Entry Level Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

Major Function and Purpose

The primary function of the firefighter is to protect the lives and property of the citizens within South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. He/she ensures the preparedness of the station and its staff for emergency response operations by participating in routine training exercises and by maintaining the station and all equipment in a serviceable condition. This is a full-time position.

General Function

Under the general supervision of the lieutenant, the firefighter responds to all emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, extinguishes fires and provides emergency medical care or other assistance to victims at the scene. In addition, this employee performs routine maintenance to station facilities and inspects all apparatus and equipment, ensuring their readiness for emergency service.

Supervision Responsibilities

The firefighter has occasional supervisory responsibility for the resident firefighters and volunteers in the absence of the station lieutenant.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Responding to fires and emergency medical scenes, suppressing and extinguishing fires, driving apparatus to scene, following procedures to prevent the fire from restarting, providing first aid and emergency medical care to victims at scene, removing victims from hazardous areas.

• Controlling or restricting public access to hazardous areas.

• Responding to non-emergency or lower priority calls for assistance (i.e., pumping flooded basements).

• Use of any or all department equipment as appropriate, assigned, or otherwise required to extinguish fires in structures, grass, wooded terrain, automobiles, etc., including connection and use of fire hoses, aerial ladders, bars, hooks, safety belts, chainsaws, winches, air chisels, basic life support equipment, and other equipment as assigned.

• Inspecting apparatus and fire suppression equipment daily to ensure readiness for service, conducting tests on pumping equipment, washing vehicles as needed, inspecting and repairing hoses and couplings.

• Performing routine cleaning and maintenance to the station and facilities, performing grounds keeping duties and lawn maintenance, keeping inventory of station supplies and ordering or purchasing more as needed.

• Inspecting buildings within South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, drawing pre-fire plans that illustrate basic structural layout, identify any potential hazards and show the location of sprinkler systems and hydrants to be used in the event of an emergency.

• Conducting and participating in training exercises.

• Providing blood pressure tests at the station as a public service for citizens upon request.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

The firefighter must possess the ability to work well with others as a team and should be able to learn quickly and follow directions. He/she must have a good working knowledge of mechanical systems. The ability to work effectively under extreme pressure is necessary. In addition, the firefighter should be proficient in the following:

• Familiarity with the geographic service area and the surrounding county

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

• Ability to memorize and recall details (i.e., names, faces, incidents, identification of objects)

• Ability to drive and operate firefighting and emergency medical vehicles and equipment under adverse conditions

• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for each citizen's rights

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and volunteers

• Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse and stressful conditions (i.e., public harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death)

Working Conditions

Work is performed both indoors and outside. The employee will have routine exposure to hazards such as fire, extreme heat and smoke. In addition, the employee is required to work in and around unstable structures and may encounter live electrical lines, toxic gases or fumes, and chemical vapors. The employee may also have exposure to blood and/or communicable disease. In the normal course of duties it is often necessary to enter hazardous areas (i.e., fire or automobile accident scenes) which may require the employee to wear protective clothing or equipment.

Contacts and Relationships

The employee has routine daily contact with the public.

Physical Requirements

The employee will routinely encounter emergency situations that may require rapid evacuation of an area in order to avoid personal injury or to provide assistance to another individual, and must therefore have the physical ability to walk and run. He/she must have the dexterity to manipulate standard firefighting tools and equipment, and must be able to lift in excess of 100 pounds. The employee must have the ability to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio and telephone. In addition, the employee will be required to climb ladders and stairs, and work in confined areas.

Recruiting Requirements

• High school diploma (or GED)

• Valid Driver’s License

• Ability to successfully complete South Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s written entrance examination and agility test

• Pass a physical examination

• Possess a valid EMT certification

• Submit to a background check

• Minimum age of 18 years

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.

Recruiting Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18
• Valid Driver's License prior to start date.
• Ability to pass background, medical, and psychological evaluations.
• Candidates must have completed CPAT and public safety Written Examination within the last year or prior to application deadline. Can be completed through Public Safety Testing or National Testing Network.
• For entry level candidates you are NOT required to have a Washington State EMT certification - SKFR will pay for you to become certified. Entry Level Paramedics are required to have Paramedic Certification no later than January 1, 2027.

Our Benefits Include

Medical, Vision, Dental
Life ($2,000 Core) and Life ($12,000 Basic)
Disability & Life ($15,000 Term Life)
Vol Life and AD&D
Defined Benefit Pension LEOFF
Deferred Compensation
EAP
HRA
FSA
Injury Advocacy
Sick Leave
Vacation Time
Holiday Pay