policies and procedures, including the protocols for infection control. Wash equipment and perform station maintenance.  Perform grounds maintenance as needed
• Make public presentations, conduct tours of the station, or assist in presenting training classes for other staff, volunteers, community groups, or fire personnel from other districts.
• Use computers to enter data and generate reports and maintain necessary manual and computer records. Participate in off-duty call-back for standby and major emergencies,
• May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have current paramedic certification in Washington State

• Lateral applicants must meet one of the following:

• At least 1 year of career experience plus successful completion of a career-level academy with FF1 and HMO certification, or

• At least 3 years of career experience plus IFSAC/ProBoard FF1, FF2, and HMO certifications

Licenses and other requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Fire protection work including the principles and practices of modern fire control and prevention.

Ability to:

• Maintain excellent communications skills, for example, to calm individuals experiencing a medical emergency, manage abusive behavior, create public trust, give and receive information on the radio under emergency situations, and provide informational presentations about the department.
• Read and interpret a variety of technical materials, including manuals and periodicals.  Ability to write clear and concise reports using correct spelling and proper grammar.  Ability to competently utilize various computer programs to enter data, keyboard and generate reports.
• Handle high level of personal stress, and to maintain composure and control of self and the situation, under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries, and experiencing risk of personal harm.  Must cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for all the rights of citizens.
• Perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude, and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures, and discipline, within a hierarchal management system.  Ability to work as a reliable team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and others outside the department, such as hospital staff and police.

Miscellaneous Information

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: Performs assigned responsibilities in accordance with established Skagit County protocols. In emergency situations performs duties where quick and sound decisions must be made, and where incorrect decision or action could result in serious risk of physical harm to self and co-workers, harm to other individuals, costly damage to equipment, increased property loss, or detrimental public view of the department. May be assigned to act as Upgrade Lieutenant.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in diverse environments depending on situational demands.  Work involves safely operating emergency vehicles in all kinds of conditions. Work includes ability to work in dynamic environments with unpredictable hazards. The work environment may require strenuous work in an environment containing life threatening hazards that require the use of breathing apparatus.

PHYSICAL: Physical strength and ability to perform intermittently very heavy labor for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, often while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus.  Very heavy labor is defined as, for example, exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 200 pounds of body weight and occasionally as a team member to lift and maneuver onto a gurney body weight up to 600 pounds, or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue.   Often the lifting must be done in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques is not possible. Physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activity such as climb up and down stairs, raise and climb ladders, crawl into confined spaces, wield axes, haul hose, etc., and sustain this activity for the duration of the emergency without interruption while wearing bulky protective gear. Hearing ability sufficient, for example, to use stethoscope to assess heart and lung sounds where ambient noise is a factor, and to communicate with team members and use portable radio while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to perform essential job functions unimpeded by physical, emotional, sensory, or mental conditions which could adversely affect performance of duties, personal safety, or safety of others.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.   Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes.  The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, citizenship or national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital/familial status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identification, or status as an honorably discharged veteran, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

Important Wage Notice: The compensation package includes annual holiday pay.

Important Wage Notice: The compensation package includes annual holiday pay.

Full Hiring Process Overview – Lateral Candidates

Application Submission Dates: June 15, 2026 – July 6, 2026 Submit your application through City of Anacortes Job Opportunities.Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | City of Anacortes Employment Opportunities

Application Review Dates: July 8 – 10, 2026 HR will review application materials. Eligible candidates will receive a confirmation email with an oral board time slot by July 16.

Oral Board Interview/EMS Skills Check Dates: July 22 & 23, 2026 Candidates will complete an oral board interview

Civil Service Certification Date: August 3, 2026 The Civil Service Commission will finalize the eligibility list.

Chief’s Interview Date: TBD (if selected) The Fire Chief will contact selected candidates to schedule an interview.

Conditional Offer of Employment Followed by:

• Background Investigation
• Medical Exam
• Final Offer of Employment

If you have any questions about the process, please contact: Karlee Wilder (360) 299-1964 karleew@anacorteswa.gov

Health & Wellness - Choice of medical plans, including Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) - Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Prescription drug coverage - Dental, orthodontia, and vision coverage - Dual insurance incentives for eligible spouses and dependents - Employer-paid life insurance - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Fitness reimbursement program Retirement & Financial Benefits - Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) LEOFF Plan 2 pension - Choice of two deferred compensation retirement programs with employer matching opportunities - Longevity pay incentives Leave & Paid Time Off - Vacation leave accrual beginning at 12 hours per month - Sick leave accrual beginning at 12 hours per month - 96 hours of combined vacation and sick leave provided upon hire (NEW!) - Bereavement leave - 172 hours of pay in lieu of holidays annually, paid in October Premium & Incentive Pay - 10% Medic premium pay (the wage listed includes the premium) - Additional 2% premium pay for Senior Medic - Special assignments - Education incentives Additional Information

• 6-month probation for lateral candidates