Job Description
Salary: $34.10 - $47.25 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 4001-24
Department: Fire
Division: Fire
Opening Date: 09/03/2024
Closing Date: 11/5/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is currently seeking candidates interested in serving our community as firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT).
TFD takes great pride in its ability to serve the needs of our diverse community. Each day our citizens call upon us to respond to a variety of emergencies: fires, emergency medical incidents, technical rescues, hazardous materials, marine incidents and more.
Firefighter/EMTs are responsible for the protection of life, property, and the environment. They perform general duty firefighting work: combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, providing emergency medical services, and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus and quarters. Firefighters also prepare and maintain a variety of records and electronic reports and constantly interact with the public in a positive way.
TFD protects a service area of 71 square miles (Tacoma, Fife, Fircrest and associated waterways) with a population of more than 200,000. The department also services the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in North America, covering over 2,400 acres.
TFD has 17 active fire stations distributed throughout our response area. Our front-line uniform personnel staff operates 17 engine companies, four ladders, five medic units, three command vehicles, and four full-time BLS transport units. Uniformed personnel also cross-staff a fireboat, hazardous material unit and technical rescue vehicle. The majority of the uniformed force is engaged in fire suppression and emergency medical service delivery.
For additional information please visit the
IMPORTANT: PLEASE REVIEW THE FULL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT 253-591-5400. The City of Tacoma offers generous employee benefits: - Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees, spouses/domestic partners, and eligible dependents, including children up to age 26
- Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code
- Vacation and sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Excellent Retirement plan
- Salary based on 92.2 hour pay periods
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
Qualifications Graduation from high school or equivalent and a minimum of 18 years of age.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Valid Washington State Driver's License is required at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician is required by completion of Firefighter Recruit Academy EMT Training with maintenance thereafter.
Firefighter candidates are evaluated by the minimum medical standards (NFPA 1582) adopted by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs. These standards include being a non-smoker, which is defined as having quit use of any tobacco product two or more years ago and having normal lung function.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information Applications will be accepted until
Tuesday , November 5 , 2024, 5:00 p.m. Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) must attach a copy of their
DD-214 member copy 4 , (proof of military discharge form)
at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the
in-person written examination tentatively scheduled for either
December 3rd or 4th, 2024. There will be
no alternative test dates . Applicants must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for further hiring consideration.
***TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 RECRUITMENT INFORMATION*** The upcoming Entry-level Firefighter Test for the Tacoma Fire Department will evaluate whether or not you possess the critical, and job-related, skills and abilities necessary for success on the job.
Qualified applicants for the 2024 recruitment will be provided instructions on the process and next steps to follow to take the in-person entry-level firefighter test.
In preparation for the 2024 Entry-Level Firefighter test, Tacoma Fire Department is offering a free orientation guide as a helpful tool to prepare for the online firefighter test. The orientation guide will be attached to the email you receive regarding the written test.
A nationally recognized candidate physical ability test (CPAT) will be administered during the first eight weeks of the Firefighter Recruit Academy. The CPAT assesses the physical abilities necessary to perform the duties of a firefighter. The CPAT must be successfully completed for continued employment with the Tacoma Fire Department.
Additional employment information: - Individuals who are given a conditional offer of employment must also pass a background check, pre-employment medical examination, and drug screening.
- New employees must successfully complete a one-year probationary period, from date of hire, prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
- This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IAFF Local 31.
The Community Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of more than 200,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
Propelled by significant development such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.
Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location - just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast - only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this
Communication from the City of Tacoma: We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by
4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses may be accessed in subsequent examinations, and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.
02
Which best describes your highest level of education.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associates degree
- Bachelor's degree
03
Do you meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement: Are you at least a minimum of 18 years of age?
04
I understand that firefighter candidates are evaluated by the minimum medical standards (NFPA 1582) adopted by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs. These standards include being a non-smoker, which is defined as having quit use of any tobacco product two or more years ago and having normal lung function. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand this information.
05
I understand that this recruitment will include a written examination administered in person that will result in the establishment of an eligible list. This list will be used to fill firefighter vacancies for up to two years. If there is a change to my contact information, I will update my profile at or contact the City of Tacoma Human Resources Department. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand this information.
06
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
- Job Interest Card notification
- Internet search
- Professional organization
- Community organization
- Military organization
- Union job posting
- City of Tacoma employee
- Online job board posting
- Word of mouth
- Women in Fire Event
- Other
07
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
08
If applicable, you must attach your DDForm 214 Member 4 copy to this application if you want to receive (if eligible) Veterans Scoring Criteria/Veteran's Preference. If this is not applicable to you click no. Have you attached your DD214 document?
Required Question City of Tacoma, WA
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Weekly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Second job, Local area,