Entry Level Firefighter

Under general supervision, provides fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, and protective services to residents and visitors of the City of Tumwater and surrounding service areas. Firefighters respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, accidents, natural and human‑caused disasters, and other emergencies threatening life or property.

Employees provide emergency medical services within the scope of their certification and training in accordance with Thurston County Medic One protocols while operating as members of an emergency response team. Work is performed in hazardous and physically demanding environments requiring sound judgment, teamwork, and the ability to respond effectively under stressful and rapidly changing conditions.

In addition to emergency response, Firefighters participate in training, pre‑incident planning, fire and injury prevention, public education, inspections, report preparation, equipment and apparatus maintenance, station duties, and other activities supporting the Department's mission.

• This is the journey‑level Firefighter classification. Positions at this level perform fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical response, public education, fire prevention, and related emergency services while operating within an established chain of command.
• Employees work in highly collaborative team environments and are expected to maintain operational readiness, exercise sound judgment, and perform physically and mentally demanding work under hazardous conditions.
• Unlike the Paramedic/Firefighter classification, this position provides emergency medical services only within the scope of the employee's certification and does not require Advanced Life Support licensure or authorization.

• Responds to fires, hazardous conditions, rescue calls, accidents, natural and human‑caused disasters, and other emergency incidents.
• Performs fire suppression, rescue, and other emergency operations consistent with Department policies, procedures, and training.
• Provides emergency medical care within the scope of certification and established Thurston County Medic One protocols.
• Operates fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, communications equipment, and related firefighting and rescue equipment.
• Maintains operational readiness and responds to emergency incidents as assigned.

• Participates in required classroom, practical, and scenario‑based training to maintain firefighter knowledge, skills, certifications, and operational readiness.
• Participates in physical fitness and conditioning activities necessary to safely perform firefighter duties.
• Attends schools, conferences, drills, and other training opportunities to remain current on firefighting tactics, emergency response practices, and Department procedures.
• Obtains and maintains Department‑required certifications and qualifications.
• Provides mentoring and support to other firefighters as assigned.

• Participates in public education, community outreach, fire prevention, and injury prevention activities.
• Assists with pre‑incident planning, building familiarization, inspections, and related community risk reduction efforts.
• Responds to customer requests and provides professional, service‑oriented assistance to members of the public.

• Inspects, cleans, tests, maintains, and inventories apparatus, tools, protective equipment, and firefighting equipment.
• Performs routine maintenance of stations, facilities, equipment, and assigned work areas.
• Reports damaged, missing, unsafe, or malfunctioning equipment and assists with corrective action.