Firefighter Position

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter

 

PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter

Last updated on November 22, 2023
PST Partner Agency since February 18, 2015

Vacancies: 20

Important Information

Vancouver Fire Department is not currently taking applications for Entry Level Firefighter. Check back in early 2024 for updated information.

Community Information

The City of Vancouver, Washington is located in the southwestern part of the state, on the north bank of the Columbia River directly across from Portland, Oregon. The city itself has a population of over 180,000 residents and encompasses just over 51 square miles. Vancouver, the fourth largest city in Washington, combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with the appeal of a mid-sized community and abundant recreational opportunities. Downtown Portland, Oregon is a 15 minute drive. The Pacific Coast is less than 90 miles to the west; the Columbia River Gorge scenic area as well as the Cascade Mountain Range are just to the east; Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument and Mount Hood are both less than two hours away.

Department Information

The Vancouver Fire Department serves a growing population of over 270,000 residents from 11 fire stations. These 11 fire stations serve a total of 89 square miles which encompasses both city limits and the surrounding areas, with a total of 14 frontline crews running over 32,000 calls per year.  The Vancouver Fire Department does more than fight fires: our state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program also provides paramedic first response to citizens in the service area and VFD has specialty teams for technical rescue, hazmat, fire boat response, and shipboard firefighting.

Area Information

County: Clark County
Population:
# of Staff: 211

Hiring Status

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter has 20 vacancies.

The Vancouver Fire Department will be hiring for for both Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic for academies in 2024. 

Salary Information

2024 Starting Salary for Firefighter is $91,428/year under the 2023-25 bargaining agreement between the City of Vancouver and IAFF Local 452.

Benefit Information

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required

A minimum passing score of 70% is required and the highest score reported will be considered.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Yes, required as described below

PST or any verifiable CPAT completed at a licensed testing facility. CPAT must be completed within 6 months prior to date of application closure. CPAT certificate of completion must be emailed to Megan Mairs (Megan.Mairs@cityofvancouver.us) prior to the application closing date.

Minimum Age 21
US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
High School Grad/ GED High School Diploma or the equivalent.
Driver's License Required Valid Driver's License from  any state.
Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult No adult felony convictions at any time.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile Will be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis. Some juvenile convictions may be considered a disqualifier.
Ability to Read & Write the English Language Yes
EMT Certification

Not required at time of test.  Applicants must have or obtain Washington EMT Certification by within one year of date of hire.

Firefighter 1 Certification Not Required
Prior FF Experience Required Not Required
Current Hiring Status

The City of Vancouver is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. Therefore, the City will not discriminate in any employment practice on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, political or religious affiliation or opinion, color, national origin, marital status, military status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status under applicable law.

Other

Applicants who continue on in the process will participate in a panel interview and behavioral traits assessment.

Applicants will be referred to backgrounds based on the Civil Service rule of ten.

Applicants must be able to successfully complete a thorough background investigation; Chief's interview, psychological, and medical exam.

Vacancies are filled by Civil Service "rule of 10" with the top ten scores being given to the appointing authority for further consideration and selection as a vacancy occurs. Vacancies may be filled from the Firefighter and Firefighter-Paramedic eligibility lists as determined by the City.

Multiple Scores from Same Applicant

A minimum passing score of 70% is required and the highest score reported will be considered.

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic 3 or more hazardous traffic infractions in last 5 years.
Automatic A misdemeanor driver's license suspension in the last 5 years.
Automatic An infraction driver's license suspension in the last 5 years.
Drug Usage
Automatic Illegal use of illegal drugs in the last 3 years.
Automatic Illegal use of ANY controlled substance while employed in a criminal justice capacity.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Potential Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.
Potential Juvenile felony conviction will be carefully reviewed.
Employment
Automatic Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
Automatic Falsified his or her application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.

Contact Information

Vancouver Fire Department - Firefighter

7110 NE 63rd Street
Vancouver, WA 98661 Clark County County
360-487-7212

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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
CPAT: Yes, required as described below


Other Vancouver Fire Department positions

Firefighter Paramedic