(The Center Square) – For the first time in two years, the Seattle Fire Department has opened applications for firefighter and EMT positions.
The job openings are intended to support Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed 2025 budget, which would add 20 additional firefighter recruits to the base budget of 60 recruits. This doubles the slots available for paramedic students and adds an additional team to the Health 99 overdose response unit.
The Seattle Fire Department opens its application window once every two years. The application period opened on Oct. 4 and will close on Nov. 29.
Applicants who are hired will see a starting salary of $94,848 with additional step increases and promotional opportunities available. Applicants only need to be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to communicate in English.
Seattle firefighters and paramedics work 24-hour shifts for approximately eight days per month.
Applicants are not required to have an EMT certification to apply, but they must obtain one in order to be hired.
The department anticipates up to 80 hires over the next year to serve as uniformed members.
“The Seattle Fire Department is a great team to be a part of and I strongly encourage anyone interested in public service, meaningful work, and making a difference to apply,” Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle said in a news release.
The department estimates it will hire up to 160 firefighters and EMTs.
The department anticipates hiring four recruit classes from this register in August 2025, February 2026, August 2026 and February 2027 for a total of up to 160 firefighter/EMT positions.
Applicants will participate in intensive training and fire evolutions during their time in recruit school. The majority of the training occurs at the city’s Joint Training Facility, with some time spent at the Washington State Fire Academy in North Bend.
Recruits who successfully complete the 16-week recruit program and subsequent nine-month probationary period will be sworn in as firefighters and EMTs.
