Experienced Firefighter and Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Bellingham is now accepting Experienced Firefighter and Experienced Firefighter/Paramedic applications for the January 2027 Academy. Join the Bellingham Fire Department and support our mission of helping people every day! Firefighters provide emergency assistance and protective services to citizens. They are trained and equipped to protect life and property threatened by disaster, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, illness, accidents and other hazards. Activities include emergency prevention, emergency and non-emergency response, fire code enforcement, building inspections, training and drill and maintenance of apparatus, equipment, fire station and grounds. They perform a wide range of emergency work under adverse environmental and strenuous physical conditions. There is frequent potential for exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and infectious disease which require the use of protective equipment such as heat resistant clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and medical masks, gloves and gowns. Firefighters may be required to drive fire apparatus or medical units and perform special firefighting, pre-hospital medical care, rescue work or other skills acquired by work experience and specialized training programs. Firefighters are subject to shift work and off-duty recall for major emergencies. Click here to view FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SALARY AND BENEFITS: Starting 2026 wages for Lateral Firefighter: Experienced Firefighter - $9,037 (Step 3) Experienced Firefighter with Paramedic License - $9,037/mo plus $1,016.40/mo Engine Medic Premium until placed as Paramedic. Paramedic Premium is $1,524.60/mo. Engine Medic Pay will be removed if they fail to pass the BFD evaluation process. The 2026 full monthly salary for Firefighter is $8,012 /mo - $10,164/mo. Additional monthly premiums may be applied per assignment. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 106 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page. 144 hours of vacation leave upon hire + 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time 6 shifts off incorporated into the work schedule in lieu of holidays 456 hours of sick leave upon hire + monthly accruals based on assigned schedule Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Washington State Retirement plan (LEOFF) for retirement security Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals and require employees to be paid status at least 96 hours/month. Closing Date/Time: Fri. 10/16/2026 4:30 PM Pacific Time ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Responds to fires and other emergencies. Places equipment; lays and connects hose; operates high capacity pumps and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, safety belts, lines and hooks; uses self-contained breathing apparatus; performs ventilation tasks above ground; and performs salvage and overhaul operations. Uses ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and anchors for special rescue situations. Identifies, isolates and mitigates hazardous material incidents. Provides basic and/or advanced life support medical assistance to citizens in non-emergency and emergency situations where life may be endangered. Sets up and operates equipment such as resuscitator, inhalator, oxygen, and cardiac monitor, defibrillation equipment, intravenous solution and medications. Maintains contact with communications center and Department to report initial observations, progress on handling incidents, and receive orders and instruction on handling event(s). Utilizes the incident command system. As qualified and appropriate to the incident, drives fire apparatus, drives medical or aid vehicles or pilots fire boat. Determines appropriate response routes to the emergency. Transports patients to hospitals or other destinations. Conducts inspection of residential, commercial and industrial buildings for possible hazards and violations of fire code requirements. May issue correction notices as directed by the Captain. Participates in the development of pre-incident plans on how to handle fire and medical emergencies at various businesses and facilities. Participates in the development and delivery of emergency prevention programs. Responds to various service calls providing assistance to citizens in situations that are not life threatening, such as requests for physical assistance, flooded basements, and complaints about unsafe or illegal burning. Participates in company and battalion training program and drill exercises. Instructs job skills to others. Researches, compiles, organizes and presents information at training and drill sessions. Periodically tests facility, equipment, apparatus and fire protection systems and maintains records of test information. Performs general and preventative maintenance on apparatus, equipment and facilities to ensure proper function and reliability. ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED : Performs administrative and technical support activities for Fire Administration on a regular or special project basis. Prepares and maintains reports and records within assigned area of