Job Description

Controls and extinguishes fires and engages in search and rescue for the preservation of life and property. Responds to all medical emergencies and administers life saving measures as defined by the State Department of Health and Regional Emergency Medical protocol for a certified paramedic in Advance Life Support (ALS), or EMT in Basic Life Support (BLS). Maintains apparatus, quarters, buildings, equipment, and grounds as directed.

Respond to fire emergency calls as assigned, and perform tasks that may include search, rescue, ventilation, or suppression. Use department equipment as appropriate to extinguish fires of all types in buildings, grass, terrain, automobiles, or other sites.
Respond to emergency medical care calls as assigned for assistance to sick or injured people and treat them according to Skagit County EMS Protocols and guidelines and within the scope of practice. Drive and operate all department vehicles as qualified and appropriate.
Perform daily tests to keep all equipment and apparatus in state of readiness for emergencies. Perform routine equipment maintenance, such as checking fluids, hoses, and air pressure, and making corrections. For mechanical maintenance and repair, take to the City shop. Participate in training classes to maintain and increase knowledge, skills, and levels of certification.
Check hydrants and perform maintenance on a regular schedule and as needed; maintain records. Perform work in accordance with all safety policies and procedures, including the protocols for infection control. Wash equipment and perform station maintenance. Perform grounds maintenance as needed
Make public presentations, conduct tours of the station, or assist in presenting training classes for other staff, volunteers, community groups, or fire personnel from other districts.
Use computers to enter data and generate reports and maintain necessary manual and computer records. Participate in off-duty call-back for standby and major emergencies,
May perform portions of the work of higher classified positions occasionally, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have current paramedic certification in Washington State. Must satisfactorily complete Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) course and maintain certification. Must be able to satisfactorily complete firefighter I and II training at an accredited firefighter training program and become certified by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Licenses and other requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of:

Fire protection work including the principles and practices of modern fire control and prevention.

Ability To

Maintain excellent communications skills, for example, to calm individuals experiencing a medical emergency, manage abusive behavior, create public trust, give and receive information on the radio under emergency situations, and provide informational presentations about the department.
Read and interpret a variety of technical materials, including manuals and periodicals. Ability to write clear and concise reports using correct spelling and proper grammar. Ability to competently utilize various computer programs to enter data, keyboard and generate reports.
Handle high level of personal stress, and to maintain composure and control of self and the situation, under a variety of adverse conditions, including verbal and physical abuse, witnessing death and critical injuries, and experiencing risk of personal harm. Must cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for all the rights of citizens.
Perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude, and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures, and discipline, within a hierarchal management system. Ability to work as a reliable team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and others outside the department, such as hospital staff and police.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: Performs assigned responsibilities in accordance with established Skagit County protocols. In emergency situations performs duties where quick and sound decisions must be made, and where incorrect decision or action could result in serious risk of physical harm to self and co-workers, harm to other individuals, costly damage to equipment, increased property loss, or detrimental public view of the department. May be assigned to act as Upgrade Lieutenant.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in diverse environments depending on situational demands. Work involves safely operating emergency vehicles in all kinds of conditions. Work includes ability to work in dynamic environments with unpredictable hazards. The work environment may require strenuous work in an environment containing life threatening hazards that require the use of breathing apparatus.

PHYSICAL: Physical strength and ability to perform intermittently very heavy labor for extended periods of time under extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions, often while wearing bulky protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus. Very heavy labor is defined as, for example, exerting force sufficient to lift and carry up to 200 pounds of body weight and occasionally as a team member to lift and maneuver onto a gurney body weight up to 600 pounds, or as necessary lift whatever weight is required to handle the emergency or rescue. Often the lifting must be done in spaces where use of correct lifting techniques is not possible. Physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activity such as climb up and down stairs, raise and climb ladders, crawl into confined spaces, wield axes, haul hose, etc., and sustain this activity for the duration of the emergency without interruption while wearing bulky protective gear. Hearing ability sufficient, for example, to use stethoscope to assess heart and lung sounds where ambient noise is a factor, and to communicate with team members and use portable radio while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to perform essential job functions unimpeded by physical, emotional, sensory, or mental conditions which could adversely affect performance of duties, personal safety, or safety of others.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, citizenship or national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital/familial status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identification, or status as an honorably discharged veteran, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

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Entry-Level Paramedic/Firefighter Recruitment

We are now accepting applications for entry-level Paramedic/Firefighter candidates. To be considered for the upcoming oral board, all steps must be completed by Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Application Requirements

All of the following must be submitted by the deadline (Friday, January 30th, 2026, at 11:59pm) to remain in the process:

FireTEAM Written Test Complete the FireTEAM exam through the NTN Physical and Written Exams. Select Anacortes Fire Department under firefighter jobs. The test must be completed between January 29, 2025 - January 30, 2026.
CPAT Certification Submit a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completed between January 29, 2025 - January 30, 2026. Certification from NTN or any licensed CPAT testing facility will be accepted. NTN Physical and Written Exams
City of Anacortes Online Application Apply online via the City’s job portal: City of Anacortes Job Opportunities. Click the “Jobs” icon to find the listing. If you’re requesting Veteran’s Preference, please attach your DD214 or NGB 22 form.

Full Hiring Process Overview

Once your application is submitted and requirements are met, the following steps will occur:

Written & Physical Tests and submit City of Anacortes Application (January 9, 2026 – January 30, 2026) Complete and pass both exams NTN Physical and Written Exams,City of Anacortes Job Opportunities
Application Review (February 2-6, 2026) Review application materials. Eligible candidates will receive a confirmation email with an oral board time slot.
Oral Board Interview /EMS Skills test (February 10 & 11, 2026)
Civil Service Certification (February 18, 2026) Eligibility list finalized by the Civil Service Commission.
Chief’s Interview (if selected, TBD) The Fire Chief will reach out to schedule.
Conditional Offer of Employment
Background Investigation
Medical Exam
Final Offer of Employment

If you have any questions about the process, please contact:

Karlee Wilder

(360) 299-1964

karleew@anacorteswa.gov

Important Wage Notice

The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is currently under negotiation. The wages listed in this posting reflect the 2025 rates and are subject to change pending finalization of the agreement. Additionally, the compensation package includes annual holiday pay.

City of Anacortes

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