Entry Firefighter and Entry Firefighter/Paramedic (NTN FireTeam Testing Window Open)
GovernmentJobs.com · Washington, District of Columbia · Posted Jun 19, 2026 · $96,144 to $121,968 a year
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Firefighter The City of Bellingham has opened the Entry Firefighter NTN FireTeam Testing window for the January 2027 Academy. Test today through NTN to start the process of joining the Bellingham Fire Department and supporting our mission of helping people every day!
Firefighters provide emergency assistance and protective services to citizens. They are trained and equipped to protect life and property threatened by disaster, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, illness, accidents and other hazards. Activities include emergency prevention, emergency and non-emergency response, fire code enforcement, building inspections, training and drill and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, fire station and grounds.
They perform a wide range of emergency work under adverse environmental and strenuous physical conditions. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment such as heat resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and medical masks, gloves and gowns.
Firefighters may be required to drive fire apparatus or medical units and perform special firefighting, pre-hospital medical care, rescue work or other skills acquired by work experience and specialized training programs. Firefighters are subject to shift work and off-duty recall for major emergencies.
Starting 2026 wages for Firefighter: Entry Firefighter - $8,012/mo - $10,164/mo. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 106 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.
The City of Bellingham participates in the National Testing Network's Fee Waiver Program. Please contact NTN Candidate Support for more information. To learn more about the Bellingham Fire Department and the hiring process, please visit our website at Join Our Team - City of Bellingham.
Essential functions include responding to fires and other emergencies, providing basic and/or advanced life support medical assistance, maintaining contact with communications center and Department, driving fire apparatus, conducting inspection of buildings for possible hazards, participating in the development and delivery of emergency prevention programs, responding to various service calls, participating in company and battalion training program and drill exercises, testing facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems, and performing general and preventative maintenance on apparatus, equipment and facilities.
Additional work performed includes performing administrative and technical support activities for Fire Administration, preparing and maintaining reports and records, and performing other related duties as assigned.
The work environment includes 24-hour shift work including weekends and holidays. Work is performed at fire stations, on various apparatus, on the drill ground and at different emergency scenes. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion in environments with limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings, exposed heights and in and around water.
Firefighters also work with citizens experiencing a wide range of emotions as a result of an emergency.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including carrying hose bundle of approximately 50 pounds and don personal protection and firefighting equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds to the scene of an emergency, laying and operating hose lines, stabilizing and lifting patients with backboard and cot, carrying, placing and extending ladders in training and in emergencies, operating power equipment such as a chain saw, portable generator, hydraulic jaws, smoke ejector, etc., setting up and operating master streams and aerial ladder pipes, and while wearing protective clothing, performing heavy labor such as chopping, shoveling, moving furniture, equipment and merchandise.
Entry: Must have received a high school diploma or G. E. D. Candidates must not have smoked tobacco products for a minimum of 24 months prior to application to be considered for employment as a firefighter.
All Entry Firefighter Candidates must meet the following requirements: Must be 21 years of age. Must be a U. S. citizen, deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient, or a registered permanent resident able to work in the United States. Successful completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Employment contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test, passing a medical evaluation, passing a swim test, demonstrating the ability to swim at a distance, tread water, and retrieve a submerged weight, passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check, and local b