FIREFIGHTER at City of Pullman – Pullman, Washington

GENERAL PURPOSE: This is fire suppression, investigative and preventive inspection, and emergency medical aid work.

Performs a variety of life and property protection work through the suppression and prevention of fires and in response to emergency aid calls on a shift. At the scene of a fire, work is performed under hazardous conditions involving smoke, heat, and cramped surroundings, generally requiring strenuous physical exertion. At the scene of a medical emergency or accident, firefighters attend to the public under stressful conditions involving trauma, suffering, and personal tragedies. New employees will be sent to a fire academy and will receive IFSAC Firefighter 1, 2 and Haz Mat Operations certification.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY: Direct supervision of other full-time employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification. However, employees may be assigned to research a topic and conduct training sessions for career and reserve firefighters, direct reserves and other career members at the scene until relieved by an officer, and direct reserves and other career members on all ambulance calls. Reports to a Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant who is the shift officer. Close supervision is required initially; however, as training and experience is gained, the degree of supervision lessens with the employee assigned a task which is performed with considerable independence. Work performance is reviewed for the knowledge demonstrated during drills and training sessions, for the quality of emergency medical attention provided, and for the quality of daily activities performed.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Drives ambulance in all weather and traffic conditions in a safe manner and as quickly as possible; provides emergency medical treatment in the field and in transit to medical facilities within certification level; disentangles and extricates individuals at the scene of an accident using common and specialized hand and power tools; fills out and completes ambulance records;

Conducts daily and weekly vehicle and equipment maintenance repairs or reports needed repairs to an officer; completes and routes forms and reports.

Drives apparatus to scene of fire; controls and extinguishes fire and hazardous chemicals using water, chemicals, dry powders and gases; protects life and property by controlling hazardous situations, evacuating people, and moving property or protecting with covers; selects hose and nozzle to use and directs to extinguish fires; positions and climbs ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings or to assist people to exit structures; creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance using hand or power tools; fills out and processes fire reports.

Inspects businesses, single and multi-family residences, and student housing for compliance with city ordinances; investigates fires to determine probable cause.

Prepares for, conducts, or participates in training sessions; maintains fire station equipment and grounds including routine housekeeping and maintenance duties such as painting, mopping, cleaning, and general repairs.

Makes presentations to the public on an assigned subject.

Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.

Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs other tasks as assigned.

SELECTION FACTORS:

(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)

- Ability to read, comprehend, and apply a variety of fire suppression, prevention, inspection, and emergency medical materials and information.

- Ability to perform a variety of mechanical operations.

- Ability to reason and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations or situations involving personal danger.

- Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse working conditions.

- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

- Ability to learn and apply a variety of firefighting duties and methods, as well as skill in the use of firefighting equipment within a reasonable work test period.

- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

- Physical strength and agility sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

- Possession of a valid Emergency Medical Technician certification (BLS) or an EMT Advanced certification (ILS) or a valid EMT Paramedic certification (ALS).

- Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)

- High School Graduate/GED or equivalent.

- Minimum 21 years of age by date of hire

- Be a United States citizen or hold appropriate documentation to work in the United States.

- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language.

- Current Washington State or National Registry EMT/EMT-P by application deadline.. Able to obtain Washington State Certification within 60 after academy completion (if applicable).

- Valid Driver’s License by date of application deadline. Able to obtain Washington License within 90 days of hire if needed.

- Good driving record as verified by a background investigation.

- Successfully Pass a mandatory pre-employment Medical Physical.

- Successfully pass the Washington State Fire Academy if applicable.

- Candidates must meet the minimum requirements of Section 41.08.070 of the Revised Code of Washington.

Any experience or education which would demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, and apply a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures, and the ability to learn to perform the work.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

(For a detailed list of tools and equipment used, please refer to a current position description.)

Emergency medical aid unit, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, and other standard firefighting equipment, ladders, first aid equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone, copy machine, fax machine.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed primarily in office, vehicle and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during 24-hour shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Work is occasionally performed in confined spaces and/or in complete darkness. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 150 pounds. Employee may be expected to share a load, such as a patient up to 600 pounds, with other employees.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at an emergency scene.

Salary and Benefits:

• Pay and benefits for the Pullman Fire Department are determined by collective bargaining agreements between the City of Pullman and IAFF Local 1892.
• For 2026:
  • 4-platoon schedule with a 47.5-hour workweek.
  • Firefighter Pay Scale 2026:
    • Step 1 - $6,564 to Step 5 - $7,979 per month
  • Paramedic premium pay is 11% of the salary step
  • Education Incentive: 2% and 4% for associate's and bachelor’s degrees, respectively
  • 108 hours of annual flexible paid leave with the ability to cash out annually.
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Top Tier Health Insurance and Vision plan starting as low as $0.00 for a $100 deductible
  • Dental for $0.00 for employee and dependents
  • Life & Accidental Death & Disability insurance
  • LEOFF2 Retirement Plan
  • Elective Deferred Compensation Plan

Step 1: Apply, Schedule, and complete the written test (pulling list on 04/15/2026)

The initial testing process is conducted by Public Safety Testing and/or National Testing Network. Entry-level candidates must pass a written examination with a score of 70% or higher. Lateral applicants are not required to complete a written examination; however, they must still apply via either Public Safety Testing, National Testing Network, or on the City of Pullman website.

• https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/career-path/positions/firefighter?from=main
• https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/exams.cfm
• https://www.pullman-wa.gov/

Step 2: Successful Completion of Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) (must have taken CPAT by 04/15/2026)

Candidates must have a current and valid CPAT.

• Candidates must have completed the CPAT no more than 12 months before applying.

Candidates can find out more information related to the CPAT here:

https://www.publicsafetytesting.com/information-center/firefighter-cpat/
or
https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm

Step 3: Panel Interview (on or about April 27 - May 8th)

Candidates who have successfully completed the previous steps and scored in the top 10 candidates (subject to change) with their respective testing platform will be considered for a panel interview. Candidates must pass the panel interview with a combined score of 70% or higher to move forward in the process.

Step 4: Civil Service approval of the eligibility list (possibly at May 27th meeting)

The Civil Service Commission will approve the eligibility list based on current Civil Service rules. Candidates will be notified of their placement on the eligibility list.

Step 5: Chief’s interview (TBD)

If there are open positions available, a Fire Chief’s panel will interview and select candidates using the established Pullman Civil Service guidelines. Additional evaluation may be required prior to offer of employment.

Additional Information:

• New employees will be sent to a fire academy and will receive IFSAC Firefighter 1, 2, and Haz Mat Operations certifications. Lateral employees may be required to complete all or a portion of a fire academy as determined by the hiring authority.
• Individuals applying for preference points shall notify the Chief Examiner at time of application. Veteran’s preference points shall be accorded as required by R.C.W. 41.04.010 as it now exists or may hereafter be amended. Reserve firefighters currently employed by the City of Pullman or having been employed in the previous 3 years may receive preference points after receiving a passing score (70% or higher) on the written examination. Reserve applicants are eligible for 2% points of the test score per service year up to 5 years or 10%
• The life of the eligibility list shall follow Civil Service Rules as outlined in Rule V Section 9.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
• The City of Pullman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Please reach out to Chief Examiner Heidi Pederson at heidi.pederson@pullman-wa.gov or 509-338-3155 if you have questions regarding this announcement.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

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