Firefighter

Position Description

West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) anticipates hiring up to 26 lateral firefighter and firefighter/paramedic positions, beginning employment in January 2027. The minimum requirements for lateral entry at the time of application are as follows:

• Currently employed as a Firefighter or Firefighter/Paramedic with a minimum of 12 consecutive months of full-time paid service with a municipal fire department, fire district, fire authority, or comparable public fire agency.
• Successful completion of probation with current employer.
• Current National Registry or Washington State EMT or Paramedic certification.
• IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications.
• HazMat Awareness and Operations certifications.
• Ability to obtain Washington State reciprocity/certifications prior to completion of probation.

Eligibility does not extend to employment with industrial fire departments, the military, or private corporations.

Salary and Pay Grades

Lateral Firefighter/EMT 2026 monthly base salary range: $8,389 to $9,781.

• $8,389 – 4th Class (7‑12 months)
• $9,056 – 3rd Class (13‑24 months)
• $9,781 – 2nd Class (25‑36 months)

Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic 2026 monthly base salary range: $9,438 to $11,004.

• $9,438 – 4th Class (7‑12 months)
• $10,188 – 3rd Class (13‑24 months)
• $11,004 – 2nd Class (25‑36 months)

Longevity Pay

Longevity compensation is based on aggregate qualifying years of full‑time paid fire service at the time of employment.

• 60 months: 2% of base salary
• 120 months: $1,025 + 4% of base salary
• 180 months: $1,025 + 6% of base salary
• 240 months: $1,025 + 8% of base salary
• 264 months: $1,025 + 10% of base salary
• 300 months: $1,025 + 12% of base salary

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage with WPFR paying 100% of premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) of $4,000 on hire and annually thereafter.
• Deferred compensation plan with a monthly match of $1,025 for employees with less than ten years of service (effective January 1, 2027).
• Participation in Washington State's LEOFF Plan 2 retirement system.
• Educational incentive of 2.5% to 7% for college degrees and executive fire officer certification.
• Payment for professional development tuition and textbooks.
• Language proficiency incentives up to 4% and specialist program incentives up to 3%.

Essential Job Functions

• Respond to fire incidents, mass casualty incidents, natural disasters, and other emergency events.
• Operate and maintain fire apparatus, including pump and ladder operations.
• Provide emergency medical treatment and transportation for injured or ill patients.
• Participate in training, pre‑fire planning, inspections, public education, and other readiness activities.
• Maintain accurate incident reports and records.
• Communicate effectively with a culturally diverse community.
• Obtain and maintain EMT‑B certification within Pierce County.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Ensure safety and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license for legally driving in Washington State.
• Minimum of 12 consecutive months of full‑time paid fire service (additional experience is desirable).
• Valid National Registry or Washington State EMT/Paramedic certification at time of application.
• IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications.
• HazMat Awareness and Operations certifications.
• Physical conditioning and ability to perform demanding tasks under hazardous conditions, including use of a self‑contained breathing apparatus.
• Proficiency in English (additional language proficiency is an asset).
• Acceptance of the requirement to serve a minimum of six years in the district’s paramedic program if hired as a paramedic.

Training and Probation

• Completion of an eight‑week Mini Academy and a six‑month probationary period, comprising at least 36 full 24‑hour shifts.
• Conditional offers based on successful completion of background investigation, driving abstract review, medical exam with drug screening, psychological/suitability assessment, and verification of qualifying service.

Other Information

• Lateral hires must retain their paramedic certification and cannot leave the paramedic program for at least six years from the date of employment.
• Vacation accruals are based on total qualifying service, with 24‑hour shift rates as outlined in the collective agreement.
• All costs associated with hiring conditions are covered by WPFR.

WPFR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.