Entrylevel Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $81,720.96 - $138,691.92 Annually
Location : 911 Park Avenue, Bremerton, WA
Job Type: REGULAR FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2026-00045
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 6001 - IAFF Local 437
About the City of Bremerton
Nestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremerton offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district-featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina-to the creative energy of the Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there's something here for everyone. Enjoy local attractions like the Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotary Park. Outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact-explore our openings and discover your future here.
General Function
Salary rates above include non-shift rates, longevity, 2% premium for ladder truck and boat operator, and 4% premium for equipment
maintenance/SCBA responsibilities which employees are not eligible to receive until a date specified bythe collective bargaining agreement or assigned by the Fire Chief.
The City of Bremerton Fire Department is seeking Entry-Level Firefighter/EMT candidates who are committed to public service, teamwork, continuous learning, and serving the community.
If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career where every day brings new opportunities to help others, we encourage you to apply.
THE POSITION
Under the direction of a unit supervisor, Firefighter/EMTs respond to emergency fire, medical, rescue, and other calls; use specialized equipment to protect life and property; suppress and extinguish fires; provide emergency medical care; and perform rescue operations.
Firefighter/EMTs also maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies in a constant state of readiness and participate in training, inspections, investigations, public education, fire prevention, pre-incident planning, recordkeeping, and routine station activities.
Entry-level firefighters are expected to learn and successfully apply the techniques, equipment, procedures, and skills necessary to perform the work of the firefighting profession. As training progresses, firefighters assume increasing responsibility for applying those skills in accordance with Bremerton Fire Department policies and operating procedures.
Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities
(Note - This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position)
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Emergency Response

• Respond to fire, emergency medical, rescue, and other emergency calls.
• Learn and perform fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, salvage, and related emergency operations.
• Learn to safely operate fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, radios, and specialized equipment.
• Assist with patient care and transportation as assigned.
• Use hoses, pumps, ladders, breathing apparatus, extrication equipment, ropes, oxygen equipment, and other emergency tools.
• Participate in mutual-aid and major emergency operations.
• Prepare accurate reports and documentation following emergency incidents.

Fire Prevention & Community Service

• Assist with fire inspections, complaint investigations, and code-enforcement activities.
• Assist with pre-incident plans and maintaining fire-service information.
• Participate in fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, school programs, and community activities.

Station & Equipment Readiness

• Clean, test, inspect, replenish, and restore equipment and supplies following emergency responses.
• Maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain records and identify equipment or supply needs.
• Participate in drills, training programs, department meetings, and instructional activities.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing training.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Entry-level firefighters receive training designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job safely and effectively.
Candidates must be prepared to learn:

• Fire suppression and rescue techniques.
• Emergency medical procedures.
• Emergency communications.
• Fire apparatus and equipment operations.
• Fire prevention and fire safety requirements.
• Applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and department procedures.
• Report writing and electronic recordkeeping.
• Pre-incident planning and fire-service geography.
• Safe work practices and emergency response procedures.

Successful candidates will progress through department training and certification requirements before assuming the full responsibilities of an experienced Firefighter/EMT.
PHYSICAL & OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Firefighting is physically demanding work. Candidates must be capable of safely performing the physical tasks required during emergency response, including lifting heavy objects, controlling equipment such as pressurized hoselines, pumps and ladders, and entering hazardous locations, elevated areas, confined spaces, and areas with limited access.
Other Duties
- Regular Attendance is an essential requirement
- Performs related work as assigned or required
These duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for candidates who:

• Are committed to serving the public.
• Can learn quickly and apply new information in high-pressure situations.
• Can make sound decisions while considering safety and changing conditions.
• Are able to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Are willing and able to learn to safely operate emergency vehicles, fire apparatus, radios, and specialized equipment.
• Can learn and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical information.
• Can perform physically demanding tasks associated with fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response
• Are prepared to meet the physical demands of firefighter training and the position
• Are committed to maintaining the readiness necessary to perform safely and effectively and to contributing to a positive team environment.

Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license before hire
• Ability to obtain and maintain Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention training/certification as required
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certification as required

Examination Process and Required Documents
To apply for this position all applicants must test through www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. This agency will administer the written test. The names of all applicants passing the written test will be forwarded to the Civil Service Officer. In order to be invited to the Oral Examinations, candidates must pass the CPAT and written tests, and then complete a City of Bremerton Application (with personal resume and CPAT Certification). Only complete applications will be considered.
HIRING PROCESS
The anticipated selection process may include:
1. Application & Minimum Qualification Review
Complete National Testing Network written examination
Submit a complete City of Bremerton Employment Application, including:
CPAT Certificate from a licensed testing facility within 12 months of application submission date
Valid Driver License
Resume including three professional references
Applications will be reviewed to verify minimum qualifications.
2. Oral Board Interview
Applicants may be invited to participate in an oral board interview.
3. Eligibility List/Certification
Candidates who successfully complete the examination process (oral board interview) are placed on the applicable eligibility list in accordance with Civil Service rules.
Placement on the hiring list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
NTN Exam - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40%
CPAT - Pass/Fail
Oral Board Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%
Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on all scored components to be placed on the eligibility list.
4. Chief's Interview & Selection
Candidates selected for further consideration participate in an interview with the Fire Chief or designee.
5. Conditional Offer
Selected candidate(s) receive a conditional offer of employment.
6. Pre-Employment Screening
Conditional candidates must successfully complete required background, medical, psychological, drug-screening, driving-record, employment, certification, and reference checks as applicable.
7. Final Appointment
Candidates who successfully complete all required pre-employment conditions receive a final appointment in accordance with Civil Service requirements.
Timeline is tentative and subject to change based on Civil Service requirements, department needs, candidate availability, and completion of required pre-employment screening. Applicants can apply on-line at
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven-point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
Layoff Preference: Qualified applicants who have been laid off or have received notice of layoff from a position outside of the City of Bremerton within twelve (12) months of the date of this announcement, will have five (5) percent of the PASSING score added to their examination score to establish their final score for the eligibility register.
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
Any applicant who wishes to appeal any part of an examination shall file an appeal in writing with the Civil Service Officer within five (5) working days (Civil Service Rule 9.23A) following administration of the examination.
APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR HIRE MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, PSYCHOLOGY EVALUATION, BACKGROUND CHECK, AND SUBMIT A CURRENT DRIVER'S ABSTRACT.
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Occupational Group: Public Safety Fire and Emergency Medical; Entry through Fully Trained.
Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification qualifies for coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.
Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 437.
Civil Service: The classification is included in the Civil Service pursuant to State Law and the Bremerton City Charter: Article IX Civil Service Section 35. Commission Rules and Powers: c. "All full paid employees of the Fire department and Police department of the City shall be included under the provisions of this article, and all existing provisions of State Law pertaining to such employees shall be substantially compiled with by the Commission."
Appointment Authority: The position is filled by appointment of the Fire Chief in conformance with the Rules of the Civil Service Commission and removal is by action of the Fire Chief in conformance with Rules of the Civil Service Commission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton.
The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and