Employment Opportunities
Our mission is to protect people, property, and the environment, and professionally and compassionately serve the community. The Tacoma Fire Department was formed in 1880 and continues to evolve as a progressive and responsive public safety organization. If you care about our City and are interested in joining our team, you can learn more about what it takes on this page.
Current Job Openings
-
Click here for a full job description and to apply.
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is seeking Lateral Firefighter-Paramedics to join the Tacoma Fire Department. In this vital role, you will help protect lives, property, and the environment while serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. This position is represented by Tacoma Firefighters Union Local 31.
Tacoma Fire is looking for experienced and motivated professionals who are ready to make an immediate impact in a dynamic and diverse community. As a Firefighter-Paramedic, you will respond to a wide variety of emergency situations—delivering advanced medical care, performing fire suppression and rescue operations, and supporting your fellow community members when they need it most.
Joining Tacoma Fire means becoming part of a department that values excellence, service, and innovation. Your experience will be recognized from day one and rewarded with competitive pay, excellent benefits, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team culture.
If you are passionate about helping others, committed to your craft, and ready to make a difference in a city that values its first responders, Tacoma is the place to build your career and your future.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $53.48 – $56.15
Annual Salary: $128,202.26 – $134,602.78
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma -
The City of Tacoma Fire Department is hosting two Lateral Firefighter Paramedic Informational Sessions this winter. Come learn about becoming a Lateral Firefighter Paramedic and why you should work for Tacoma Fire. Each session will cover the same info and both will be completely free!Â
The information sessions will be held in person or via Zoom. Details about the location and/or Zoom link will be sent directly to those who register. In person space will be limited to 8 people per session on a first come first serve basis.Â
Dates and Times:- December 16, 2025 – Tuesday morning session 8:00am – 9:00am PST
- December 17, 2025 – Wednesday morning session 8:00am – 9:00am PST
Topics Covered at each session:
- Application process
- Interview process
- TFD EMS System
- Experience of a Lateral Firefighter Paramedic
- Human Resources questions
- Frequently asked questions
To reserve a seat, please click HERE.
Please fill in your name, e-mail, and phone number. If you know someone who would like to attend, please be sure to have them apply. We look forward to seeing you at this event. Prior to the event you will receive a confirmation and additional information regarding the event details.
Tacoma Fire Department Minimum Job Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for employment with the Tacoma Fire Department:
- 18 years of age at the time of application
- Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License at the time of appointment
- High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
- A non-smoker/tobacco user within the last two years
Applicants must pass all portions of the selection process, which includes:
- Written examination
- Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
- Oral examination
- Medical examination
- Background check including driving record, criminal history, credit history
Applicants must pass all portions of the selection process, which includes a background check and the following: written, physical abilities test, oral interview, and a medical physical.
Who Should Apply?
We seek disciplined individuals who want to serve their community and are drawn to challenges.
The Tacoma Fire Department is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability status, and/or veteran status. We are made up of a highly skilled, diverse workforce. The Tacoma Fire Department values our members’ uniqueness and diversity. We believe our strength lies in our ability to reflect the community we serve.
Curious to see what the first year of TFD training looks like?
Contact
For emergencies, call 9-1-1