North Whidbey Fire & Rescue District (NWFR) is currently establishing an eligibility list for Full-Time Firefighter/EMT positions to fill six positions funded through the FEMA SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant.

The SAFER Grant will fund six firefighter/EMT positions for a three-year period. Continued funding beyond the three-year grant period will require additional local funding.

NWFR serves approximately 55 square miles on North Whidbey Island, including predominantly rural areas surrounding the City of Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The district operates seven fire stations and provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, marine rescue, and technical rescue services. NWFR responds to more than 2,500 emergency calls annually.

Selected firefighters will work a 1-on/3-off, 2-on/3-off schedule.

These positions provide an opportunity to join a professional organization dedicated to serving the residents, visitors, and communities of North Whidbey Island while working alongside career and volunteer personnel in a diverse emergency response environment.

Compensation: $6,037.02 Monthly

Employee Benefits:

• Medical 100% of the premium cost of the employee coverage of PPO-100 (or its equivalent)
• Paid Sick Leave – 12 hours per month
• Paid Vacation - 144 hours per year
• FMLA
• Washington LEOFF2 Retirement Benefits

·       Aflac (optional)

Application Process:

·       Complete the application package and email it to natasha@nwfr.org

·       Applications can be obtained at the district’s headquarters, located at 770 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or downloaded from our website at www.nwfr.org.

·       In-person application packages are accepted at any time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

·       Application packages are accepted until 5:00 p.m. November 4, 2026.

·       November 5, 2026: All completed application packets will be reviewed. Applicants will be screened for relevant education, training, experience, and licensure as listed in the job announcement.

·       November 5, 2026: Invitations will be e-mailed out for applicants who will be invited to participate in an in-person testing.

·       November 17, 2026: Written Test and Physical Agility Test (PAT).

·       November 18, 2026: Hands-On Skills. Firefighter I and EMS Scenario.  

·       November 19, 2026: Oral Board Panel.

·       November 20, 2026: Chiefs Interview.

·       Application package

o      Completed District Application (found at nwfr.org)

o      Cover Letter  

o      Resume

o      Copy of current Washington State EMT Certification

o      Copy of IFSAC FF-I

o      Copy of IFSAC Hazmat - Awareness

o      Copy of IFSAC Hazmat - Operations

o      Copy of current driver license

o      Anticipated start date between Jan 1st – 15th, 2027.

Current district employees will receive five (5) preference points added to their final score.  However, they must pass all phases of the process to receive the points.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of hiring requirements, a background investigation, medical examination, drug screening, and verification of all required certifications.

Any falsification or omission of information or certifications may result in removal from the eligibility list or termination of employment.

Job Duties & Description

Firefighter/EMT work includes responding to and handling emergency situations, natural conditions that threaten life and property, and incidents of service to citizens. Employees in this position protect life and property through firefighting activities, emergency medical services, fire inspection activities, public education, and other similar duties. They perform a full range of emergency work under adverse and strenuous physical conditions. Firefighter/EMTs have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals, and infectious diseases encountered during firefighting or emergency medical incidents. 

Firefighter/EMTs perform duties in the following areas: emergency firefighting operations (structural, wildland, vehicles), emergency medical operations, special rescue operations,  company-level fire & life safety building inspections, other fire prevention programs, public education, public relations, maintenance of apparatus, equipment and facilities, testing of fire hydrants, hose, ladders, pumps, instructing fire service and medical aid training sessions, and other duties as directed by the fire chief. 

This firefighter/EMT position is covered by the IAFF 5133 collective bargaining agreement. For overtime computation, this is considered an FLSA 7(K) exempt position. At the employer's sole discretion, the position will be assigned a work period using the Federal Department of Labor’s 27-day schedule.

Required Qualifications

·       21 years of age.

·       U.S. Citizen.

·       High School Graduate (or equivalent).

·       Valid Washington State driver license with an acceptable driving record.

·       Current IFSAC FF-I required; FF-II preferred.

·       One year of experience as a firefighter/EMT required, paid or volunteer.

·       Washington State EMT certification required.

·       Current IFSAC driver/operator preferred.

·       Successful completion of the NWFR testing process.

·       Ability to pass a background check.

·       Pre-hire physical and drug screen.

Necessary Special Qualifications

Employees of this classification must, by virtue of their professional background, experiences, accomplishments, and perspectives, be compatible with the organizational culture and climate of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue.

Examples of Work Performed

·       Ability to don specialized safety equipment (bunker gear, respirators, etc.) and perform physically demanding hazardous work for long periods of time in emergency conditions of high stress, strenuous physical exertion under such conditions as height(s), cramped surroundings, hot smoky environments, and limited visibility.

·       Perform and maintain physical conditioning in accordance with the fire district’s health and fitness requirements.

·       Receive emergency alarms; operate radio and other communications equipment under routine and emergency conditions.

·       Drive or ride fire district apparatus to alarms, place equipment, lay and connect hoses and nozzles, raise and climb ladders, use high-pressure water hoses, chemical extinguishing agents, fire pumps, hydraulic equipment, power tools, hand tools during emergency and non-emergency operations, and other tools and equipment as required.

·       Remove persons from dangerous and hazardous environments and administer emergency medical aid as required.

·       Ventilate burning structures; perform salvage operations and other related tasks.

·       Complete and maintain computer records, paperwork, records, and forms as directed by the district.

·       Conduct pre-plans.

·       Read, comprehend, understand, and be familiar with and adhere to fire district policies, standard operating guidelines, directives, and procedures.

·       Perform inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire hydrants, fire pumpers, hose, ladders, and extinguishers.

·       Participate in public education and public relations events.

·       Perform maintenance of fire district facilities, grounds, and living quarters.

·       Maintain personal appearance as directed by fire district policies, standard operating guidelines, directives, and procedures.

·       Conduct, participate in, and/or instruct fire training sessions, drills, or classes for fire district members, the public, and others as directed.

·       Attend conferences, classes, training sessions on firefighting, emergency medical services, special rescue, disaster control, etc., as directed.

·       Maintain skill levels through ongoing training to prevent degradation of skills.

·       Perform other related work as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to carry a self-contained breathing apparatus weighing approximately 35 pounds on his/her back and support 100 pounds of hose on his/her shoulder while walking to a fire in full protective clothing.
• Must be able to crawl on his/her hands and knees.
• Must be able to climb up and down ladders and stairs while carrying equipment, patients/victims, or hose lines.
• Able to work on slippery surfaces including rooftops, ladders, aerial ladders, scaffolding, or other elevations over 12 feet from the ground.
• Must be able to pull heavy objects such as a person from a hazardous condition.
• Must be able to work in ambient temperatures of 100 to 500 degrees wearing protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be able to work in a confined space of a structure or cramped body positions (e.g., cars, closets, attics, crawl spaces, etc.).
• Must be able to lift a loaded stretcher into an ambulance.
• Must be able to grip ropes and tools with gloved hands.
• Must be able to use equipment to pull down ceilings or walls requiring his/her arms to be above his/her head.
• Must be able to cut or chop holes in roofs, walls, and floors using an axe.
• Must be able to lift a ladder weighing 75 pounds off a truck or off the ground safely.
• Must be able to walk long distances while carrying medical equipment or wildland hand tools and still be able to function without rest upon arriving at the destination.
• Must have good vision, including close and distance, and be able to see colors and adjust focus as needed.
• Must be able to hear and talk clearly.

Work Location

In person

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Employment Policy

North Whidbey Fire and Rescue provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. In addition to federal law requirements, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue complies with all state laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

The description of job duties, responsibilities, and requirements listed above is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to list all duties, responsibilities, and requirements that may be required for the performance of the job classification. Employees may be required to do all or some of the listed duties, or other related duties as needed by the district.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  It is also intended to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.