Mayor Harrell joins Seattle Fire Department to kick-off application window for firefighter/EMT positions

The Seattle Fire Department is accepting applications for entry-level firefighter/EMTs through Nov. 29. Prospective candidates can apply online at SeattleFireJobs.com

SEATTLE - Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins and Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27 President Kenny Stuart on Oct. 9 to announce the open application window for the City's firefighter/EMT positions. The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) opens its application window once every two years for just under two months, which is the only window of time for prospective candidates to apply to be in the hiring process.

The application period opened on Oct. 4 and closes on Nov. 29. With the Mayor's proposed budget, the SFD anticipates hiring up to 80 firefighter/EMTs over the next year to serve as uniformed members of the department.

"When people call 9-1-1 in Seattle for a fire or medical emergency, they know that our dedicated and skilled firefighters and paramedics are ready to respond and help. For everyone who has ever wanted to do more, to help more, to be more, we want you to join our team," said Mayor Harrell. "Joining the fire department is an incredibly rewarding career and I encourage everyone to apply."

Firefighter/EMTs and paramedics are on the frontlines of public safety and spend their days responding to medical emergencies, fires and rescues. The department is seeking individuals who have a passion for helping others and who are committed to values of integrity, compassion, courage, diversity and teamwork.

"It's our mission to respond immediately when any member of our community needs help with professional, effective and compassionate service. If you share our values, like to work hard, enjoy being part of a team and most importantly, have a heart for service, we want you to apply," said Fire Chief Harold Scoggins.

Entry-level firefighter/EMTs are offered a competitive benefits package, including a state retirement plan. The starting salary is $94,848 with additional step increases and promotional opportunities available. Firefighters and paramedics work 24-hour shifts, approximately eight days per month. Applicants must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license and the ability to communicate in English. An EMT certification is not required to apply but is required for hire. Prospective candidates in the hiring process who do not yet possess an EMT certification will be provided options for how to obtain one.

"Seattle's hardworking firefighters and EMTs play a critical part in protecting and serving our community," said Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the Council's Public Safety Committee. "The Seattle Fire Department is a great team to be a part of and I strongly encourage anyone interested in public service, meaningful work, and making a difference to apply."

SFD's rigorous recruit school is physically and mentally challenging. During recruit school, members participate in intensive training and fire evolutions in controlled settings. Most of the training occurs at the City's Joint Training Facility, and the recruits also spend time at the Washington State Fire Academy in North Bend. Recruits who successfully complete the 16-week recruit school and subsequent nine-month probationary period are sworn in as full-fledged firefighter/EMTs.

"Being a firefighter is a noble and rewarding profession that is highly skilled, team-oriented, time critical and physically demanding. This career requires a significant commitment to serve others at all costs. Exceptional, hard-working, brave men and women wanted," said Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27 President Kenny Stuart.

The SFD offers many opportunities for advancement, including promoting through the ranks to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, assistant chief and fire chief. Other options for advancement include becoming a paramedic, dispatcher, inspector, fireboat pilot or engineer, and more. The department also has a wide range of special operations and technical teams including Rescue One, the Energy Response Team, the Hazardous Materials Team, the Decontamination Team, the Marine Team, the Wildland Team, rescue swimmers and the fireboats.

Individuals interested in a career with the SFD should apply online at seattlefirejobs.com. SFD's Human Resources division follows up with candidates on important information regarding next steps in the hiring process, including taking a FireTEAM test and a Public Safety Self Assessment video exam. More information on the hiring process is available on SFD's website.

Once the application window closes, the City's Fire Exams Unit publishes a candidate register that lasts for two years. The department anticipates hiring four recruit classes from this register in August 2025, February 2026, August 2026 and February 2027 for a total of up to 160 firefighter/EMT positions.

Mayor Harrell's proposed 2025 budget would add 20 additional firefighter recruits to the base budget of 60 recruits, double the slots available for paramedic students, and add an additional team to the Health 99 overdose response unit.

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