Firefighter

Firefighter

Salary

$86,754.67 - $120,195.61 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

4001-26

Department

Fire

Division

Fire

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

11/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is currently seeking candidates interested in serving our community as firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

TFD takes great pride in its ability to serve the needs of our diverse community. Each day our citizens call upon us to respond to a variety of emergencies: fires, emergency medical incidents, technical rescues, hazardous materials, marine incidents and more. Firefighter/EMTs are responsible for the protection of life, property, and the environment. They perform general duty firefighting work: combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, providing emergency medical services, and maintaining fire department equipment, apparatus and quarters. Firefighters also prepare and maintain a variety of records and electronic reports and constantly interact with the public in a positive way.

TFD protects a service area of 71 square miles (Tacoma, Fife, Fircrest and associated waterways) with a population of more than 200,000. The department also services the Port of Tacoma, one of the largest container ports in North America, covering over 2,400 acres. TFD has 17 active fire stations distributed throughout our response area. Our front-line uniform personnel staff operates 17 engine companies, four ladders, five medic units, three command vehicles, and four full-time BLS transport units. Uniformed personnel also cross-staff a fireboat, hazardous material unit and technical rescue vehicle. The majority of the uniformed force is engaged in fire suppression and emergency medical service delivery.

For additional information please visit the Tacoma Fire Department page.

NOTE: PLEASE REVIEW THE FULL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPLICATION AND TESTING PROCESS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT HR AT 253-591-5400.

The City of Tacoma offers generous employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible employees, spouses/domestic partners, and eligible dependents, including children up to age 26
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code
• Vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Excellent Retirement plan
• Salary based on 92.2 hour pay periods

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent and a minimum of 18 years of age.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Washington State Drivers License is required at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• In accordance with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) standards, must have a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification completed within the six months prior to hire (information about how to complete this requirement will be included in a candidates conditional offer letter)
• Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician is required by completion of Firefighter Recruit Academy EMT Training with maintenance thereafter
• Firefighter candidates are evaluated by the minimum medical standards (NFPA 1582) adopted by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs. These standards include being a non-smoker, which is defined as having quit use of any tobacco product two or more years ago and having normal lung function.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veterans Preference points.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the in-person written examination tentatively scheduled for either December 15th or 16th, 2026. There will be no alternative test dates. Applicants must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for further hiring consideration.

• TACOMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2026 RECRUITMENT INFORMATION*

The upcoming entry-level firefighter written exam will evaluate whether or not you possess the critical, job-related skills and abilities necessary for success on the job.

Qualified applicants for the 2026 recruitment will be provided instructions on the process and next steps to follow to take the in-person entry-level firefighter test. In preparation for the 2026 Entry-Level Firefighter test, Tacoma Fire Department is offering a free orientation guide as a helpful tool to prepare for the online firefighter test. The orientation guide will be attached to the confirmation email you receive regarding the written test.

Additional employment information:

• Eligible candidates will be selected to submit a personal history questionnaire (PHQ) and then will be selected for oral board interviews.
• Individuals who are given a conditional offer of employment must also pass a background check, pre-employment medical examination, drug screening, and provide a CPAT certification
• New employees must successfully complete a one-year probationary period, from date of hire, prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
• This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IAFF Local 31.

Compensation & Benefits:

Pay Details:

Hourly: $36.19 - $50.14

Annual Salary: $86,754.67 - $120,195.61

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all. 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.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses may be accessed in subsequent examinations, and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your highest level of education.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher
• No education

03

Are you at least a minimum of 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

04

I understand that firefighter candidates are evaluated by the minimum medical standards (NFPA 1582) adopted by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs. These standards include being a non-smoker, which is defined as having quit use of any tobacco product two or more years ago and having normal lung function. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand this information.

• Yes
• No

05

I understand that this recruitment will include a written examination administered in person that will result in the establishment of an eligible list. This list will be used to fill firefighter vacancies for up to two years. If there is a change to my contact information, I will update my profile in Government Jobs or contact the City of Tacoma Human Resources Department. Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand this information.

• Yes
• No

06

If applicable, you must attach your DD214 Member 4 copy to this application if you want to receive (if eligible) Veterans Scoring Criteria/Veterans Preference. Have you attached your DD214 document?

• Yes
• N/A

07

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Women in Fire Event
• TFD Info Session
• Other

08

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov