Firefighter/EMT-Basic

Job Summary

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.

Application and Process

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

How do I apply for this position?

There are two things you will need to do BEFORE THE APPLICATION CLOSE DATE to be considered an applicant.

1. Apply online with East Pierce Fire & Rescue (EPFR) through GovernmentJobs - Job Opportunities | East Pierce Fire & Rescue (governmentjobs.com) - You will be required to complete the online application, answer supplemental questions, upload a resume, and provide required documentation as requested. Please ensure your responses to the supplemental questions are accurate and complete, as errors or incorrect information—such as indicating you do not meet a minimum requirement—may result in disqualification and cannot be corrected after submission.

2. Complete all the testing requirements with National Testing Network (NTN) AND select East Pierce Fire & Rescue. - FIREFIGHTER Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network - BEFORE THE CLOSE DATE CANDIDATES MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING WITH NTN: - Firefighter – FireTEAM Written Exam - Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) - Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) - Pre-recorded virtual interview (instructions in the RK27 Information Sheet & FAQs)

What are the steps of the process?

Please note all dates are subject to change. There are no exceptions made to the scheduled dates.

• Candidates that have completed all the requirements with NTN and the EPFR application process by the close date of September 1 will be selected for interviews based on their NTN scores and the pre-recorded virtual interview.
• All candidates will be notified by September 14
• Oral Board Interviews conducted in-person at EPFR Headquarters (HQ)
• September 28-30
• Chief Interviews conducted in-person at EPFR HQ 
• September 29 - October 1
• Establish list and extend conditional offers
• October 5
• 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
• Confirm offers
• ~November 16
• Anticipated start date
• January 4, 2027

Essential Duties

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.

Qualifications and Working Conditions

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.

MEDICAL AND VISION Medical and Vision insurance is offered through the LEOFF Health and Welfare Trust as part of the Premera Blue Cross Group Plan, Heritage Plus Network. Medical premiums for employees and their families are covered at 100% by the District per the current collective bargaining agreement between East Pierce Fire & Rescue and I.A.F.F. Local 3520.   DENTAL Dental Insurance is offered through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF). Currently WCIF offers two plans to choose from: Washington Dental Service/Delta Dental (WDS) and Willamette Dental. Premiums for employees and their families are covered at  100% by the District per the current collective bargaining agreement between East Pierce Fire & Rescue and I.A.F.F. Local 3520.   VEBA/BPAS Under the current collective bargaining agreement, the District contributes an annual amount to an employee's VEBA, a tax-free health reimbursement arrangement. 

Any monies remaining in the VEBA at the end of the plan year remain in the employee's account.    LEOFF 2 (PENSION) All full-time firefighters contribute a percentage of their salary to the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighter (LEOFF) Retirement System Plan 2. EPF&R also contributes a percentage on a monthly basis to your retirement account. These percentages are set by DRS each year.    DEFERRED COMPENSATION The District currently contributes six percent (6%) of an employee's monthly base salary into a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan of the employee's choice of programs offered by the District.  No matching is required.   BASIC LIFE The District pays the premiums for basic life insurance with two plans. First with Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) offering $15,000 in basic life, plus an additional $15,000 AD&D. Second with Washington Counties Insurance Fund in the amount of $12,000.   ADDITIONAL LIFE The District pays the premiums for $50,000 additional life insurance with WSCFF for each bargaining unit member. Employees can purchase additional life insurance for themselves, their spouse, or dependent children from either WSCFF or WCIF, both underwritten by The Standard. 

EAP All members of the district are offered an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service is available to you and anyone residing in your home. The program offers confidential, professional help for issues such as drug or alcohol problems, marital difficulties, child and family problems, emotional stress, job stress, etc. Employees receive six (6) visits at no cost per issue.    VACATION Employees earn a generous vacation accrual based on years of service.    SICK LEAVE Employees earn paid sick leave at the rate of one shift per month.   HOLIDAYS The District recognizes 11 holidays, plus 2 personal days for day shift personnel and 144 hours of holiday time for 24-hour shift personnel.