Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry / Lateral)

2026 salary range is $8,374.51 - $10,135.98 monthly salary dependent on qualifications and experience. JAN 2027 COLA increase of 3.15%

APPLICATION/TESTING PROCESS
Step 1. Candidates will submit an application of employment and will be invited to an interview to establish an eligibility list. Candidates that are selected for interviews will be required to participate in-person. You will be notified of the date of the first round of interviews.
Step 2. The finalist candidate(s) will receive a conditional offer and be required to successfully complete and pass the following to receive an official offer of employment: Pass the Drug Screen test. Pass the required Medical Exam. Pass the Psychological Evaluation.

VETERAN CREDIT- RCW 41.04.010 provides for a veterans' scoring criteria status to be added to the passing grade of certain veterans at the completion of all testing. If you believe that you are eligible to be considered for such preference you should upload and submit your DD-214 to your application to determine eligibility.

About our Department: Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) provides fire protection, rescue, and first response advance life support to the City of Oak Harbor, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from Fire Station 81 & 82. OHFD serves the City of Oak Harbor located on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington State. OHFD protects the 9.7 square mile City (including several miles of shoreline) and an estimated population of 24,700. In addition, OHFD maintains mutual and automatic aid contracts with Island County Fire Districts Number 2 (North Whidbey) and Number 5 (Central Whidbey), Whidbey Health, and the Naval Air Station-Whidbey Island (NAS-WI) Federal Fire Department.

Schedule: 30 full-time firefighters - 3 shifts 48/96 schedule. Two Fire Station - Station 81 located on Whidbey Avenue / Station 82 located on Swantown Rd. 1 Battalion Chief. 1 Ladder Truck. 1 Rescue Truck. 1 Fire Engine.

Summary: Under the close supervision of the fire Captain or other ranking officer, firefighters perform a complete range of firefighting and emergency medical activities. Fire prevention and suppression assignments are performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard operating practices and established precedent, with matters deviating from normal procedures being referred to the ranking assigned officer for decision and/or direction. Work involves the potential for personal injury and individuals must be able to act without supervision and to exercise independent judgment and discretion during emergencies to assure safe operations. Firefighters are required to operate all department equipment; tools and apparatus within its full operational capability to protect life and property, and to maintain assigned fire prevention, suppression and medical equipment. Individuals spend substantial amounts of time engaged in routine inspection, testing, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, apparatus and quarters and/or in supervised emergency responses or other associated training as directed, and also conduct training classes. Firefighters are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently on all emergency and non-emergency assignments and duties of a regular or irregular nature. Firefighters must recognize the importance placed on activities by the public and respond with tactful, professional treatment of citizens.

Supervisory Relationship: Firefighters receive training and day-to-day direction from the fire Captain, as first line supervisors, and maintain close working relationships with all department personnel and command staff, as well as personnel from other City departments. All firefighters report to the Fire Chief through the chain of command. Performance is reviewed on a continuous basis through an appraisal of work methods, results achieved, reports, personal inspection and discussion with superiors.

Essential Job Functions: Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors: Respond to fire, rescue, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials and other life threatening emergencies to suppress, control, remove contain or otherwise mitigate the situation. Respond to emergency medical calls for service providing life saving care with the scope of a Paramedic. As required, clean, service and test designated fire apparatus and equipment to ensure constant readiness for emergency response; inventory associated tools, equipment and locate their appropriate placement; report observations of actual or potential deterioration, malfunction, failure, or loss of equipment to superiors. As required, remove individuals and property from hazardous situations in accordance with established departmental procedures governing the circumstances. Perform salvage tasks as required including covering furnishings, ventilation of premises, removing debris and pumping, sweeping and vacuuming water. Participate in training drills, simulated catastrophes, classes, seminars and other learning/training exercises. As directed, perform general maintenance work on fire department equipment such as cleaning, sanitizing, polishing, and minor adjustments and repairs of apparatus and accessories; washing and polishing vehicles; washing, hanging and drying hose and personal protective equipment; vacuuming carpets; washing walls and floors; and checking and replenishing disposable supplies. Perform designated activities in the preparation of pre-fire maps including familiarization of building drawings and gas and/or electrical service(s) shut-offs, utilizing a personal computer and/or hand drawing sketches and layouts. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City officials, department heads, co-workers, supervisor and other City departments, and interact with the public using good judgment in a courteous and helpful manner in stressful situations.

Additional Work Performed: Serve as acting fire Captain when authorized by the Fire Chief or designee. Conduct fire protection and other related inspections as assigned. Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on fire prevention, suppression procedures and equipment as assigned. May present CPR/First Aid/AED training courses to City employees and the public. Conduct tours of department facilities.

Schedule: Oak Harbor firefighters work a 48/96 schedule. The normal working hours for employees assigned to this schedule shall be: work two consecutive 24-hour days, 0700-0700 shifts (48 hours on-duty) followed by four consecutive 24-hour days off work (96 hours off-duty). Kelly Days: Employees assigned to a 48/96 work schedule are granted 15 Kelly Days per year (one Kelly day per 24-day FSLA cycle). These are paid 24-hour periods (0700-0700) off work and are selected by employees on a rotating schedule by rank and seniority.

Vacation | Sick Leave | Holiday Pay: Employees assigned to a 48/96 work schedule receive vacation accrual on the following schedule. The City provides 11 paid, observed holidays plus two floating holidays per year (total of 13 holidays). In lieu of holidays, 48/96 employees shall accrue twelve (12) hours of leave in their vacation accrual per each observed or floating holiday.

Incentive Pay: After successful completion of a twelve (12) month probation period, employees will be eligible for educational and longevity incentive pay. Associate's degree shall receive an additional 2% of the individual's base rate of pay. Bachelor's of Arts or Sciences degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, or Administration shall receive an additional 4% of the individual's base rate of pay. Master's of Arts or Sciences degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Command Administration, Public Safety, or Emergency Management and Planning and/or Administration shall receive an additional 4% of the individual's base rate of pay. Longevity pay of 2% - 4% starting at 5 years of service with the City of Oak Harbor.

Benefits: Medical Insurance: A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan, Regence High-Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA) Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children. Vision Insurance: Vision Service Plan -The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers. A second pair rider is available per year as well. Dental Insurance: Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children. Washington State Retirement Programs: Required pension plan for all City employees. LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees. PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees. Employee contribution rates (% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well. Basic Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability: The City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long-term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company. Wellness Program: The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a Wellness Day off. Employee Assistance Program: Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Other benefit options include the following: Voluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option. Deferred Compensation Plan – Mass Mutual or Washington State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option. Colonial Life & Disability – This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care. Health Savings Account (HSA)- funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

Requirements: 18 years old, U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, high school diploma/GED, valid driver's license with ability to obtain WA CDL endorsement or current EVIP certification, good driving record, State of Washington Paramedic certification or equivalent National Registry Paramedic Certificate, IFSAC Firefighter I Certification or equivalent (for lateral entry), pass comprehensive background investigation, able to pass medical exam and physical fitness test, able to work 48/96 shifts including holidays and overtime, able to complete Washington State Fire Academy and in-service training

Salary: $8,374.51 - $10,135.98 Monthly

Application Deadline: 2026-11-01