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Fire Fighter Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Sprinkler Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Northwest Fire Systems is a leading family-owned and operated fire prevention and life safety company dedicated to protecting our communities. Through quality service, and a commitment to excellence ...

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Fire Sprinkler Designer

Edgewood, WA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Northwest Fire Systems is a leading family-owned and operated fire prevention and life safety company dedicated to protecting our communities. Through quality service, and a commitment to excellence ...

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Join us as an Industrial Fire Protection Engineer and be a force in safeguarding industrial facilities! Design cutting-edge fire protection systems, collaborate with industry experts, and shape the ...

Join us as an Industrial Fire Protection Engineer and be a force in safeguarding industrial facilities! Design cutting-edge fire protection systems, collaborate with industry experts, and shape the ...

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online ...

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online ...

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online ...

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Join our team as a Fire Sprinkler Technician and help protect lives and property. If you're a skilled professional with a valid Washington State Sprinkler Fitter Card , we'd love to connect with you.

Join our team as a Fire Sprinkler Technician and help protect lives and property. If you're a skilled professional with a valid Washington State Sprinkler Fitter Card , we'd love to connect with you.

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Fighter information

See Kent, WA salary details

$32.2K

$67.3K

$112.9K

How much do fire fighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire fighter in Kent, WA is $67,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $77,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire fighter?

Fire fighters are trained professionals responsible for responding to fires, emergencies, and disasters to protect lives, property, and the environment. They perform tasks such as extinguishing fires, rescuing people, providing first aid, and educating the public about fire safety. Fire fighters work in physically demanding and often dangerous conditions, requiring specialized training, teamwork, and quick decision-making skills. Their duties also include maintaining equipment and participating in drills to stay prepared for emergencies.

What does a fire fighter do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

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

To thrive as a Fire Fighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often with EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, rescue tools, and hazardous materials handling systems is typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills that set exceptional firefighters apart. These competencies are vital to ensure effective emergency response, personal and team safety, and the protection of the public.

What are some common challenges faced by fire fighters during emergency response, and how can new recruits prepare for them?

Firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-stress situations, such as rapidly changing fire conditions, hazardous materials, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. New recruits can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, developing strong teamwork and communication skills, and participating in realistic training scenarios. Additionally, learning to manage stress and staying up-to-date with safety protocols are essential for both personal safety and effective emergency response.

What is the difference between Fire Fighter vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectFire FighterEmergency Medical Technician
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredEMT certification, some roles require advanced EMS certifications
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency responseAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, fire departments

Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) both respond to emergencies, but Fire Fighters primarily handle fire suppression and rescue, while EMTs focus on providing medical care. Many Fire Fighters are also trained as EMTs, making their roles complementary in emergency response teams.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter jobs in Kent, WA?

For Fire Fighter jobs in Kent, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Fighter jobs in Kent, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Fighter jobs in Kent, WA are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Fire Fighter jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Fire Fighter job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighter job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,289 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

FIRE SERVICE TRAINING INSTRUCTOR - Adjunct Pool

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$56.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Bates Technical College rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $56.20 Hourly
Location : South Campus - 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 26-033
Department: Instruction
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
SUMMARY
The Fire Service Training Instructor is responsible for providing competency-based training in all entry-level requirements according to nationally recognized standards, preparing students in a manner that supports successful program graduates for careers in public service as a fire fighter.
This is an Adjunct faculty position
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & OTHER DUTIES
Essential Functions
  • Develop and maintain program curriculum documentation collaboratively with counterpart instructors and staff. Plan and develop meaningful student learning experiences based upon current industry or business practices. Annually validate and review course requirements for entry level employment in the industry and adapt curriculum to match those skills.
  • Use effective teaching techniques, instructional materials, and appropriate media support to conduct classroom lecture course work and laboratory projects to prepare students with the practical skills essential for entry-level professional employment.
  • Evaluate and document students' course progress, attendance, work-based learning experiences and workplace behaviors at least quarterly and in accordance with college policy and/or procedures. Provide grade reports required. Maintain required written and computerized records and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
  • Mentor, encourage, counsel and guide students toward the completion of program requirements i.e., course assignments, interpersonal relationships, career goals and responsible work habits.
  • Facilitate a process for on-going student input for instructional and program improvement. Respond appropriately to student problems and provide assistance in solving them in accordance with college procedures.
  • Manage the classroom in a manner that ensures a suitable learning environment by setting clear work place behavior expectations for students. Ensure that appropriate safety practices are used at all times, students are knowledgeable of safety techniques and all equipment is maintained in a safe working condition.
  • Participate in local fire service advisory committee meetings. Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with respective industry.
  • Coordinate with other instructors, support services staff and advisory committee members to ensure a cohesive learning environment dedicated to provide industry qualified entry-level employees.
  • Cooperate with and assist administration in the recruitment of students and promotion of the program.
  • Coordinate, organize, and provide job placement assistance to students.
  • Maintain industry-based program accreditation, and ensure students are prepared for and have the opportunity to obtain relevant industry credentials and certifications.
  • Deliver classroom management to maintain suitable learning environment by responding appropriately to student conduct/problems and provide assistance in solving them in accordance with college procedures.
  • Provide budget management which includes requisition and maintenance control of and safeguard inventories of equipment and supplies assigned to the program.
  • Ensure program standards and learning outcomes are consistently met

Non-Essential/Other Functions
  • Establish and maintain respective industry professional relationships.
  • Actively contribute to and participate in college-wide activities in support of regional accreditation and state and federal requirements.
  • Support College student achievement practices to ensure student retention, completion, and progression.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively with College Student Services and program advisory committees to support access to employment opportunities for students, and maintain student job placement records.
  • Accountable for keeping personal development up-to-date; adding to skills and knowledge through courses that may be available through the Bates Technical College courses, professional development committees, etc.
  • Participate actively and collaboratively on committees for college as needed including but not limited to staff recruitment, college councils, etc.
  • Occasionally provide substitute class coverage for other instructors in same or related trades.
  • Actively contribute to and participate in college-wide activities in support of regional accreditation and state and federal requirements.
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Additional activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet college needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
  • AAS degree in Fire Services or related discipline.
  • Five (5) years of recent, gainful fire service employment, two (2) of which must have been in a supervisory or lead capacity
  • Must have working experience in all phases of work pertaining to the industry
Allowable Substitution
If necessary, alternative combinations of education and experience may be evaluated by Human Resources for comparability.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field
  • Industry specific certification such as International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
  • Emergency medical technician (EMT) certification
  • Current or previous certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
  • Prior teaching in a professional technical environment

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Bates Technical College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in its programs and activities in accordance with college policy, and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. Bates publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Disability Support Services Office at 253.680.7010. Inquiries regarding Bates' non-discriminatory policies, including Title IX and ADA, should be directed to: For student matters, the Dean of Student Services at 253.680.7102, Downtown Campus A211. For employee matters, the Director of Human Resources at 253.680.7180, Downtown Campus A326.
Available Benefits to Eligible Employees
As a higher education employee, you and your qualified family members are eligible for a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement, long-term disability, as well as other optional benefits.
Medical/Dental Plans
Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for eligible dependents.
Bates provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Uniform Dental Plan - Preferred Provider Organization
  • DeltaCare - Managed Care Plan
  • Willamette Dental - Managed Care Plan

Bates provides vision coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:
  • Davis Vision by MetLife
  • EyeMed
  • MetLife Vision

Retirement Plans
Faculty and Exempt Positions
Faculty have to choose between either the State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP), also known as TIAA or Plan 3 of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS). Click to compare the two plans.
Exempt have to choose between either the SBRP or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
SBRP (TIAA) is a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary

TRS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53 of gross salary

PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.03% of gross salary

Classified Positions
Classified employees have to choose between either the Plan 2 or Plan 3 of the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Click to compare the two plans.
PERS Plan 2 is a defined benefits plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salary
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary
PERS Plan 3 is a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan with the following contribution rates:
  • Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15%
  • Employer Contribution: 9.53% of gross salary

Employee and employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.
Bates provides $35,000 basic life insurance for death from any cause and $5,000 basic accidental death and dismemberment at no cost to the employee. Employees can enroll in additional low cost life insurance for themselves and dependents.
Bates provides a basic LTD insurance plan at no cost to employees. The basic plan pays a maximum of
$240 per month after 90 days of total disability. The optional LTD plan pays 60% of the first $10,000 of monthly salary, reduced by any deductible income such as social security or retirement benefits.
Employee cost is dependent upon benefit waiting period chosen.
Other Optional Benefits
Leaves and Holidays
Vacation
Eligible exempt and classified employees accrue annual leave at rates determined by their employee status, ranging from 7 to 16 hours per month when eligible.
Sick Leave
Eligible classified, faculty, and exempt staff accrue sick leave monthly. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should refer to their negotiated agreement for sick leave rules and accrual rates.
Holidays
Bates observes the following holidays/non-work days:
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth
Personal Leave/Family Leave
In addition to vacation and sick leave, eligible employees receive personal and family leave each fiscal year at rates determined by their employee status
Please Note: All information above is subject to change based on, but not limited to, employment status, legislative mandates, or College policy changes

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