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Firefighter/EMT - Career

National Testing Network
Email

SOUTH WHATCOM FIRE AUTHORITY
2050 LAKE WHATCOM BLVD
BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON 98229
360-676-8080

 

Updated: September 03, 2025


 

 

Job Classification:  Firefighter/EMT - Career

 

All candidates must complete the FireTEAM exam, Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) located in your candidate profile on National Testing Network by October 1st, 2025. 

Before receiving oral board invitations, candidates must pass the SWFA Swim Assessment. Requirements can be accessed on our website at:  https://www.swrfa.org/careers/ 

 

Additionally, the following documents must also be uploaded to the Candidate Document section of National Testing Network by October 1st, 2025:

·         SWFA Employment Application and Authorization for Release of Information Form

·         Current Washington State EMT Certification

·         Washington IFSAC Firefighter I Certificate

·         Washington IFSAC Hazardous Materials – Operations Certificate

 

South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) is establishing a hiring list for the Firefighter/EMT – career position.  The list will be used to hire up to (3) additional personnel planned for 2026. The hiring list, once established, will be in place for one year, or until exhausted, as determined by the fire chief.

The firefighter position includes response activities for fire, emergency medical, surface water, technical rope rescue, and hazardous materials.  Other activities include public education and community outreach, assisting in the training of other firefighters, and performing support tasks as assigned.  Full job description available at: https://www.swrfa.org/careers/.

The current regular schedule is a four-platoon system with 24-hour shifts every fourth day.  Other approved schedules may be used as determined by SWFA management.

We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage women and minorities to apply.

Current Salary: Determined by merit-based pay classifications, 2025 = $79,562.07 - $98,224.73 Annually (Currently in negotiations for 2026-2028 bargaining agreement). 

 

Benefit Information:

·         LEOFF 2 Retirement Plan

·         Deferred Compensation Program

·         Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

·         Life and Disability Insurance

·         Longevity Pay

·         Education Incentive Pay

·         Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Leave

·         Tuition Reimbursement

·         Medical Expense Retirement Plan (MERP)

·         Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

 

Minimum Requirements

·         Must be a U.S. Citizen or registered to work in the U.S.

·         Must be a minimum of 21 years old by the time of hire.

·         Must be a high school graduate or have received a GED.

·         Must possess a valid WA driver’s license by the time of hire and be able to pass a driving record check that will reveal all traffic violations within the last seven (7) years.

·         Must not have any record of driver’s license suspension or revocation in any state within the last five (5) years.

·         Must not have any felony convictions.

·         Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed. A misdemeanor conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant.

·         Must hold a current Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate at the time of application.

·         Must hold certifications for Washington IFSAC Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Operations at the time of application.

·         Must be a non-smoker/tobacco user (if previously smoked, must have quit for two years).

·         Must possess a current CPAT (within 6 months) card from a licensed provider by the time of hire.

·         Must be able to pass a comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening.

·         Must be able to pass the SWFA Swim Assessment. Requirements can be accessed on our website at:  https://www.swrfa.org/careers/ 

 

Application Process

A SWFA Employment Application and Authorization for Release of Information form; current Washington State EMT certification; Washington IFSAC Firefighter I certificate; and Hazardous Materials Operations certificate are required to be submitted through NTN to be considered for the application process.  The Employment Application and Authorization for Release of Information form can be obtained on our website at:  https://www.swrfa.org/careers/.  

National Testing Network (NTN) scores and application documents must be submitted no later than October 1st, 2025.  

Applicants with passing scores will be invited to a speed round interview at a later date.

Contact Person: 
Stephen Mitchell, Assistant Chief
smitchell@swrfa.org

 

 

Job Requirements


Age:
21

Citizenship Required:
Yes or registered to work in the U.S.

High School Grad / GED:
Yes

Driver's License:
Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

Vision:
DOT Standards for Vision

Hearing: DOT Standards for Hearing

Necessary Certifications:

  • WA IFSAC Firefighter I
  • WA IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations
  • WA State EMT-Basic



Additional Requirements:

Non-tobacco user (or have quit for two years)
A comprehensive swim assessment is required

Hiring Process:

  • Application Acceptance
  • NTN Score Evaluation
  • Speed Round Interviews
  • SWFA Swim Assessment
  • Oral Board Interviews
  • Establish Hiring List
  • Chief’s Interviews
  • Comprehensive background screening
  • Conditional Offers