Lateral-Entry Firefighter/Paramedic Process

The Seattle Fire Department is hiring lateral-entry Firefighter/Paramedics to join our world-renowned Medic One team. The application period closed on Jan. 28, 2025.

Why Seattle Fire Medic One?

As a Seattle Firefighter/Paramedic, you’ll respond to a diverse range of incidents to provide life-saving care and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and training. The City of Seattle offers highly competitive compensation, benefits and the opportunity to make a difference in a paramedic program known for its innovative approach to pre-hospital care. Learn more about the Medic One program here.

Tentative Timeline

Janury-February 2025: Application period, testing and Oral Boards

March 2025: Hiring register established

March-April 2025: CPATs, suitability assessments, skills assessments and interviews

May 2025: Background checks, medical assessments, psych assessments

June-August 2025: Recruit School

September 2025-January 2026: Paramedic Training

FAQs

What are the benefits? 

Firefighter/Paramedics will be hired at step 4 of the Firefighter pay range ($48.98 hourly or $115,644 annually). Upon completion of Paramedic training, they will receive 17% premium pay, bringing their salary to $135,504 annually. Firefighter/Paramedics will advance to step 5 of the pay range after one year of employment and receive an additional 1.5% Senior Paramedic premium after five years of working as a Paramedic. More information on benefits can be found here.

What is the schedule? 

The Seattle Fire Department Operations schedule is: 24 hours on, 48 hours off, 24 hours on, 96 hours off, etc. An additional “Debit” shift is worked roughly once per month. The Seattle schedule does not include “Kelly” days.

How many positions will you be hiring?

We anticipate using this process to fill 8-16 vacancies.

What certifications are required? 

Lateral-entry Firefighter/Paramedic candidates must have a current, valid state or NREMT paramedic certification with either:

A) The successful completion of the Michael K. Copass Harborview Paramedic Training Program at the University of Washington

B) Proof of competency, a current and valid certification from another state or national organization recognized by the State of Washington Department of Health’s (DOH) EMS office, with 2.5 years of full-time Firefighter/ Paramedic experience in a dual-role paramedic program in the last four years

Candidates will also need to possess Fire Fighter I & II, HazMat Operations Certifications endorsed by the International Fire Service Accreditation College (IFSAC), Pro Board, or equivalent at their time of hire. 

What fire service experience do I need? 

Candidates must have a minimum of 2.5 years full-time, paid career structural firefighter work experience (may be concurrent with paramedic experience).

I’ve already completed a firefighter recruit academy. Do I have to go through the Seattle Fire Department’s recruit academy again? 

Yes, all Seattle Firefighters are required to attend our in-house Recruit School once offered employment, regardless of their previous experience. For the lateral-entry Firefighter/Paramedic process, new hires will complete an accelerated 10-week program. More information on Recruit School can be found here.

Will I have to complete a paramedic training program even though I already have my paramedic certificate? 

Candidates who have not already been certified through the Michael K. Copass Harborview Paramedic Training program (PMT) will be required to complete an accelerated five-month program after Recruit School. This program includes classroom training, clinical rotations and field ride time. Paramedic Trainees must meet the minimum passing scores for exams, evaluations and pass the exit interview. After successfully completing the accelerated program, trainees will receive a course completion certificate.

Candidates who have successfully completed PMT and are currently working as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Washington state would not be required to attend accelerated paramedic training. Candidates will be required to go through the reentry process and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Will I need to submit a Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) during the hiring process?  

Yes. The department will accept proof of a valid CPAT from an accredited agency completed within one year of the date the register is published. Candidates who do not have a valid CPAT will receive a voucher to complete a CPAT through the National Testing Network. 

Do I have to live in Washington state?

No, we have no residential requirements for applicants. Please be aware that several steps of the hiring process may require travel into the Seattle area.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for a work permit or Green Card. If you are not already authorized to work in the United States, you will need to obtain authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.

Will I need to be vaccinated? 

Yes, paramedic students must be current with vaccination requirements. These include, but are not limited to, influenza, MMR, TDAP, varicella and Covid-19, though medical and religious exemptions are currently allowable and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must recognize that requirements may change and be willing to adhere to whatever requirements are set by the University of Washington, Paramedic Training and affiliated clinical partners.

Contacts

Questions regarding submitting an application, test dates, and veteran's scoring criteria should be directed to the Public Safety Civil Service Commision's Fire & Police Exams Unit via email to FireCareers@seattle.gov.

Questions regarding pre-employment screening or the job of a Seattle Firefighter should be directed to the Seattle Fire Department Recruitment Office via email to SFD.Recruitment@seattle.gov.

Fire Department

Harold Scoggins, Fire Chief
Address: 301 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: 301 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98104
Phone: (206) 386-1400
FireChiefOffice@seattle.gov
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The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) has 33 fire stations located throughout the City. SFD deploys engine companies, ladder companies, and aid and medic units to mitigate loss of life and property resulting from fires, medical emergencies, and other disasters.