Entry Level Firefighter

• A citizen of the United States of America or lawful permanent resident Ability to read and write the English language
• High School Diploma or the equivalent
• 21 years of age
• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license
• EMT certification
• Pass the Public Safety Testing written exam and CPAT with a score of 70% or better. 

• Any applicant receiving an offer of employment from the City of Vancouver will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening, city paid physical examination and psychological evaluation
• Ability to pass an extensive history screening process
• Flexible work hours required

Written exam and CPAT scores from Public Safety Testing will be requested – 5/15/2026

Vancouver Fire application period – 4/1/2026 – 5/15/2026

Oral Boards with the top candidates – –tentatively July 11 & 12, 2026

Vancouver Firefighters are expected to provide exceptional public safety and emergency service to our community. After a comprehensive recruit academy, our firefighters will be expected to follow instructions and safely handle specialized equipment to perform firefighting and EMS operations – often in high stress situations. Following direction from their chain of command, firefighters will responsibly manage their time on-duty between running calls, submitting documentation, completing projects, keeping up with department training modules, and maintaining equipment, apparatus, and stations. Firefighters are expected to represent the Vancouver Fire Department and the City of Vancouver with a high level of professionalism while interacting with colleagues, command and civilian staff, and the public.

• Maintain an acceptable knowledge level by participating in hands-on training and by studying fire services procedure manual, state (FST) courses/manuals, nationally recognized fire service books, EMS protocols, emergency medical textbooks, and other material as approved by the Training Chief and EMS Chief
• At the scene of an emergency, receive instructions and accomplish duties in accordance with established standard operating guidelines and nationally recognized good practices
• Understand and apply administrative guides and established policies
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Meet the knowledge, health, and physical qualifications established by the City

• A stable and verifiable work history
• A record of regular and dependable attendance
• A professional, well-groomed appearance
• Strong communication and problem solving skills

Individuals are expected to work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles; specifically:  Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other city employees; provide a high level of customer service at all times; project and maintain a positive image with those contracted in the course of work; develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others; and, consistently provide quality service.

This announcement is meant only as a general descriptive recruitment guide.  It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and is not a complete description of the job.