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Fire Captain Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate ...

Lateral Firefighter EMT

Everett, WA · On-site

$111K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate ...

Lateral Firefighter Paramedic

Everett, WA · On-site

$130K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety, and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter-PM shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate ...

Entry Level Firefighter EMT

Everett, WA · On-site

$99K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate ...

Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic

Everett, WA · On-site

$117K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety, and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter-PM shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate ...

This position will balance Security/Law Enforcement practices with that of Safety including Medical Response procedures, Fire Prevention, and Incident Management. You will: * Lead all Security team ...

Second Mate

Seattle, WA

$374 - $402/day

Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies. * Participates in shoreside ...

New

First Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include ... fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit. * Employees will be exposed to ...

First Mate

Seattle, WA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include ... fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit. * Employees will be exposed to ...

First Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include ... fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit. * Employees will be exposed to ...

Second Mate

Seattle, WA

$28.50 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies. * Participates in shoreside ...

New

Second Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$28.50 - $31.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies. * Participates in shoreside ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Captain information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.8K

$88.8K

$153.1K

How much do fire captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire captain in Seattle, WA is $88,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $113,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire captain?

Fire Captains are experienced firefighters who supervise and manage a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at a fire station. They are responsible for directing firefighting tactics, ensuring safety protocols are followed, training personnel, and maintaining equipment. In addition to emergency response, Fire Captains handle administrative duties, coordinate with other emergency services, and serve as a key leadership figure within the fire department.

What does a fire captain do?

A fire captain’s duties and responsibilities are to oversee the daily operations of a fire station. Some captains have specialized responsibilities, such as leading emergency medical services (EMS) crews connected to the station. As the fire captain, you are the leader of the entire company, so you must gain significant experience at the lower ranks. You manage the training and supervision of new personnel and the administration of training exercises related to fire management, fire suppression, hazardous material response, and rescue operations. You are the primary commander at an emergency until the battalion chief arrives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Captain, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and usually certification from fire academies or training programs, often along with EMT or paramedic credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire suppression technologies, and emergency management software is important. Strong decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help a Fire Captain coordinate crews effectively and maintain safety under pressure. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient emergency response, safeguarding personnel, and protecting the public during critical incidents.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a fire captain, and how can they be effectively managed?

Fire Captains often encounter challenges related to leading diverse teams during high-pressure situations and ensuring clear communication in emergencies. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership at incident scenes can be demanding. To manage these challenges effectively, Fire Captains rely on strong interpersonal skills, continuous training, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability within their crew. Regular drills, open communication, and mentorship are key strategies for maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Fire Captain vs Fire Lieutenant?

AspectFire CaptainFire Lieutenant
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, some leadership training
Work EnvironmentOversees fireground operations, manages crews, strategic decision-makingAssists in fireground tasks, supervises firefighters, reports to captain
ResponsibilitiesCommand of fire scenes, personnel management, incident strategySupport role, direct firefighting teams, ensure safety protocols

Fire Captains hold higher leadership roles, overseeing entire operations and making strategic decisions. Fire Lieutenants assist captains, supervise firefighters, and handle tactical tasks. Both roles require firefighting experience and certifications, but captains have broader responsibilities and authority.

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Fire Captain jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Fire Captain job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Captain job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,753 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

$99K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description Core Values: All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity, Humility, Compassion, Family and Trust. Summary: This company-level position performs emergency and non-emergency services including fire suppression, basic life support (BLS) emergency medical services, execution of training drills, inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate performance.

Optimum performance is achieved based on the Firefighter's ability to adequately perform all facets of the job duties and responsibilities. The shift Firefighter shall work an assigned shift schedule in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Essential Job Functions Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: Participates in training activities, pre-fire planning, inspections, and other company programs that enhance a high state of readiness to respond to all emergency situations. Participation in specialized areas of fire service responsibility such as hazardous materials training, facility and equipment maintenance, and rescue techniques and capability is also required. Communicates with a culturally diverse community in a tactful and effective manner under emergency stress or property-/life-threatening situations.

This may involve managing individuals in a highly agitated state. Rides in and/or drives department apparatus, as required. Attends all meetings and training sessions, as required by local, state, and contractual requirements.

Delivers/administers Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medical services and transportation to injured and ill patients in accordance with local, state, and nationally recognized standards. Performs fire suppression activities and tasks including pump operations, ladder operations, salvage duties, raising and climbing ladders, removing persons from danger; uses chemical extinguishing agents and other tools and equipment as required. Assists in extricating trapped victims or moving obstacles in order to obtain access to patients.

Pursues on-going career development and educational advancement to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to responsibilities. Other Job Duties: May be provisionally appointed as acting Captain on a voluntary basis when minimum time in grade and requirements are fulfilled. Other duties as assigned within the scope of this job description.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Qualifications: Knowledge Of: Modern firefighting principles, practices, techniques, equipment and procedures and EMS. Geographical area. Operation and maintenance procedures of fire department apparatus and equipment.

Departmental standard operating procedures. South County EMS protocols, procedures and checklists. Rescue and hazardous materials response procedures.

Training methods, procedures and material resources. Skills and Ability To: Perform all duties of a firefighter. Perform as an EMT in Snohomish County.

Perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator (only if fully trained in accordance with standards). Adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel and the public.

Demonstrate predictable, reliable and timely attendance. Follow written and verbal directions and complete assigned tasks on schedule. Read, write and communicate in English and understand basic math.

Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions. Interact effectively with individuals and groups to achieve cooperation and support of departmental services, goals and objectives. Demonstrate proficiency in South County Fire software programs, including Microsoft Office applications and other programs as applicable.

Operate all fire-based apparatus and equipment, and operations level hazardous materials equipment, rescue equipment and BLS EMS equipment. Maintain and project a calm, informational and persuasive demeanor in stressful situations. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Effectively handle frequently changing priorities. Maintain confidential information as appropriate. Education and Experience: As outlined in the current applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Special Requirements/Recommendations: Maintain a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and the RFA approved defensive driving certificate. Participation in the South County Fire Respiratory Protection Program. Prior to Final Offer: Firefighter Mile results from National Testing Network scheduled through South County Fire during the Conditional Offer phase.

Required: High school diploma or GED. Valid National Registry and/or Washington State EMT Certification. Desirable: IFSAC Firefighter I and II and HazMat Operations certification.

Physical Demands: Must maintain physical condition, ability, agility and stamina to act in emergency, heavy physical labor, life-threatening, fire, accident and disaster situations. Must be able to climb and descend ladders, crawl into tight confined spaces, lift and carry heavy objects in excess of 150 pounds, bend at the waist, kneel, crouch, crawl, and stoop, sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time and reach overhead. Individual must possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the position.

Individual must be dexterous with their hands and fingers to operate various emergency tools and equipment and psychologically able to function within reduced visibility and restricted environments. Individual is required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective equipment weighing up to 60+ pounds and be able to pull hose to suppress fires and use ropes and pulleys to rescue victims. Working Conditions: This position requires individual to work in adverse weather conditions, and work in indoor and outdoor environments, and at heights and below grade.

Individual will be exposed to cold, heat, fire, smoke, high-decibel noise, falling debris, toxic material, blood and blood-borne pathogens. Individual will work around and with machinery having moving parts, traffic hazards, and rides in and/or drives department apparatus as required. Individual must be able to operate a computer, related software, printer, fax machine, copier, telephone, pager, EMS and fire equipment, radio and other electronic communication devices.

Individual may be required to travel to meetings, seminars and conferences. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer. Additional Requirements The following requirements must be met, or you will not move forward in the hiring process. Minimum Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.

High school diploma or G.E.D. Valid driver's license. Applicants are required to complete the Firefighter written exam through Public Safety Testing (PST) before applying

We will accept score from February 2026 - September 2nd, 2026 for this hiring process. National Registry or Washington State certified EMT*. All new hire firefighters are required to participate in the Respiratory Protection Program.

Required Documents: The following documents must be attached to your electronic application. Applicants who do not include these items exactly as described will be disqualified: Current resume. Current EMT certification*.

Your certification must meet these requirements: National Registry or Washington State (Department of Health) EMT Certification only. We do not accept out-of-state certifications. We do not accept any other BLS, first aid, or other certifications or courses, including Red Cross.

Documents clearly showing your name, issuing agency, and expiration date. Documents without an expiration date or with dates that are expired are not acceptable. *If you are not currently certified, but in the process of becoming certified with National Registry EMT or Washington State Department of Health, you will be required to provide certification via email prior to application deadline or you will be disqualified.

If claiming Veterans Preference: Attach copy of DD 214 form. Preferred Qualifications: IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications. IFSAC HazMat Operations certificate.