*** The civil service written exam may be accessed via the National Testing Network (NTN) website; oral boards will take place the week of November 12, 2024. All applicants will receive a welcome letter via email after the closing date. The letter will contain further instructions and a Civil Service number.***

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of a Company Officer performs duties relating to the protection of life and property through fire suppression, rescue, fire prevention and community education activities, and provides emergency medical services to the sick and injured.

Work includes responding to and mitigating emergency situations or natural conditions that pose a threat to life or property; and driving and operating fire apparatus and vehicles. Firefighters also perform duties in the following areas: apparatus, equipment, and hydrant inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair; facility maintenance and repair; fire prevention inspections and code enforcement; public education; fire investigation; and training activities.

This position requires frequent and routine contact with others within the Department, the public, and other agencies; requires good communication skills, teamwork, tact, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Because this classification is directly involved with the activities of emergency response, fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, emergency medical services, and training, there is a high degree of exposure to physical hazards.

Effective August 16, 2021, all new hires to the City will be required as a condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to start date. If you have questions or need an accommodation for this requirement due to a disability or religious reason, you can speak to our HR Department for further information.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs hazardous tasks for long periods of time under emergency conditions of high stress; strenuous physical exertion under such conditions as heights, wet and/or cramped surroundings, hot/smoky environments, and limited visibility.
• Performs fire suppression activities including rescue, operation of fire streams from within or outside a burning structure; ventilation activities; salvage; laying and connecting hoses and nozzles, raising and climbing ladders; and other related tasks using tools and equipment as required.
• Performs the delivery of emergency medical services, which may include emergency transport functions.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus, including pumpers, ladder trucks, rescue trucks, ambulances, and other emergency and support vehicles.
• Develops and maintains effective fire streams.
• Performs the delivery of hazardous materials, biohazard, and weapons of mass destruction response activities within the scope of training, equipment, and policies of the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
• Performs the delivery of rescue services; which may include vehicle extrication, rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, water rescue, and rescue from damaged or collapsed structures.
• Performs initial fire cause investigations.
• Performs additional duties associated with support functions; and other duties that may be required from time to time by a shift, station, or Chief Office
• Participates in the planning and implementation of Department goals and objectives, standard operating procedures, rules and regulations, development and management of budgets, and other administrative assignments.
• Participates in the development and delivery of training programs. Instructs courses relating to fire protection and emergency medical services.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, employees, volunteers, affiliated professionals, business owners, and the public. Initiates and maintains effective communications with peers, assigned personnel, and administrative personnel, within the chain of command.
• Performs activities and functions relating to the maintenance of a station, apparatus, equipment, and fire protection and support activities within a response zone.
• Participates in fire prevention inspections of buildings and premises to ensure compliance of adopted codes, ordinances, and good practices of the Department as directed by the company officer. Communicates the findings of the fire prevention inspections to the occupant and Fire Marshal. Investigates complaints and inspects requests for open burning. Observes fire drills.
• Participates in community education and public relations events such as station tours, fire extinguisher classes, Citizen Emergency Response Team training, block parties, and other events as required by the Department.
• Prepares and submits appropriate, accurate, and complete reports for alarm responses, training, accidents/injuries/exposure, and other events relating to a company or administrative assignment.
• Attends meetings, seminars, schools, and/or training sessions as assigned to maintain knowledge of modern fire protection, emergency medical, rescue, hazardous materials response, occupational health and safety, and administrative techniques.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or lawfully allowed to work in the U.S.
• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application.
• Graduation from High School or equivalent GED certificate.
• Washington State EMT certification, National Registry or other State equivalency with the ability to be certified in Washington.
• Must possess a valid CPAT by October 27, 2024.
• Meet the medical, psychological and Civil Service requirements.
• Ability to obtain a Firefighter 1 certification upon completion of the Washington State Fire Academy. (City will send candidate to Academy.)
• Ability to successfully complete Apparatus Operator and HazMat operations training.
• Ability to pass criminal background investigation.
• Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six months and a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier. Must successfully complete the employer’s driving program.

Knowledge of:

• Modern firefighting, fire prevention, rescue, hazardous materials, and advanced life support emergency medical services techniques.
• Mount Vernon Fire Department Policies and Procedures and Rules and Regulations.
• Operation of fire apparatus, ambulances, and other emergency and support vehicles.
• Skagit County BLS and ALS medical protocols.
• Fire codes, laws, and ordinances.

Ability to:

• Develop and maintain effective fire streams.
• Apply fire codes, laws, and ordinances.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Implement Skagit County BLS and ALS medical protocols.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and work cooperatively with others as the leader or member of a service-oriented team.
• Understand and follow complex written and oral communications.
• Problem solve, make quick decisions, and use innovative approaches to situations.
• Accurately prepare reports, records, and correspondence.
• Work efficiently under stress and physically demanding conditions.
• Perform the physical activities required of firefighting and associated activities.
• Complete the physical ability standards prescribed by Public Safety Testing and the Civil Service Commission.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Contribution to MERP Benefit
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

• Passing a psychological exam
• Passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen
• Passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check with no felony convictions within the last seven years.
• Satisfactory reference checks