Fire Department · Career
South Snohomish County Fire And Rescue Regional Fire Authority
Everett, WA · Snohomish County
Largest Regional Fire Authority in Washington State
South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue offers $8,054–$10,068 monthly with benefits like full medical coverage and retirement plan. EMT certification required; written exam needed.
South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue offers $8,054–$10,068 monthly with benefits like full medical coverage and a retirement plan. Paramedic certification required; applications accepted continuously.
South County Fire (officially the South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority) is the largest Regional Fire Authority in Washington State. It provides a full range of fire suppression, emergency medical, public education, and fire prevention services to more than 250,000 residents across roughly 57 square miles.
The RFA was created by voters in 2017 in unincorporated southwest Snohomish County and the City of Lynnwood. Since then, voters in Mill Creek (2022), Brier (2023), Mountlake Terrace (2023), and Edmonds have approved annexation, giving the authority its current footprint across those cities plus unincorporated communities.
Fifteen neighborhood fire stations are staffed 24/7. The workload is heavily medical: EMS accounts for the large majority of the roughly 35,000 calls the department answers each year, and every firefighter is certified as either an EMT or a paramedic.
A minimum of about 69 firefighters are on duty during the day and 67 overnight, backed by specialty capabilities including a Technical Rescue Team and a Hazardous Materials Response Team.
MissionEnhance the lives of our community.
South County Fire hires firefighters twice a year for the spring and fall academy classes, with job postings typically appearing in March/April and August/September (and sometimes as far as six months in advance). Applications are only accepted for currently open positions and are submitted online through governmentjobs.com, which routes candidates into the NeoGov applicant tracking system.
Entry-level candidates are welcome: even without prior firefighting experience, applicants who hold a valid EMT or paramedic certification will be considered. A current Washington State Department of Health or National Registry EMT card (with expiration date) is required at the time of application, and certifications from other states are not accepted. All new hires, regardless of experience, complete the 14-week Snohomish County Fire Training Academy.
Requirements
- Valid Washington State Department of Health or National Registry EMT card (with expiration date) at time of application; out-of-state certifications not accepted
- EMT or paramedic certification (entry-level candidates without firefighting experience are considered if certified)
- Pass a drug test, criminal background check, and reference checks
- Firefighter candidates additionally pass a medical exam, spirometry test, driving record check, and psychological exam
- Successful completion of the 14-week Snohomish County Fire Training Academy upon hire
Hiring process
- Apply online through governmentjobs.com / NeoGov for a currently open position
- Complete testing and screening (drug test, background check, reference checks)
- Firefighter-specific screening: medical exam, spirometry test, driving record check, psychological exam
- Start as a fully paid employee, generally two weeks before the academy for orientation and preparation
- Complete the 14-week Snohomish County Fire Training Academy
Benefits
New hires become fully paid employees of South County Fire on their start date, and benefits are effective upon hire. Firefighters begin drawing full pay roughly two weeks before the academy for orientation and training.
All new hires complete the 14-week Snohomish County Fire Training Academy. The department generally hires twice a year for spring and fall academy classes.
How do I apply to become a firefighter?
Applications are accepted only for currently open positions and are submitted online through governmentjobs.com, which places you in the NeoGov applicant tracking system. South County Fire generally hires twice a year, with postings appearing around March/April and August/September.
Do I need firefighting experience to be hired?
No. Entry-level candidates without prior firefighting experience are considered as long as they meet the other requirements, including a valid EMT or paramedic certification.
What EMS certification do I need?
You must provide a current Washington State Department of Health or National Registry EMT card that includes the expiration date at the time of application. Certifications from other states are not accepted.
Is there a fire academy?
Yes. All new hires, regardless of experience level, must successfully complete the 14-week Snohomish County Fire Training Academy after being hired.
What screening is involved in the hiring process?
All positions require passing a drug test, criminal background check, and reference checks. Firefighter positions also include a medical exam, spirometry test, driving record check, and psychological exam.
When do I start getting paid?
New hires become fully paid employees on their start date, generally about two weeks before the academy begins, with those weeks used for orientation and preparation. Benefits are effective upon hire.