Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic & Firefighter/EMT in Camano, Washington at Camano Island Fire & Rescue (WA)

$15,000 Hiring Bonus

Candidates hired with a completed, approved Fire Academy will be eligible for a $15,000 hiring bonus. Fire Academy training and certifications will be reviewed for equivalency during the application process.

Join a Department That Invests in Your Future

Camano Island Fire & Rescue (CIFR) is seeking experienced career firefighters to join our team through one of two pathways:

Firefighter/Paramedic

For lateral career Firefighter/Paramedics looking to continue providing exceptional Advanced Life Support while serving in a progressive combination department.

Firefighter/EMT

For experienced career Firefighter/EMTs who have successfully completed a District-approved Fire Academy and are seeking to advance their careers through District-sponsored attendance at the Harborview Medical Center–Medic One Paramedic Training Program beginning in Summer 2027.

Whether you already hold your paramedic certification or aspire to become a Firefighter/Paramedic, Camano Island Fire & Rescue provides an exceptional environment focused on professional development, operational excellence, and community service.

Why Camano Island Fire & Rescue?

At Camano Island Fire & Rescue, our members are much more than emergency responders, they are trusted professionals dedicated to serving a close-knit community with integrity, compassion, and pride.

We operate from four strategically located stations providing fire suppression, Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, technical rescue, and community risk reduction services throughout Camano Island.

Unlike many EMS systems, our Firefighter/Paramedics do not perform routine interfacility transports. Instead, they remain focused on emergency 911 response, rescue operations, training, and operational readiness.

Our Firefighters enjoy:

• Progressive leadership
• Extensive hands-on training
• Technical rescue opportunities
• Rope rescue operations
• Strong mentorship
• Excellent equipment
• Collaborative station culture
• Opportunities for leadership development

We seek firefighters who are motivated, humble, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning.

Recruitment Timeline

Application Period

July 14th, 2026 – August 14th, 2026
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM

Hiring Process

• Tuesday, August 25th – Oral Board Assessment
• Monday, August 31st - Leadership Interview
• Thursday, September 3rd – Fire Chief Interview
• October 1st – Projected Hire Date

Successful applicants may be placed on an eligibility list valid for up to one year.

What You'll Do

As a Firefighter with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, you will serve a community that depends on you during some of life's most challenging moments. Every shift presents new opportunities to apply your skills, work alongside a highly trained team, and make a meaningful difference through emergency response, prevention, and community engagement.

Beyond emergency response, firefighters play an active role in maintaining operational readiness. This includes participating in ongoing training, drills, and continuing education; inspecting and maintaining apparatus, equipment, and facilities; completing incident documentation and patient care reports; and assisting with pre-incident planning, hydrant maintenance, fire prevention activities, public education, and community risk reduction programs.

Firefighter/Paramedics serve as the lead ALS providers on emergency medical incidents, delivering advanced patient assessment and treatment under the direction of the Medical Services Officer, Medical Program Director, and Island County EMS protocols. They also provide mentorship and clinical leadership to Firefighter/EMTs while participating fully in fire suppression and rescue operations.

Firefighter/EMTs provide high-quality basic life support care while serving as integral members of the suppression team. Those hired through the EMT pathway will test for District-sponsored attendance at the Harborview Medical Center–Medic One Paramedic Training Program beginning in Summer 2027, providing a clear pathway toward becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic within the organization.

At Camano Island Fire & Rescue, every firefighter is expected to contribute to a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We value individuals who embrace challenging assignments, support their fellow crew members, and are committed to developing both personally and professionally throughout their careers.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Currently work in a Full-Time, career capacity Fire Department, Fire District, or Regional Fire Authority
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED
• Hold all required certifications listed below
  • WA DOH EMT or Paramedic Certification – NREMT will also be accepted
  • IFSAC or Proboard Firefighter 1 & 2 Certifications
  • IFSAC or Proboard Hazmat Awareness, and Hazmat Operations Certifications
  • Current CPAT obtained within the prior 12 months at time of application
  • Current WA State Drivers License
• Meet District insurability requirements
• Successfully complete:
  • Background Investigation
  • Medical Examination
  • Drug Screening
  • Psychological Evaluation

Fire Academy Equivalency

Applicants applying through the Firefighter/EMT pathway or Firefighter Paramedics wishing to obtain the hiring bonus must have successfully completed a fire academy deemed equivalent by Camano Island Fire & Rescue.

At this time, the District recognizes completion of the following academies as meeting the Fire Academy requirement:

• Washington State Patrol Fire Academy
• North King County Fire Academy
• South King County Fire Academy
• Seattle Fire Academy
• Snohomish County Fire Academy

Firefighter I & II certification alone does not satisfy the Fire Academy requirement. Applicants who completed a fire academy not listed above may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the academy is determined by the District to be substantially equivalent in curriculum and training.

Lateral Hiring Advantages

Qualified lateral firefighters receive:

• Placement based upon verified experience with up to 20 years longevity granted
• Six-month probationary period
• Immediate integration into District operations with no fire academy
• Testing for District-sponsored paramedic school (Firefighter/EMT pathway)

Salary

Firefighter/EMT

$86,538.96 – $121,154.48

Firefighter/Paramedic

$108,810.60 – $148,076.02

Salary placement is based upon qualifications and experience.

Additional compensation includes:

• Education Incentive
• Longevity Pay
• 4% COLA increases approved through the 2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement

About Camano Island Fire & Rescue

Camano Island Fire & Rescue proudly serves approximately 17,000 residents across 39 square miles in beautiful Island County, Washington. Our mission is to protect life, property, and the environment through exceptional emergency response, fire prevention, public education, and community partnerships.

As a combination fire department, our team is made up of dedicated career, part-time, maintenance, and administrative personnel who work together to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and community risk reduction services. Together, we respond to more than 2,500 emergency incidents annually, with approximately 70 percent of our calls involving emergency medical services.

Our organization includes:

• 4 Fire Stations
• Administration Headquarters
• Maintenance Facility
• 35 Career Firefighters
• 18 Part-Time Firefighters
• 3 Volunteer Firefighters
• 8 Administrative Staff
• 4 Maintenance Personnel
• 5 Elected Fire Commissioners

Camano Island offers an exceptional quality of life with the perfect balance of rural living and convenient access to surrounding communities. Located just 15 minutes west of Interstate 5 via State Route 532, the Island provides miles of shoreline, state parks, hiking trails, boating, fishing, and year-round outdoor recreation, all while remaining within an easy commuting distance of Everett, Mount Vernon, and the greater Seattle metropolitan area.

At Camano Island Fire & Rescue, you'll find more than just a job, you'll find a department committed to investing in its people. Whether you're joining us as an experienced Firefighter/Paramedic or a Firefighter/EMT pursuing the next step in your career, you'll become part of a team that values professionalism, integrity, innovation, and continuous growth while making a lasting impact on the community we proudly serve.