Entry Level Firefighter

Position Information

Employer:

City of Kirkland. Salary: $93,092.67 - $ Annually.

Location:

Kirkland, WA. Job Type: Full-Time. Job Number: . Department

Location:

Fire - Emergency Services. Opening Date: 01/15/2026. FLSA:
Non-Exempt. Bargaining Unit: IAFF.

The Kirkland Fire Department is seeking Entry Level Firefighters who are passionate about serving their community and answering the call in times of need. We are looking for individuals who are committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through professional emergency response and compassionate public service.

Working for the Kirkland Fire Department provides a unique opportunity to join a collaborative, community-focused team that values preparedness, teamwork, and continuous learning. Our firefighters take pride in delivering high-quality emergency medical care, fire suppression services, and public safety education while building trust and connection through the Kirkland community.

Learn more about the Kirkland Fire Department here.

An application with the City of Kirkland is not required at this time. Please visit Public Safety Testing to complete the required testing and choose to share your test scores with the Kirkland Fire Department. The Kirkland Fire Department accepts test scores on a continuous basis for the Entry Level Firefighter hiring process, however, scores are reviewed once annually in February.

Please reference the deadline listed on Kirkland Fire's Public Safety Testing webpage to submit written and physical exam (CPAT) test scores. Do not submit your scores directly to the Kirkland Fire Department—only scores submitted through Public Safety Testing will be considered.

The City of Kirkland applies veteran preference points.

The next anticipated hiring process will begin February 2026.

To submit your scores, please visit Public Safety Testing.

• Responds to fire alarms with a company; lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs water stream; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment.
• Drives fire apparatus; operates pumps, and other auxiliary fire apparatus.
• Ventilates burning buildings by opening windows and skylights or cutting holes in roofs and floors.
• Removes persons from danger and administers emergency care to injured or ill persons.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of department property, cleans and washes walls and floors, cares for grounds around station; makes minor repairs, washes, hangs and dries hose; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment.
• Performs salvage and overhaul operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
• Participates in fire drills and attends classes in firefighting and emergency medical care.
• Inspects buildings to determine fire hazards.
• Performs other work as assigned.
• Writes and maintains accurate reports.
• At higher level of Firefighter, instructs job skills to others.
• May be required to perform duties as a disaster worker in the event of a disaster affecting the City of Kirkland. This may require returning to work during off-hours or remaining at work past normal work hours.

• Performs administrative and/or technical support tasks for Fire Administration such as computer data entry, maintaining maps, researching programs and issues, and other related support tasks.
• Instructs the public in fire and emergency medical safety.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a working knowledge of fire suppression techniques.
• Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions and to maintain an adequate level of physical fitness at all times.
• Ability to achieve and maintain certified status as an Emergency Medical Technician. Firefighter V must maintain defibrillation certification.
• Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable working test period.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or a GED. Candidates must meet such medical, age, psychological, and physical standards as may be prescribed. Must maintain a valid Washington Driver's License. Must be able to move objects weighing up to 150 pounds.

For the full list of minimum qualifications, please visit Public Safety Testing.

Work is usually performed during 24-hour shifts. May frequently require exposure to hazardous conditions that are typical to a fire or emergency situation, such as intense heat, smoke, burning debris and falling structures. Wears self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing in emergency situations. A large part of the time is spent in the performance of routine duties at a fire station.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the…