Entry Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $96,144.00 Annually
Location : City of Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-Firefighter Entry (27-1)
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 9/23/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 106
Nature of Work
The City of Bellingham has opened the Entry Firefighter NTN FireTeam Testing window for the January 2027 Academy. Test today through NTN to start the process of joining the Bellingham Fire Department and supporting our mission of helping people every day!
Firefighters provide emergency assistance and protective services to citizens. They are trained and equipped to protect life and property threatened by disaster, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, illness, accidents and other hazards. Activities include emergency prevention, emergency and non-emergency response, fire code enforcement, building inspections, training and drill and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, fire station and grounds. They perform a wide range of emergency work under adverse environmental and strenuous physical conditions. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment such as heat resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and medical masks, gloves and gowns.
Firefighters may be required to drive fire apparatus or medical units and perform special firefighting, pre-hospital medical care, rescue work or other skills acquired by work experience and specialized training programs. Firefighters are subject to shift work and off-duty recall for major emergencies.
SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION:
Starting 2026 wages for Firefighter:

• Entry Firefighter - $8,012
• Entry Firefighter with National Registry Paramedic Certifications- $8,012/mo plus $1,016.40/mo Engine Medic Premium until placed as Paramedic. Paramedic Premium is $1,524.60/mo. Engine Medic Pay will be removed if they fail to pass the BFD evaluation process.

The 2026 full monthly salary for an Entry Firefighter is $8,012/mo - $10,164/mo. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the and City policy.
Note: If you are a Experienced Firefighter/Firefighter Paramedic, please review the qualifications for Lateral Firefighter on our We will be opening the Experience Firefighter application window directly on our If it is not posted, please sign up for theto receive an email notification.
At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can page and

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 6 shifts off incorporated into the work schedule in lieu of holidays
• 228 hours of sick leave upon hire + monthly accruals based on assigned schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals and require employees to be paid status at least 96 hours/month.
For additional information regarding benefits and compensation Information please visit the following:
TESTING INFORMATION:
All applicants interested in this position must complete testing through National Testing Network. Please visit the National Testing Network website (www.NationalTestingNetwork.com) for information regarding the testing process. FireTEAM Testing and a valid CPAT are required for this position. Please see below for the FireTeam and CPAT Testing windows:

• FireTEAM Testing: Must be completed by 4:30pm, September 23, 2026.
  • Please note that if you have applied with the City of Bellingham in the previous testing window and would like to resubmit your current scores, you will need to contact NTN directly to transfer your valid scores to reapply for the current testing window.
• 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. CPAT testing must be completed and certification issued between October 31, 2025 and October 30, 2026. Proof of CPAT must be attached to your City of Bellingham application. Candidates who pass the speed interview will be invited to complete the City of Bellingham application. Please do not send proof of CPAT Certification until instructed.

The City of Bellingham participates in the National Testing Network's Fee Waiver Program. Please contact NTN Candidate Support for more information.
To learn more about the Bellingham Fire Department and the hiring process, please visit our website at
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Responds to fires and other emergencies. Places equipment; lays and connects hose; operates high capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, safety belts, lines and hooks; uses self-contained breathing apparatus; performs ventilation tasks above ground; and performs salvage and overhaul operations. Uses ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and anchors for special rescue situations. Identifies, isolates and mitigates hazardous material incidents.
2. Provides basic and/or advanced life support medical assistance to citizens in non-emergency and emergency situations where life may be endangered. Sets up and operates equipment such as resuscitator, inhalator, oxygen, and cardiac monitor, defibrillation equipment, intravenous solution and medications.
3. Maintains contact with communications center and Department to report initial observations, progress on handling incidents, and receive orders and instruction on handling event(s). Utilizes the incident command system.
4. As qualified and appropriate to the incident, drives fire apparatus, drives medical or aid vehicles or pilots fire boat. Determines appropriate response routes to the emergency. Transports patients to hospitals or other destinations.
5. Conducts inspection of residential, commercial and industrial buildings for possible hazards and violations of fire code requirements. May issue correction notices as directed by the Captain. Participates in the development of pre-incident plans on how to handle fire and medical emergencies at various businesses and facilities.
6. Participates in the development and delivery of emergency prevention programs.
7. Responds to various service calls providing assistance to citizens in situations that are not life threatening, such as requests for physical assistance, flooded basements, and complaints about unsafe or illegal burning.
8. Participates in company and battalion training program and drill exercises. Instructs job skills to others. Researches, compiles, organizes and presents information at training and drill sessions.
9. Periodically tests facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems and maintains records of test information.
10. Performs general and preventative maintenance on apparatus, equipment and facilities to ensure proper function and reliability.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs administrative and technical support activities for Fire Administration on a regular or special project basis.
2. Prepares and maintains reports and records within assigned area of responsibility.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment includes 24-hour shift work including weekends and holidays. Work is performed at fire stations, on various apparatus, on the drill ground and at different emergency scenes. Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions may require strenuous exertion in environments with limited visibility, exposure to hazardous or toxic chemicals and gases, extremes in temperature, cramped surroundings, exposed heights and in and around water. Firefighters also work with citizens experiencing a wide range of emotions (rage, grief, confusion, etc.) as a result of an emergency. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Carry hose bundle of approximately 50 pounds and don personal protection and firefighting equipment weighing approximately 70 pounds to the scene of an emergency (sometimes to upper floors of businesses, apartments and hotels).
• Lay and operate hose lines (160 pounds per 50 feet of hose with 100 pounds of nozzle pressure).
• Stabilize and lift patients with backboard and cot.
• Carry, place and extend ladders in training and in emergencies.
• Operate power equipment such as a chain saw, portable generator, hydraulic jaws, smoke ejector, etc.
• Set up and operate master streams and aerial ladder pipes.
• While wearing protective clothing, performs heavy labor such as chopping, shoveling, moving furniture, equipment and merchandise.

Experience and Training
Entry:

• Must have received a high school diploma or G. E. D.
• Candidates must not have smoked tobacco products for a minimum of 24 months prior to application to be considered for employment as a firefighter.

Necessary Special Requirements
ALL Entry Firefighter Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be a U. S. citizen, deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient, or a registered permanent resident able to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
• Employment contingent upon the following:
  • Employment contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test. (This position is considered a safety sensitive position; therefore, the pre-employment drug test includes testing for marijuana. Positive test results will exclude an applicant from being hired)
  • Passing a medical evaluation.
  • Passing a swim test, demonstrating the ability to swim at a distance, tread water, and retrieve a submerged weight.
  • Passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check, and local background check with no felony convictions within the last seven years.
    • Misdemeanor convictions will also be reviewed. A misdemeanor conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant but offenses within the last seven years may, by their nature and recentness, reveal a lack of specific qualifications for the position.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
  • No record of driver's license suspension or revocation in any state within the last three years.
• Must possess or obtain a Washington State Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVAP) certification within 90 days of initial hire.
• Must possess Washington State EMT certification or acquire within one year of employment and maintain for the duration of employment.
• Willingness and ability to work at considerable heights (up to 100 feet) on a ladder.

Advanced Life Support:

• Certification as a paramedic in Washington State with Whatcom County MPD approval is required to provide advanced life support services.

Selection Process
** You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along.** Please review the Bellingham Fire Department's websitefor helpful tips about our process.
Step 1: Applicants interested in this position must complete the written exam (FireTEAM) testing throughNational Testing NetworkPlease visit theNational Testing Networkwebsite (www.NationalTestingNetwork.com) for information regarding the testing process. In addition, a current and valid CPAT certification is required*. All written testing must be completed by September 23, 2026. Candidates will be notified of their results on or around October 1, 2026.
Step 2: All candidates with a combined score of 80.00% that also achieve the following City of Bellingham cutoff scores for each component of the NTN written test will be invited to participate in 8-minute speed interviews tentatively scheduled for October 12-16, 2026. Speed Interviews will be conducted virtually. The speed interviews are pass/fail.
NTN Test cutoff scores set by City of Bellingham are: Human Relations - 70%; Mechanical - 60%; Math - 70%; Reading -80%. Additionally, candidates must also achieve a combined average score of 80%.
Step 3: All passing candidates from speed interviews will be invited to participate in oral board interviews tentatively scheduled for November 9-18, 2026If the volume of candidates requires additional days, November 19-20 may be added. Oral Board Interviews will be conducted in person. At the time of invitation for oral boards, applicants will be required to complete a City of Bellingham application and submit proof of CPAT. Candidates with National Registry Paramedic Certifications must be attached, with no exceptions. Candidates must achieve a 60% on the ora...