Firefighter

Role overview

The Spokane Fire Department is looking for people who want to serve the Spokane community as part of a committed emergency response team. Firefighters in this role support emergency medical services, control and suppress fires, help reduce the impact of disasters, and carry out rescue operations. The position also includes a variety of community service duties beyond emergency response.

Core duties

• Respond to fire emergencies with a crew, deploy hoses, manage nozzles and water streams, raise and climb ladders, use firefighting tools and equipment, remove people from danger, provide emergency medical care, and complete salvage and overhaul work.
• Carry out fire prevention work by inspecting businesses, apartment buildings, and schools within the assigned area, and help residents identify and reduce fire risks.
• Handle station upkeep and equipment maintenance, including cleaning, recovery, and inspection after incidents.
• Drive and operate fire apparatus, including automotive, mechanical, and auxiliary equipment.
• Take on specialized assignments when required in addition to regular firefighter responsibilities.
• Attend medical emergencies and use emergency medical equipment while applying clinical judgment within the limits of the licensed scope of practice.
• Serve on any apparatus assigned or operated by the Fire Department when needed.
• Regularly check the assigned first-due area to learn about buildings, locations, hydrants, street layouts, hazards, and other conditions, and prepare detailed pre-incident plans.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Physical demands

• Must be able to read fine print such as maps, identify shapes at night such as house numbers, and recognize shapes in smoky conditions, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must be able to hear and speak well enough to communicate by radio or phone and exchange orders in muffled environments, with or without a hearing aid.
• Must be able to climb different types of ladders.
• Must have enough mobility to keep balance in risky positions and crawl in tight spaces.
• Must have enough hand control to operate required tools and equipment.
• Must have the strength to rescue heavy individuals while wearing protective gear and carry equipment up ladders.
• Must be able to tolerate sustained work in hazardous conditions such as smoke, gas, heat, cold, and confined spaces.

Minimum qualifications

This is an open-entry opportunity, and applicants must meet all requirements at the time they apply.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• No prior work experience is necessary.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Hiring and testing process

All selected candidates must satisfy the required medical and health standards set by state law and complete any required examinations before appointment.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and successfully pass the examination process to be considered for hire.

Candidates are encouraged to apply without delay. A completed City of Spokane employment application must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request at the time of application, the City of Spokane will provide accessible test alternatives for individuals with disabilities that affect manual, sensory, or speaking abilities, unless those abilities are what the test is designed to measure.

Examination format

The selection process includes a multiple-choice exam that counts for 100% of the evaluation.

In-person exam details

• The test is free of charge.
• Testing dates: May 15, 2026; May 16, 2026; June 5, 2026; and July 10, 2026.
• Test time: to be determined.
• Test format: paper-based.
• Test location: Fire Training Center, 1618 N Rebecca St, Spokane, WA 99217.
• Test length: 2 hours.
• Topics may include reasoning and judgment, mechanical aptitude, plan reading and spatial awareness, communication skills, and mathematics.
• Testing dates may change, and additional sessions may be added depending on applicant volume and available testing space.
• Each applicant may take the test only once during this recruitment.

CPAT requirement

A completed CPAT is not required when applying, but a current CPAT certificate must be on file at the time of interview. The cost of the CPAT is the responsibility of the candidate.

Additional notes

Further applicant details, test information, and FAQs are available through the City of Spokane Fire recruitment resources.

Equal opportunity statement

The City of Spokane is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran or military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, the City does not perform initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Additional examinations may be administered as applications are received, and results will be combined into a single eligibility list based on final ratings under the relevant Civil Service Commission merit rules.