What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter (Entry-Level & Lateral) position at City of Longview WA?
Firefighter Eligibility List - Longview Fire Department Position, recruitment and testing process information.
Application period: 3/24/2025 – 4/30/2025 at 8:00pm
Attention Entry-Level Candidates: Candidates must first go through Public Safety Testing (PST) to complete a written exam. A current CPAT from the previous 12 months is also required to be eligible to apply for this position. Please do not submit an application until a passing score is obtained through PST.
Lateral Candidates: Do not require PST written exam or CPAT.
Application Process
Candidates must complete the City Application and respond to Supplemental Questions by the deadline in order to be considered for this opportunity. Candidates are required to attach documentation of education (copy of degree or unofficial transcripts), certifications, and all job experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The examination will include a review of the application and evaluation of personal qualifications. Oral board interviews will occur shortly after the closing of the recruitment for the top-ranking candidates. Lateral candidates will be subject to passing a Firefighter I Skills Assessment.
Applicants who pass the application and examination process will be placed on the Eligibility List. The Eligibility List will be presented to the Longview Civil Service Commission for certification at its regular meeting. Those candidates deemed most qualified for the position ("rule of five") will be referred to the Fire Chief for final consideration filling vacancies that may occur over the established one-year time period of the Eligibility List. The finalist selected for this position will be subject to passing a public safety pre-employment physical, drug screen, background check, and psychological exam.
This position also responds and renders basic life support during rescue and aid incidents. Non-emergency work includes fire prevention inspections, public education, training, maintenance and testing of equipment.
Fire and medical response is provided by the City 24 hours a day. Firefighters are assigned to 24 hour shifts on one of three shifts within the organization.
2025 Salary Information:
Entry-Level:
Firefighter (Recruit) $5,762.36 per month
Firefighter (probationary period) $6,648.87 per month
Firefighter (upon completion of probation) $7,092.13 - $8,865.16 per month
Lateral:
Firefighter (probationary period) $7,535.39 per month
Firefighter (upon completion of probation) $7,978.65 - $8,865.16 per month
This position is represented under the IAFF 828 Collective Bargaining Agreement. The current CBA can be found on our website, www.mylongview.com.Entry-Level Requirements: (please attach copies of all certifications to your application)
Valid motor vehicle operator's license
Public Safety Written Exam
CPAT (within last 12 months)
Washington State or National Registry EMT Certification
Associate’s Degree* - see educational requirement below
Lateral Requirements: (please attach copies of all certifications to your application)
Valid motor vehicle operator's license
Washington State or National Registry EMT Certification
IFSAC Firefighter I Certification or equivalent
Associates Degree* - see educational requirement below
2 continuous years’ experience within the last 12 months as a full-time professional Firefighter/EMT
Successfully complete the City of Longview Civil Service entrance evaluation and examination process, to include meeting the minimum requirements of age, education, experience, physical abilities, and citizenship. Successfully complete the probationary training requirements within specified time frames including written examination on training standards and performance of standard manipulative skills.
College Educational Requirement: Firefighter applicants that do not possess an acceptable Associates Degree will be allowed to test for entry and lateral positions with the City and be placed on the appropriate hiring list in rank order. Recruits shall achieve this degree within five (5) years after appointment.
Residency requirement: refer to Article 24 and Addendum F of the current IAFF 828 Collective Bargaining Agreement on the website for more information on this requirement.
Physical:
Candidates must be able to perform a variety of duties and body mechanics ranging from low to high intensity activity. Station activities consist of desk and classroom work as well as standing/ walking short distances occasionally lifting or carrying 25 lbs. Fire scene standards are high intensity, requiring lifting/dragging of 160 lbs. and a push/pull force up to 20 lbs. Frequent use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping while performing duties. Occasional overhead reaching required. Constant use of sight, hearing and speech abilities necessary to perform required duties. Visual requirements include near, mid-range and far vision with peripheral vision and hand/eye/foot coordination required in equipment operation.
Mental:
Frequent mental alertness, attention to detail and concentration. Medium to high degree of accuracy required in all job tasks. Must be able to work independently and in a team environment; make independent decisions as necessary or take orders and direction from superiors without question. Must possess self-discipline to complete all tasks as assigned. Must be able to plan and organize work, work under pressure, possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written required in classroom training; must possess good reading comprehension skills to absorb technical and legal data; requires extensive knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations within the fire department.
Knowledge of:
Modern firefighting techniques including size-up, incident command practices, hose lays, pumping, principles in the use of water in firefighting, ventilation, salvage and overhaul, use of the personnel accountability system, hazardous materials accident mitigation practices, rescue techniques and emergency medical practices; fire prevention codes, ordinances, regulations, laws and policies; geography of the city, including location of major streets and target hazards; department rules and regulations; all pertinent safety regulations and practices.
Ability to:
Read and interpret fire codes, reference manuals, and emergency plans. Respond from off duty and work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. Follow orders within a para-military organization. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public. Withstand strenuous physical labor for short periods of time.
Salary : $66,188 - $88,251
