Careers with South Whatcom Fire Authority

The application and testing phase of our Full-Time Firefighter/EMT process is now OPEN.

See below for instructions on how to apply.

Establishing a Full-Time Firefighter/EMT Eligibility List for Future Hiring

SWFA is seeking motivated individuals to establish a hiring eligibility list for the position of Full-Time Firefighter/EMT.

 

*Note:  All employees must comply with SWFA’s Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Providers Policy as a condition of employment, at time of hire.

Department Profile:

The South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) serves the communities of Chuckanut, Lake Samish, Yew Street Road, Geneva, and Sudden Valley. Our 25 career firefighters and chief officers, and more than 30 volunteer and part-time firefighters, as well as dedicated administrative staff, and five elected commissioners all work toward the common goal of serving our citizens. SWFA is responsible for providing services to 32 square miles of combined suburban and rural areas, wilderness recreational regions, and interstate transportation routes.  Our services are mission-based and are guided by our mission and values. The Fire Authority provides emergency services including fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency medical services.

 

Application Process:

 

 

  • As a part of the application process, applicants must also submit the following documents through the Candidate Documents section of NTN at the time of score submittal/application:
      • SWFA Employment Application and Authorization for Release of Information Form
      • Current Washington State EMT Certification
      • Washington IFSAC Firefighter I Certificate
      • Washington IFSAC Hazardous Materials – Operations Certificate
  • National Testing Network (NTN) testing components and required documents must be submitted to SWFA, through the NTN site, no later than August 31, 2023 at 4:00 PM.

 

Please contact Assistant Chief Stephen Mitchell for questions.  Email: smitchell@swrfa.org / Office:  (360) 676-8080

 

We encourage external applicants to participate in our Ride Along Program to experience the culture at South Whatcom Fire Authority, and to gain knowledge about how our organization operates.

 

 

SWFA Career Positions

SWFA currently has 23 full-time career firefighters/officers on staff.  We are currently accepting applications to establish an eligibility list for future hiring.  There are no current positions available, but the eligibility list will be used to fill vacancies and any new positions that become funded.
 
We encourage diversity in our ranks, and we administer an open and equitable hiring process.  We encourage women and minorities to apply, when positions are available.
 
SWFA maintains a current hiring list for one year (or until the list is exhausted) but may extend the list up to two years. An announcement will be posted when a new list needs to be established.
 
If you have any further questions, please contact us: 360-676-8080 or info@swrfa.org

Our Mission

Dedicated to maintaining a state of readiness to protect our communities through provision of effective and efficient fire and emergency life safety services.

Fire Authority Staff and Elected Board of Commissioners