Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $6,614.27 - $7,897.79/ month
FIRE FIGHTER
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 24, 2025. Only 25 applications will be accepted.
Written Test and Physical Ability Testing will be on Wednesday November 12, 2025. Interviews will be on Thursday November 13, 2025. Chiefs interviews will be scheduled on the 13th.
For further information contact Airway Heights Fire Department, (509) 244-3322, 1149 S Garfield St, Airway Heights, WA 99001 or at www.cawh.org.
Position Information
Shift: 24-hour day (one day on, two days off)
Employment Category: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: AHPSG
FLSA: Nonexempt
Definition
The Firefighter protects life and property through responding to fire alarms and other emergency incidents and performing highly skilled work in providing emergency medical care to sick and injured persons. Participates in fire prevention activities, public education, and station and equipment maintenance activities.
Minimum Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED
S. citizen; able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Valid drivers license with no major driving citations
Must be able to pass a background check and pass a Medical Physical
State of Washington Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or ability to obtain at time of hire
IFSAC FFI Certification
Desired Qualifications
Paramedic or Advanced EMT
Two- or four-year college degree
Supervision Received
Works under direct supervision of a Crew leader, Lieutenant or Deputy Chief in the Fire Department and within standard operating procedures, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions
Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area within a department(s) which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:
Responds to fire alarms with assigned company; lays and connects hose; maintains pumping apparatus; holds nozzles and directs water streams; raises and climbs ladders; assists in freeing victims from situations in which they are physically trapped; utilizes and maintains self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Assists in overhauling, salvage, and cleanup operations.
Provides emergency medical technician level assistance at injury or accident scenes involving basic life support and paramedic support functions.
Responds to emergency and nonemergency calls for service.
Participates in drills and classes pertaining to medical services, fire suppression, rescue, street locations, hydraulics, and fire inspections.
Participates in public education and community relation activities including school visits and fire station tours.
Performs cleaning, repair, and maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
May respond to emergency calls for specialized service such as hazardous materials, confined spaces rescue, extrication, and technical rescues that include high angle, below grade, swift water, trench, and collapse rescues.
May act as company officer as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting
Purpose, operation, and maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus
Departmental policies, rules, and instructions for firefighting and rescue activities
Fire prevention principles and practices
Extrication and the use of extrication tools
Emergency Medical Technician basic life support procedures and Paramedic support procedures
Basic mathematical and science skills
Principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance
The city of Airway Heights road network
Microsoft Windows Office products
Ability to:
Apply firefighting techniques and procedures
Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies
Deal effectively with people under stressful situations
Read maps and provide travel directions
Select and use appropriate equipment and apparatus for emergency situations
Understand and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately
Communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization using clearly organized thoughts, proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar
Provide superior customer service for both internal and external customers
Make mathematical calculations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public
Complete required OSHA/Safety Training as required
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job or that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Operate all types of portable fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools, and related equipment such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles, and axes.
Operate a variety of medical equipment including but not limited to suction units, pulse oximeters, laryngoscopes, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, oxygen administration equipment, and glucose monitors.
Exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature, and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, water hazards, violence, disease, and pathogenic substances.
At times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling and may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services or perform duties on the fire ground.
Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.
Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.
Use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) while performing tasks in environments that may be immediately dangerous to life.
Operate a motor vehicle, emergency response vehicle, radios, and pager.
Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer terminal, telephone, 10-key calculator, copier, and fax machine, requiring continuous and repetitive arm, hand, and eye movement.
Travel to/from various city locations.
Respond to emergencies as needed.
BENEFITS:
- Medical, dental, vision, and Aflac
- Retirement through the Department of Retirement Systems
- HRA VEBA account
- Group Life Insurance
- PTO including vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and personal holidays.