- Hiring is currently from a list established by www.PublicSafetyTesting.com.
- Oral boards
- Chief Oral Board of top candidates
- Thorough physical/phsycological exam by qualified physician
- Eleven weeks at the State Fire Academy
- One year probation
- Take a class in test-taking effectiveness
- Take as many entry level firefighter exams, in as many places, as possible. This will help you take a test better, increase your confidence, make the testing process less stressful, and give you an idea what is expected of you.
- Become a volunteer firefighter
- You become familiar with how a fire department works
- You receive sponsorship for EMT classes training
- You can go to the state fire academy
- Take notes as soon as as you can after all written and oral tests and develop a notebook that you can study from.
- Have a regular fitness program
- Obtain a copy of the physical fitness/agility portion of the test
- Use practice exam test books.
- Check newspapers for hiring notices
- Regularly check the Joint Cities Firefighter job line 828-2247
- There are subscription cards you can get to see what departments are testing.
Many calls to the Kirkland Training Division are questions on how fire departments hire and what criteria they look at in the hiring process. The following questions are the one most commonly asked. The answers are general in nature and meant only to be used as one of the many tools needed to help those interested in joining the fire service.
1. When are you testing/hiring?
We hire when there is a vacancy or a addition of more personnel. We are a part of the Eastside Fire Testing Consortium and tests happen about every 18 months.
2. Do I have to be a resident of Kirkland to be a firefighter with its department?...to be a volunteer?
You don't have to be a resident of Kirkland to be a firefighter. You do have to be a resident of the City of Kirkland or Fire District #41 to be a reserve.
3. What is the salary range of a entry level firefighter?
A Kirkland Firefighter starts at $5,089 per month.
4. Can an 18 year old apply to be a firefighter?
Yes, the minimum age is 18.
5. Is a high school diploma required?
Yes or a GED.
6. Can military service give you veterans preference in the hiring process?
Depending of the service, some points may be awarded.
7. What are the work schedules of firefighters?
Shift staffing is done on a three shift-platoon rotation. The schedule is a 48/96 rotation with 17 K-Days a year for a 48-hour workweek.
8. How long is the civil service eligibility list valid?
From a year to 18 months.
9. If you've been offered a position by a fire department but you decline its offer, do you lose your ranking on the test list?
NO
10. What percentage of the top scores are asked to take the physical agility test?
It depends every year.
11. Is the PT test modified for women?
No
12. Does your department have a suggested exercise program?
The Kirkland Fire Department doesn't suggest any particular exercise system. However, both aerobic and anaerobic exercise is recommended.
13. Are the oral boards an interview for the position of firefighter?
YES
14. Is a college education required?
No, however many people get hired with at least an AA Degree. College credit is required for promotions.
15. Do you sponsor civilians for Emergency Medical Technician training?
No
16. Where can you go, as a civilian, to get EMT training?
Some area community colleges offer EMT programs for civilians.
17. Is it to my advantage to become a reserve or volunteer firefighter?
Any experience you can get is beneficial.
18. Is there an age limit in competing for an entry level firefighting position?
Minimum age is 18
19. Are there college or technical school courses that can better prepare me to compete for a firefighter position?
Bates and Bellevue Community College offer Fire Science programs.
20. How can I become a reserve firefighter?
You can apply at City Hall at 123 5th Ave in Kirkland.