The job of a Firefighter is a challenging career. Firefighters must be able to respond quickly and coordinate their activities as an effective work team.

Firefighters perform work activities in a number of areas, including, but not limited to:

• Fire Prevention
• Building Inspections
• Firefighting
• Hazardous Materials Mitigation
• Disaster Response (catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods or other disasters).
• View the Seattle Fire Department Career Overview presentation

Entry Level Seattle Firefighters must have EMT certification. The predominant activity of this job includes providing medical care to sick or injured individuals. This work may involve exposure to contagious diseases, and at times, the unavoidable death of EMS patients or fire victims.

The work requires attention to detail in carrying out emergency needs, as well as skill in communication with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Firefighters encounter many challenges in fighting fires such as identifying the source of the fire, appropriate suppression techniques and search and rescue of victims. The conditions include extreme heat, smoke, and working in confined spaces with limited vision.

Fire Fighting is very physically demanding

Firefighters carry 80-100 lbs. of equipment such as axes, hoses, ladders, and chain saws. The work may include climbing many flights of stairs, ascending and descending on ground extension ladders and fire escapes. Firefighters work at heights and in confined spaces to fight fires and rescue victims.

At the conclusion of a fire incident, Firefighters may provide a continuous fire watch presence. Members are responsible for fire scene overhaul, including carrying out burned furniture and appliances, sweeping out and mopping up excess water, securing the scene.

When not responding to fires or emergency events, Firefighters are engaged in maintaining the fire apparatus, fire equipment and the fire station. The Seattle Fire Department also maintains an active Fire Prevention program, including regular building inspections by Firefighters within each of the fire station districts.

The general work schedule requires 24-hour shifts, assigned on an alternating basis with either two or four days off between assignments. While on duty, Firefighters live and sleep at the fire station.

For Firefighters assigned to Administrative positions, a modified work schedule may be arranged for qualified individuals.

If you would like to be notified by e-mail when the next Entry Level Firefighter Application period begins, you can signup HERE.

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Last Modified:   September 19, 2008