Career Opportunities
Becoming a Firefighter at Clallam County Fire District No.3 is the goal of many individuals who’ve considered a career in the fire service. With our commitments to excellence, honesty, respect, and teamwork, we’ve created a work environment that is second to none.
Fire District No.3 has earned a well-deserved reputation as the “destination” fire department for Northwest Washington State.
Position vacancies are typical advertised in the Sunday Edition of the Seattle Times, the Peninsula Daily news, or the Sequim Gazette. Vacancies usually are also found on internet based firefighter classifieds.
The steps in the recruitment, evaluation and selection process are summarized as follows:
Application
All candidates submit a completed application that includes the application form itself, a copy of your driving record, background investigation consent form and certificates and documentation that support the candidates meeting the position requirements. Applications are rejected if they are incorrect or not complete in any way.
Testing
Depending on the position (entry-level versus lateral), evaluation of candidates is performed using various instruments. See the specific posting for details. Scores from the evaluation components are combined with any preference points for a final test score. The testing process typically includes a written examination, practical skills examinations and oral board interviews. Candidates will either need to provide documentation that they have completed a Candidate Physical Ability Test or complete a Physical ability test conducted by the fire district.
Eligible list
Candidates passing all testing components and earning a high enough overall score are placed on a ranked eligible list. This list may be used for one or more selection processes to fill vacancies.
Selection process
Once there are declared vacancies, a number of individuals from the top of the eligible list are invited to participate in a Chiefs interview. We then perform reference and background checks for the top candidates before making offers of employment.
Once the Chief has decided on his hiring recommendation, recommended candidates will receive a provisional job offer. This means that they are being offered employment, conditioned on them successfully passing a medical and psychological examination conducted by Fire District approved doctors.
After successfully passing physical exams, drug screens and psychological examinations, selected candidates begin their employment as probationary Firefighters. The 12 month probationary period is a continuation of the selection process and includes a orientation training, rotation among all three work shifts, and completion of a probationary workbook and testing program. Probationary members can have their employment ended by the fire district at any time.
While this process may seem complex and somewhat lengthy, it is a process that ensures we select only the very best candidates who best match the high standards of the District.
‘What are the requirements?
Many are surprised to discover how easy it is to meet the minimum qualifications to be a Firefighter. Entry-level Firefighters are required to have;
- Must be a United States citizen or possess a valid work permit and alien registration.
- Must have a current Washington State driver’s license
- Must be fluent in the English language.
- Must be in good physical condition.
- Must be and remain a non-tobacco user.
- Must not have any felony convictions.
- Must not have any conviction involving moral turpitude.
- Must have the required fire and medical training.
- Must not wear a beard.
- Must have a High School diploma or equivalent
Successful candidate also have the following:
- Key characteristics well suited to the philosophy and values of the District
- A strong community and customer-service orientation and high level of professionalism.
- Demonstrated use of good judgment and decision making.
- Excellent physical conditioning.
- An “unremarkable” criminal background and driving record.
Current Openings:
None at this time
