Job Description

Salary: $6,858.00 - $8,568.00 Monthly
Location : Oak Harbor, WA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 25030
Department: Fire Department
Division: Fire Department - Suppression
Opening Date: 05/16/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: UNION


Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.

Description


Under the close supervision of the fire Lieutenant or other ranking officer, firefighters perform a complete range of firefighting and emergency medical activities. Fire prevention and suppression assignments are performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard operating practices and established precedent, with matters deviating from normal procedures being referred to the ranking assigned officer for decision and/or direction. Work involves the potential for personal injury and individuals must be able to act without supervision and to exercise independent judgment and discretion during emergencies to assure safe operations.


Firefighters are required to operate all department equipment; tools and apparatus within its full operational capability to protect life and property, and to maintain assigned fire prevention, suppression and medical equipment. Individuals spend substantial amounts of time engaged in routine inspection, testing, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, apparatus and quarters and/or in supervised emergency responses or other associated training as directed and also conducting training classes.


Firefighters are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently on all emergency and non-emergency assignments and duties of a regular or irregular nature. Firefighters must recognize the importance placed on activities by the public and respond with tactful, professional treatment of citizens.

Supervisory Relationship:
Firefighters receive training and day-to-day direction from the fire Lieutenant, as first line supervisors, and maintain close working relationships with all department personnel and command staff, as well as personnel from other City departments. All firefighters report to the Fire Chief through the chain of command. Performance is reviewed on a continuous basis through an appraisal of work methods, results achieved, reports, personal inspection and discussion with superiors.

Essential Job Functions


Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

1. Respond to fire, rescue, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials and other life threatening emergencies to suppress, control, remove contain or otherwise mitigate the situation. Respond to emergency medical calls for service providing life saving care with the scope of an EMT-B.
2. As required, clean, service and test designated fire apparatus and equipment to ensure constant readiness for emergency response; inventory associated tools, equipment and locate their appropriate placement; report observations of actual or potential deterioration, malfunction, failure, or loss of equipment to superiors.
3. As required, remove individuals and property from hazardous situations in accordance with established departmental procedures governing the circumstances.
4. Perform salvage tasks as required including covering furnishings, ventilation of premises, removing debris and pumping, sweeping and vacuuming water.
5. Participate in training drills, simulated catastrophes, classes, seminars and other learning/training exercises.
6. As directed, perform, general maintenance work on fire department equipment such as cleaning, sanitizing, polishing, and minor adjustments and repairs of apparatus and accessories; washing and polishing vehicles; washing, hanging and drying hose and personal protective equipment; vacuuming carpets; washing walls and floors; and checking and replenishing disposable supplies.
7. Perform designated activities in the preparation of pre-fire maps including familiarization of building drawings and gas and/or electrical service(s) shut-offs, utilizing a personal computer and/or hand drawing sketches and layouts.
8. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City officials, department heads, co-workers, supervisor and other City departments, and interact with the public using good judgment in a courteous and helpful manner in stressful situations.

Additional Work Performed:

1. Serve as acting fire lieutenant when authorized by the Fire Chief or designee.
2. Conduct fire protection and other related inspections as assigned.
3. Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on fire prevention, suppression procedures and equipment as assigned.
4. May present CPR/First Aid/AED training courses to City employees and the public.
5. Conduct tours of department facilities.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Thorough knowledge of the field of fire science and emergency medical response.
• Oral and written communication skills and ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in speaking and legibly in writing.
• Thorough knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and mathematics.
• Ability to drive fire emergency service vehicles safely and effectively under emergency conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other City departments, employees and the general public.
• Ability to learn to read, interpret and properly apply laws applicable to fire service work.
• Ability to memorize and recall details, e.g., streets, roads and related geographical features to facilitate response to calls and alarms.
• Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions, e.g., critical injuries and death.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens.
• Ability to perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude and appearances that conform to strict policies, procedures, discipline and within a "chain of command" management system.
• Ability to keep oneself in readiness at all times, to answer calls for service, accept authority, obey orders of superiors, and accept a strict personal and organizational code of conduct and ethics.
• Ability to maintain balanced perspective about life in general not withstanding continuous potential life-threatening situations.
• Ability to use a computer system and software required by City and the fire department, including Microsoft 365, cloud-based and desktop software, and smart phone applications.

Equipment Utilized:
Equipment utilized includes a wide variety of fire suppression, medical and rescue equipment such as apparatus (engines, aerial ladder trucks, trucks and trailers, and other specialized mobile equipment), ground ladders, hoses, oxygen apparatus, small gas, hydraulic, electric, and/or gas powered tools (chain saws, extrication tools, fans, pumps, lawn equipment and others), various hand tools (shovels, hooks, axes, lines, etc.), various medical tools (backboards, dressings, splints, tourniquets, etc.), and various electronics (personal computers, tablets, smart phone, pager, etc.).

Qualifications & Requirements


An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
• Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• Must have high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Must have a valid Driver's License in state of residency and able to obtain WA state DL with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement or current Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification.
• Must have a good driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
• Must have or have equivalent IFSAC Firefighter I Certification at time of hire date.
• Must have State of Washington Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or equivalent National Registry EMT Certificate at date of hire.
• Must be able to meet performance standards established by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and testing approved by the Civil Service Commission.
• Must pass background investigation including fingerprint and criminal history, sexual offenses, and recent drug use.
• Conditional employment offer will include medical examination with pre-employment drug screen and psychological evaluation for aptitude to work in fire service.

Other Necessary Requirements :

• Must be able to pass annual City of Oak Harbor Fire Department medical exam and established physically fit for duty test.
• Must be able to adjust to a lifestyle that requires working 48-hour shifts or other work schedules, including work on holidays and being subject to over-time, hold-over and call-back at any time.
• Must be able to satisfactorily complete course work and training such as Washington State Fire Academy and other in-service training methods, procedures and techniques of fire service work presented by employees of a higher classification in the department or by attendance at special courses/schools.

Working Environment & Physical Demands


The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

While some duties are performed indoors at a fire station, fire suppression and emergency medical duties are performed in or out of doors in all types of weather conditions under extremely hazardous, unpleasant and stressful conditions. The work of a firefighter involves performance of extremely physically demanding tasks for extended periods of time and requires firefighters to meet and maintain prescribed physical and endurance abilities. Requirements include but are not limited to the ability to bend, twist, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, and climb; perform repetitive lifting, overhead work, and heavy manual labor. Manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary to operate small tools and electronics.

Safety Statement:
We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City's Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.


The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or any other status protected by law.
The City of Oak Harbor offers a generous benefit package to our employees that include:

Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual

Sick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.

Full-time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.
Years of Service Vacation Accrual Rate

• 0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month
• 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month
• 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month
• 16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month
• 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month

The vacation accrual rate for a part-time employee shall be pro-rated as a percentage of the full-time rate.


Holiday Pay
The City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).


Medical Insurance
A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

• Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan,
• Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)
• Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.

The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.


Vision Insurance
Vision Service Plan -The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.


Dental Insurance
Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.


Washington State Retirement Programs
Required pension plan for all City employees. (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees.
LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees.
PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers).
(% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.


Basic Life Insurance & Long Term Disability
The City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.

Wellness Program
The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.

Employee Assistance Program
Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the for more information.

Other benefit options include the following :

• Voluntary Group Life Insurance - in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option.
• Deferred Compensation Plan - Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option.
• Colonial Life & Disability - This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)- Funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

01


Are you a citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident who can speak, read, and write the English language?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you at least 18 years of age at the time of application?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or current Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification?

• Yes, I have a CDL or EVIP.
• No, I don't have a CDL.

04


Do you have State of Washington Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or equivalent National Registry EMT Certificate?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have 2 years' experience as a paid-on-call firefighter or volunteer with a fire department/district or 1-year experience as a career firefighter with a fire department/district. Paid-on-call/volunteer experience must be current and continuous without a break in service within the last 2 years. Career experience must be current and continuous without a break in service within the last year.

• Yes I have this experience
• No I don't have this experience

06


Do you have a valid state driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement or current Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have an IFSAC Firefighter I Certification or equivalent?

• Yes I have IFSAC Firefighter I Certification.
• Yes I have an equivalent Certificate to IFSAC Firefighter I.
• No I do not have this certification.

09


Are you willing and able to submit to a complete background check including psychological, drug screen and medical testing for suitability to law enforcement?

• Yes
• No

10


Veterans Credit- RCW 41.04.010 provides for a veterans' scoring criteria status to be added to the passing grade of certain veterans. Are you claiming veterans' preference based on RCW 41.04.010? If yes, you will need to upload your DD214 to determine eligibility.

• Yes
• No

Required Question City of Oak Harbor, WA

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Immediate start, Gangs, Flexible hours, Shift work,

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