South Thurston Fire & EMS serves a diverse and growing region covering approximately 76 square miles in southern Thurston County. The district includes rural neighborhoods, agricultural lands, small-town residential centers, and key transportation corridors. The community offers a strong rural character, access to outdoor recreation, and convenient proximity to larger cities such as Olympia and Centralia. Continued growth in the area contributes to an increasing demand for high-quality fire and emergency medical services.

South Thurston Fire & EMS is a combination fire and EMS agency providing all-hazards response throughout the district. The department is staffed by 9 career personnel supported by approximately 25 volunteer members, operating from modern facilities with a focus on training, professionalism, and community engagement. The agency responds to more than 1,500 calls for service annually, including fire suppression, EMS, rescue, wildland, and a variety of public service incidents.

CAREER FIREFIGHTER/EMT

DEFINITION

The firefighter's work includes responding to and dealing with emergency situations, natural conditions that pose a threat to life and property, and incidents of service to the citizens. Personnel in this position are responsible for the protection of life and property through firefighting activities, emergency medical

services, fire inspection activities, public education and other like duties. They perform a full range of emergency work under adverse and strenuous physical conditions. Firefighters have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals and infectious diseases encountered during firefighting or emergency medical incidents.

Firefighters perform duties in the following areas: emergency firefighting operations, emergency medical and rescue operations, company level fire & life safety building inspections, other fire prevention programs which include public education, minor maintenance of apparatus, equipment and

facilities, testing of fire hydrants, hose and ladders, and maintenance of quarters in accordance with District policies and procedures.

Firefighters work under the direction of a company officer. Firefighters assume the duties and responsibilities of a lieutenant, in an acting capacity, when assigned or at an emergency in the absence of an officer.

Work performance of the firefighter will be evaluated by a chief officer for the quality of work, level of proficiency and knowledge of drills, equipment and related responsibilities. The firefighter is also evaluated for his/her ability to work as part of a team including working with Volunteer’s in the effective and timely achievement of District goals and objectives. Such evaluation will also be based on their level of experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs hazardous tasks for long periods of time in emergency conditions of high stress, strenuous physical exertion under such conditions as heights, cramped surroundings, and hot smoky environments with limited visibility.

2. Remove individuals, which may require lifting or carrying them, from dangerous environments while administering emergency medical aid in accordance with medical aid protocol.

3. Participate in fire drills and attend classes on firefighting, emergency medical services, disaster

control, etc.

4. Maintain physical and decision-making skill levels through ongoing training to prevent degradation of skills.

5. Receive emergency alarm; operate radio and other communications equipment under routine and emergency and high stress.

6. Respond to fire/emergency service calls, drive or ride in Fire District apparatus, use manual and power equipment, lay and connect hoses and nozzles, raise and climb ladders, use high pressure water hoses, and chemical agents.

7. Ventilate burning structures using manual or power tools; perform salvage operations and other related tasks.

8. Complete and maintain paperwork, records and forms as directed by the company officer.

9. Participate in the in-service company inspection program.

10. Drive, operate and maintain Fire District equipment and apparatus.

11. Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of, and adhering to, all District policy and

procedures.

12. Perform minor maintenance and inspection of fire hydrants, apparatus, and equipment.

13. Test hose, ladders and extinguishers.

14. Maintain a positive and productive relationship with volunteers, members of the community, and adjacent fire personnel.

15. Participate in a wide range of public education specific to fire prevention.

16. Perform maintenance of the station.

17. Maintain personal appearance as directed by District policy and procedures.

18. Support the Volunteer Firefighter program to include working collaboratively with volunteers,

provide training and provide oversight to ensure the safety of all personnel.

19. Perform other related work as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

1. Modern methods, principles, techniques and practices applied to firefighting, fire inspection, disasters and related fields.

2. Principles and practices of first aid including EMT training.

3. Hazardous materials operations level.

4. Topography and street locations within the fire protection area. General knowledge of basic building construction, hazards, protection devices in buildings, and operation of public utilities.

5. Traffic laws, ordinances and regulations involving apparatus and equipment operation.

6. Mechanical and operating principles involved in the operation and maintenance of firefighting

apparatus and equipment.

7. District policy and procedures.

8. Analyzing dangerous situations rapidly and accurately and taking reasonable course of action.

9. Performing hose and ladder evolutions and apparatus operations.

10. Perform physically demanding firefighting skills and duties including, but not limited to, carrying and manipulating hose, ladders and rescue equipment.

11. Adequate knowledge of fire prevention codes and fire safety as it relates to the company level.

12. Inspect and detect violations and hazards in dwellings and other buildings and to make proper

recommendations for the correction of findings through company inspections.

13. Deal with the public courteously and effectively.

14. Work collaboratively with co-workers, fire command, and volunteers.

15. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

16. Understand and execute specific orders or instructions.

17. React quickly and calmly in a stressful and hazardous condition.

18. Ensure that all work is performed in a safe manner, following all applicable safety guidelines. Work in real and potential hazardous conditions to the extent of possible serious injury or loss of life.

19. Recall facts and conditions observed while under severe physical and emotional stress.

South Thurston Fire & EMS - Entry-Level Firefighter/EMT has 1 vacancy.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is January 30, 2026.

South Thurston Fire & EMS - Entry Level/Lateral Firefighter/EMT has 1 vacancy.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is January 30, 2026.

The intent is to hire (1) one full-time Firefighter/EMT.

$81,318.38 - $99,339.07

• Accrued Vacation and Sick leave

• Employer Paid Medical, Dental and Vision

• Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy

• LEOFF 2 Retirement

• Employee may contribute to WA Deferred Comp and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Represented by IAFF Local #3825