Job Details

Firefighter

The Spokane Fire Department seeks applicants interested in joining a team of dedicated individuals who protect and serve the citizens of Spokane. SFD is responsible for emergency medical services, fire suppression, mitigating the consequences from disasters, and rescue activities. In addition to emergency work, members provide a wide range of services to the community.

Examples Of Job Functions

• Responds to fire incidents with a company; lays hose; holds and directs nozzle and water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses standard firefighting equipment; removes persons from danger; administers emergency medical treatment; performs salvage and overhaul operations.
• Performs fire prevention functions such as inspection of business establishments, apartment complexes and schools in assigned district. Assists residents in eliminating hazards and fire dangers.
• Performs general housekeeping and maintenance work in the upkeep of the assigned station and equipment. Participates in the recovery, cleaning and inspection of equipment after incidents.
• Drives and operates various automotive, mechanical, and auxiliary fire apparatus.
• May be assigned specialized duties in addition to regular duties.
• Responds to medical emergencies and operates emergency medical equipment and exercises clinical judgment within the licensed scope of practice.
• May be assigned as a member of any apparatus staffed or operated by the Fire Department.
• Periodically inspects assigned "first-due" area and becomes familiar with buildings, locations and conditions of fire hydrants, streets, potential fire hazards and dangers, and to compile comprehensive pre-incident plans.
• Performs related work as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to see, with or without corrective lenses, well enough to read fine print, such as maps, identify shapes at night such as house numbers, and to distinguish shapes through smoky conditions.
• Ability to hear, with or without a hearing aid, and speak well enough to converse on a radio or telephone and give or receive orders in muffled conditions.
• Ability to climb a variety of ladders.
• Enough body mobility to maintain balance in precarious positions and to crawl in confined spaces.
• Enough manual dexterity to maintain and operate necessary equipment and tools.
• Enough strength to rescue heavy people while in protective clothing and carry equipment up a ladder.
• Tolerance and stamina to work under adverse, hazardous conditions such as smoke, gas, heat, cold, and confined spaces for extended periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Entry (Open Entry applicants must meet all requirements at the time of application)

• High school diploma or equivalent. No previous experience necessary.
• All applicants must possess a valid driver's license.

Note: Minimum medical and health standards for this classification are established by state laws. All successful candidates who have been offered a position will be required to pass the necessary examinations prior to appointment.

Examination Details

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit JoinSpokaneFire.org.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a multiple-choice test with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 100%

In-Person Multiple-Choice Examination Details:

• This is a free test.
• Test Dates: May 15, 2026, May 16, 2026, June 5, 2026, July 10, 2026
• Test Time: TBD
• Test Method: On Paper
• Test Location: Fire Training Center, 1618 N Rebecca St, Spokane, WA 99217
• Test Duration: 2 Hours
• Test Subjects May Include:
  • Reasoning & Judgment
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Plan Reading & Spatial Awareness
  • Communication Skills
  • Mathematics

Note: Testing dates are subject to change. Additional sessions may be made available depending upon number of applicants and testing space available. Applicants can only take the test once per recruitment. The test information guide can be viewed here. A completed CPAT test is not required at the time of application, but candidates must have a current CPAT certificate on file at time of interview. CPAT costs are the responsibility of the candidate. Visit JoinSpokaneFire.org for more info on the CPAT.

Additional examinations shall be administered as applications are received with results merged into one eligible list according to final ratings, pursuant to the Merit System Rules of the Civil Service Commission: Rule IV, Section 13 Continuous Examinations. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.