Entry Level Firefighter/ Lateral Firefighter-NORTH WHATCOM FIRE AND RESCUE

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue
PO Box 286
Lynden, Washington 98264
(360) 318-9933

Updated: September 11, 2024

Position Title: Entry-Level Firefighter/Lateral Firefighter

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue is currently hiring for both Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighter positions. All entry-level candidates must complete the FireTEAM exam and CPAT through the National Testing Network. Additionally, entry-level candidates must complete the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) and the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) located in their candidate profile by October 11, 2024.

Lateral candidates are exempt from the FireTEAM exam but must have a current CPAT passing score. Both entry-level and lateral candidates must complete a North Whatcom Fire and Rescue application for employment.

2024 Salary Information:

Entry Level: $6,866.00 – $8,691.00 (Entry-Level – Journeyman)
Lateral: $7,648.00 – $8,691.00 (2nd year FF – Journeyman)
2025 salary will increase by 5% as per the 2023-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life Insurance & AD&D
MERP
LEOFF 2 Retirement
Employer contribution to Washington State Deferred Compensation Plan
Education and longevity incentives
Paid vacation and sick leave

Department Overview:
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue serves 182 square miles in Whatcom County, including the City of Blaine, Birch Bay, and surrounding areas near Lynden. The department operates as a primarily career department, supported by limited volunteers and additional personnel. Line personnel are represented by IAFF Local 106.

Job Requirements:

Age: 21
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien status; must live in the USA
Education: High school diploma or GED required; college preferred
Driver’s License: Valid Washington State driver’s license required
Vision: Corrected to 20/20 vision
Certification Requirements:Entry Level: Current WA State or National Registry EMT certification
Lateral: Current WA State or National Registry EMT certification, IFSAC FF1, FF2, and Hazmat Operations

Hiring Process:

Entry-Level: Candidates must score 75% or higher on the NTN written exam. The interview process includes a speed interview, oral board interview, and Chief’s interview. A current EMT license and a passing CPAT score are required.
Lateral: Candidates will be interviewed through a similar process, with required certifications including WA State or National Registry EMT license, IFSAC FF1, FF2, Hazmat Ops, and a current CPAT score.

Automatic Disqualifiers:

Driving: DUI, reckless driving, hit & run, or driver’s license suspension within the last 5 years; two or more moving violations in the last 5 years.
Drug Usage: Must pass drug and alcohol screening at the time of hire.
Tobacco Usage: No tobacco use policy for all employees.
Criminal Activity: Any adult felony conviction; juvenile felony convictions will be reviewed.
Employment: Misrepresentation or lying during any stage of the hiring process; one or more terminations or resignation in lieu of termination.
Financial: Failure to pay income tax or child support.

Join North Whatcom Fire and Rescue and be part of a team that serves a dynamic and diverse community.