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MOUNT VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT
910 CLEVELAND AVE
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON 98273
360-336-0638
http://www.mountvernonwa.gov/145/Fire
 

Updated: July 31, 2025


 

 

 Job Classification: Firefighter

 

 The City of Mount Vernon has opened the NTN Fire Team Testing window for the January 2026 Academy.  Test today through NTN to start the process to join Mount Vernon’s Fire Department and support our mission of helping people every day!

 

Application Process:  Candidates must complete an online application and questionnaire with the City of Mount Vernon to be considered for this position.  Applications can be found at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa.

 

 CPAT Certification:  A current, valid CPAT certification will be accepted from NTN or another agency licensed by the IAFF/AFC as a licensed CPAT provider.  Proof of a valid CPAT must be submitted with your application on government jobs.com.  Candidates who obtain their CPAT after the closing date of August 24, 2025 must email a copy to mvhr@mountvernonwa.gov prior to September 1, 2025.

 

Effective August 16, 2021, all new hires to the City will be required as a condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to start date.  If you have questions or need an accommodation for this requirement due to a disability or religious reason, you can speak to our Human Resources Department for further information.

 

Salary Information:

  •  Firefighter – 3rd Grade - $7,206.41 per month
  • Firefighter – 2nd Grade - $7,909.28 per month
  • Firefighter – 1st Grade -  $8,787.20 per month

 

Benefits Information:

City of mount Vernon firefighters receive medical, dental and vision insurance as well as life insurance.  Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, a medical insurance opt-out program, 10 hours of vacation per month, 16 hours of sick leave per month and access to our employee assistance program.  All eligible employees are enrolled in a Washington State Department of Retirement Systems LEOFF II pension plan.  Additionally, employees may elect to participate in the City’s 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan with a 4% City match.

 For more information regarding the City’s benefits please visit, https://mountvernonwa.gov/170/Employee-Benefits

 

Department Overview: 

The Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD) established in 1891 is a municipal department of the City of Mount Vernon and serves a population of 35,200 residents over 13 square miles.  MVFD deploys seven apparatus from three fire stations staffed with 11career full-time firefighters and paramedics.  The department runs over 8400 calls for service annually, averaging 23 calls for service a day department wide.  MVFD operations run on a three-platoon system, 24/48, 192 hour, 28-day FLSA cycle utilizing Kelly Days.  The department is staffed with 48 operational positions and supported by administrative staff, prevention division, and a nurse educator.  MVFD also provides fire protection services to Skagit County Fire District #1 and is under contract with Skagit County Department of EMS to provide ambulance services to the City of Mount Vernon and parts of unincorporated jurisdictions of Skagit County.

 

MVFD has recently remodeled two of the three fire stations with construction completed in October of 2024.  We recently took possession of a new Ford F450 ambulance and are scheduled to receive a new aerial (QUINT) this summer.

 

MVFD is under new leadership with the newly appointed Fire Chief Bryan Harris.  Chief Harris has been with MVFD for 28 years and has served his entire professional career with the organization. MVFD offers a competitive contract benefits package and is the highest paying department in Skagit County.

 

Our Mission: To Protect the Lives, Property and Environment of Mount Vernon and to minimize losses when emergencies occur.

 

Our Vision: Making a Positive Difference.

 

City Information:

Mount Vernon is alive with adventure throughout its spectacularly diverse 1,920 square miles. From glacially carved Cascade Mountains, seasonally colorful farmland and more than 125 square miles of water features, there are outstanding opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, kayaking, rafting, hiking, biking and bird watching.  Other fun activities include visiting gardens and parks, golfing, gaming, driving scenic byways and enjoying entertainment options. 

Mount Vernon offers a vibrant mix of office, retail, restaurant, and professional services on the shores of the beautiful Skagit River.  It’s also one of the unique areas in the country that offers high speed, state of the art fiber optic technology.

The City is a non-charter Code City which utilizes a strong Mayor-Council form of government.  Mount Vernon is the largest city in Skagit County with a population of 35,051.

The City of Mount Vernon is characterized by it’s “hometown” atmosphere, where residents and government work together in a trusting environment.

 

Job Requirements

Age: 21

Citizenship Required:  US Citizen or Lawfully allowed to work in the U.S.

Education: High School Grad/GED

Valid WASHINGTON Driver's License: Yes or the ability to obtain one within six months and must be able to complete the employer’s driving program: “Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention.”

Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes

Academy Certification: Ability to obtain a FFI certification upon completion of the Washington State Fire Academy (City will send candidate to Academy)

Necessary Certifications: Possess and maintain a current Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certification by the certification date of the Eligibility List, September 17, 2025.

Additional Requirements: Must meet medical, psychological and Civil Service requirements. Must possess CPAT certification by August 24, 2025.

 

Selection Process:

Step 1: Applicants interested in this position must complete the testing process through National Testing Network (NTN) (www.NationalTestingNetwork.com).

Step 2: Submit an application through the City of Mount Vernon’s website at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa no later than August 24, 2025.

 

In addition, a current and valid CPAT certification is required and must be submitted no later than August 24, 2025.

 

Failure to apply through the National Testing Network AND the City of Mount Vernon will disqualify you from the process.

 

Step 3: The top 75 applicants with the highest written score and meet the minimum qualifications AND have completed steps 1 and 2 above will be invited to a virtual interview September 3rd through September 5th.  After the virtual interviews, the top scoring 30 applicants will be invited to an oral board scheduled for October 1st through October 3rd. 

Not all applicants will progress through the entire process.

 

Step 4: Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility register based on their scores achieved on the NTN Written Exam, the Oral Board Interviews, plus Veteran’s preference.  Final scores will be posted around October 15, 2025.

 

Step 5: The most qualified candidates will be invited to a Chief’s Interview the week of October 27, 2025.

 

Step 6: Conditional offers of employment will be issued after the Chief’s interview and will be contingent upon the following:

  • Passing a psychological exam
  • Passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen
  • Passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check with no felony convictions within the last seven years
  • Satisfactory reference checks
  • Satisfactory driving abstract

 

Step 7:  Candidates will begin the Firefighter Recruit Academy in January 2026.

 The Eligibility register from this recruitment will be valid until October 2027.

  

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace

and maintains a smoke free work environment. 

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.