About The City Of Bremerton
Nestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremerton offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district—featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina—to the creative energy of the Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy local attractions like the Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotary Park. Outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact—explore our openings and discover your future here.
General Function
Salary rates above include non-shift rates, longevity, 2% premium for ladder truck and boat operator, and 4% premium for equipment maintenance/SCBA responsibilities which employees are not eligible to receive until a date specified by the collective bargaining agreement or assigned by the Fire Chief.
The City of Bremerton Fire Department is seeking
Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic candidates who are committed to public service, teamwork, continuous learning, and serving the community.
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career where every day brings new opportunities to help others, we encourage you to apply.
THE POSITION
Under the direction of a unit supervisor, Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergency fire, medical, rescue, and other calls; use specialized equipment to protect life and property; suppress and extinguish fires; provide emergency medical care; and perform rescue operations.
Firefighter/Paramedics also maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies in a constant state of readiness and participate in training, inspections, investigations, public education, fire prevention, pre-incident planning, recordkeeping, and routine station activities.
Lateral Firefighters/paramedics are expected to successfully apply the techniques, equipment, procedures, and skills necessary to perform the work of the firefighting and paramedic profession. As training progresses, firefighters assume increasing responsibility for applying those skills in accordance with Bremerton Fire Department policies and operating procedures.
Representative Essential Duties And Responsibilities
(Note - this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that ma be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position)
What You’ll Do
Emergency Response
- Respond to fire, emergency medical, rescue, and other emergency calls.
- Perform fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, salvage, and related emergency operations.
- Provide advanced prehospital medical care using specialized paramedic protocols, equipment, and supplies to preserve life until the patient is transported and transferred to medical facilities and physician care.
- Apply regional emergency medical services, protocols, regulations, and techniques
- Safely operate fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, radios, and specialized equipment.
- Use and apply paramedic and emergency medical equipment and supplies, including intravenous equipment, oxygen equipment, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, and other patient-care equipment
- Participate in patient assessment, treatment, stabilization, and transportation in accordance with applicable paramedic protocols and department procedures.
- Perform fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical tasks while operating hoses, pumps, ladders, breathing apparatus, extrication equipment, ropes, and other emergency tools.
- Participate in mutual-aid and major emergency operations.
- Prepare accurate reports and documentation following emergency incidents.
Fire Prevention & Community Service
- Assist with fire inspections, complaint investigations, and code-enforcement activities.
- Assist with pre-incident plans and maintaining fire-service information.
- Participate in fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, school programs, and community activities.
Station & Equipment Readiness
- Clean, test, inspect, replenish, and restore equipment and supplies following emergency responses.
- Maintain apparatus, facilities, equipment, and supplies.
- Maintain records and identify equipment or supply needs.
- Participate in drills, training programs, department meetings, and instructional activities.
- Maintain required certifications and participate in continuing training.
These duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for candidates who:
- Are committed to serving the public.
- Can learn quickly and apply new information in high-pressure situations.
- Can make sound decisions while considering safety and changing conditions.
- Are able to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Can work effectively as part of a team.
- Are willing and able to learn to safely operate emergency vehicles, fire apparatus, radios, and specialized equipment.
- Can learn and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and technical information.
- Can perform physically demanding fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical tasks.
- Demonstrate the physical and psychological readiness necessary to successfully complete firefighter training.
- Are committed to maintaining physical and mental readiness and contributing to a positive team environment.
Physical & Operational Requirements
Firefighting is physically demanding work. Candidates must be capable of safely performing the physical tasks required during emergency response, including lifting heavy objects, controlling equipment such as pressurized hoselines, pumps and ladders, and entering hazardous locations, elevated areas, confined spaces, and areas with limited access.
Qualifying Education And Experience (Minimum Requirements)
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Possess a current Nationally registered Paramedic or Washington State Emergency Medical Service Paramedic certification
- Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention training/certification as required
- One (1) year of full-time, paid career firefighter/paramedic experience with a fire agency
- Successful completion of fire agency probation
Examination Process and Required Documents
The Anticipated Selection Process Will Include
- Application & Minimum Qualification Review
- Submit a complete City of Bremerton Employment Application, including:
- CPAT Certificate from a licensed testing facility within 12 months of application submission date
- Valid Driver License
- Resume including three professional references
- Current Paramedic Certification
- IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Ops
Applications Will Be Reviewed To Verify Minimum Qualifications.
- Oral Board Interview
- Applicants may be invited to participate in an oral board interview.
- Eligibility List/Certification
- Candidates who successfully complete the examination process (oral board interview) are placed on the applicable eligibility list in accordance with Civil Service rules.
Placement on the hiring list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
SME Review - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40%
CPAT - Pass/Fail
Oral Board Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%
Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on all scored components to be placed on the eligibility list.
- Chief’s Interview & Selection
- Candidates selected for further consideration participate in an interview with the Fire Chief or designee.
- Conditional Offer
- Selected candidate(s) receive a conditional offer of employment.
- Pre-Employment Screening
- Conditional candidates must successfully complete required background, medical, psychological, drug-screening, driving-record, employment, certification, and reference checks as applicable.
- Final Appointment
- Candidates who successfully complete all required pre-employment conditions receive a final appointment in accordance with Civil Service requirements.
Timeline is tentative and subject to change based on Civil Service requirements, department needs, candidate availability, and completion of required pre-employment screening.
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven-point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
Layoff Preference: Qualified applicants who have been laid off or have received notice of layoff from a position outside of the City of Bremerton within twelve (12) months of the date of this announcement, will have five (5) percent of the PASSING score added to their examination score to establish their final score for the eligibility register.
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
Any applicant who wishes to appeal any part of an examination shall file an appeal in writing with the Civil Service Officer within five (5) working days (Civil Service Rule 9.23A) following administration of the examination.
APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR HIRE MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, PSYCHOLOGY EVALUATION, BACKGROUND CHECK, AND SUBMIT A CURRENT DRIVER'S ABSTRACT.
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Occupational Group: Public Safety Fire and Emergency Medical; Entry through Fully Trained.
Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification qualifies for coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.
Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 437.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton.
The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
ADA Statement
The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.
The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Medical and Dental Insurance - Effective the first of the month following the date of hire, regular employees are eligible for the City's medical and dental insurance plans.
Currently, the City pays the premium for your choice of one of two health insurance plans, Kaiser Permanente or Premera Blue Cross administered by the LEOFF Health and Welfare Trust. To cover dependents you pay 10% of the dependent premium. Dependents may be added only when there is a change in family status, at annual open enrollment, or if you have a qualifying event (e.g. marriage, divorce, spouse loss of medical coverage). Detailed coverage and rate information is available from Human Resources.
The City provides a dental plan through Washington Dental Service for both you and your dependents at no cost to you. Dependents must be added when you are hired, within 30 days of birth or adoption, or at the annual open enrollment.
Disability & Life Insurance - The City pays each employee $50.00 per month toward the cost of Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life insurance. Life insurance is available through payroll deduction in amounts from $10,000 to $500,000. Your union representative will assist you with enrollment.
Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan - The City will contribute $55.00 per month to the WSCFF MERP for each eligible LEOFF II bargaining unit member, and the employee shall contribute $75.00 for a total of $130.00.
Retirement Medical Savings Accounts - The City Will Contribute The Following Amounts To a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Administrated Through Peak 1 Administration
Employee only coverage – ($2,700 annually) $1,350.00 paid on the pay period ending January 15th and $1350.00 paid on the pay period ending July 15th.
Employee and dependents coverage - ($4,700.00 annually) $2,350.00 paid on the pay period ending January 15th and $2,350.00 paid on the pay period ending July 15th.
Retirement - The City provides a comprehensive retirement program through the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System (LEOFF). If you have an account established in LEOFF prior to October 1, 1977, Plan 1 would apply. Otherwise, you will be enrolled in Plan 2.
The LEOFF plans are defined benefit plans to be taken when you qualify for retirement. The amount of the benefit is determined by service credit and average final compensation with a minimum of 5 years service for vesting. See your plan booklet for further information.
Deferred Compensation - You may choose from several plans. The City will match your contribution up to 5.50% of your monthly pay rate. You may contribute with a minimum of $30 per month and a maximum annual combined (employer and employee) contribution of $24,500. See Union Contract for more detailed information.
For additional benefit information, click here
01
I have attached a CPAT Certificate from a licensed testing facility within 12 months of application submission date
02
I have attached my current Nationally registered Paramedic or Washington State Emergency Medical Service Paramedic certification
03
I have completed IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 1 and Hazmat Ops
04
I have One (1) year of full-time, paid career firefighter/paramedic experience with a fire agency
