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Lateral Opportunity
NWFR LATERAL FIREFIGHTER POSITION
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Lateral Firefighter. Candidates must have a valid CPAT, IFSAC Firefighter 1 & 2, valid EMT-B (WA state or NREMT), valid state driver’s license and be 21 years of age. Lateral candidates must have two years of paid municipal or fire district experience. Paid experience is qualified as having current IAFF membership or current enrollment in the LEOFF2 retirement system.
The 2026 salary range is $8,030.24/month - $9,125.28/month depending on experience. The 2026 salary is based on the 2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement: Appendix A. The 2027 salary will have a minimum 2.5% increase with the article re-opening for negotiation in September 2026. Benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with VEBA opt-out option, life and AD&D insurance, MERP, education and longevity incentives, and an employer contribution to the Washington State deferred compensation plan. Vacation accrual will be based on years enrolled in the LEOFF2 system.
Lateral applicants must submit a letter of interest, resume, district application, and current CPAT card (a Passing CPAT must be provided by the time of the unconditional offer, through either NTN or PST).
Additional requirements can be found on our National Testing Network Lateral Firefighter posting.
Applications can be dropped off in person or mailed to 1507 E. Badger Road, Lynden, WA 98264 or via email to kfreeman@nwfrs.com
Please contact Kelly Freeman in Human Resources at kfreeman@nwfrs.com for further questions. Applications are due by Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 1600.
Support Opportunities
Becoming a volunteer is a huge commitment, both in time and energy. But the rewards are great, too – hands-on training, community involvement, and station camaraderie are only a few of those rewards.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue's Tender pool is at full capacity we are not currently accepting applications. As openings become available, an announcement will be posted.
Thank you
Tender Support
People in this role support the operations of the department by driving and operating a water tender in training and to and from fire scenes.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 21 Years Old
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License
- High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
Rehab Support
Rehabilitation is a part of the district’s health and safety program. A proper incident rehab program can help reduce adverse events to the health of the firefighters operating the scene.
Firefighter rehabilitation is the process of providing rest, rehydration, nourishment and medical evaluation to members who are involved in extended or extreme incident scene operations. The goal of rehab is to allow responders to return to a state of readiness to operate safely.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 21 Years Old
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License
- High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
- Current First Aid / CPR / AED
If you possess the minimum qualifications and decide you would like to continue on the path of becoming a tender operator or rehab support below is what the screening process will look like.
Keep in mind that you must be successful in each category before continuing on to the next step.
- Application
- Background Check
- Medical Physical Exam
- Interview
- Driver’s Abstract
- Drug Screening
If you are interested in becoming a tender support or rehab support, please fill out the interest form below.
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