Firefighter

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

City of Unalaska

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMS

OPEN DATE:          March 30, 2026
CLOSE DATE:        Until Filled
POSITION:              FIREFIGHTER

SALARY:                  $40.73 - $47.22 / hour (Steps 1-6)

The City of Unalaska is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter in the Department of Fire and EMS. Located in the number one commercial fishing port in the United States, the International Port of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska, is a coastal community in the Eastern Aleutian Islands with a multi-cultural population of approximately 4,250 full-time residents and seasonal influxes from multiple commercial fishery operations.

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all employee tasks in this classification. The duties shown are designed to provide a representative summary.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This position is an entry-level position under supervision from the Fire Captains. This position functions as a firefighter in response to fire incidences by protecting life and property, and as an EMT, in response to ambulance requests.  Duties also include performing additional firefighting tasks, administering emergency aid, fire prevention duties and maintaining fire and EMS apparatus equipment and facilities. Other responsibilities include testing and maintaining records for all fire department engines, hoses, and SCBA units.  Responsible for the preparation of Pre-Fire Planning Surveys and assisting with the training of fire and EMS personnel and volunteers. Completion of all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a job history that includes the following:

  • Knowledge of firefighting and EMS procedures, practices, and techniques.

  • Knowledge of basic portable radio operations and the ability to communicate clearly.

  • Knowledge of testing, maintenance, inspection, and operation of fire department apparatus, equipment, and tools.

  • Knowledge of fire extinguisher service and inspection procedures.

  • Knowledge of the use of tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of department vehicles and equipment.

  • Self-starter with the ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work independently as needed.

  • Professionalism: ability to follow established practices and procedures and effectively use office equipment, including computers

  • Ability to accurately collect, summarize, and report data.

  • Ability to access and work with a variety of databases.

  • Ability to effectively deal with persons of varied backgrounds and demeanors.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • High school diploma or GED required; combination of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis

  • College Degree Preferred

  • Two (2) Years of firefighting experience as a volunteer or paid fire department preferred

  • Current State of Alaska EMT-1 certification or National Registry EMT certification and IFSAC or State of Alaska Firefighter I certification

  • Must obtain Firefighter, Hazmat Operations level certification from the Alaska Fire Standards Council within one year of hire

  • One (1) year experience in the operation and/or maintenance of small engines, general gas or diesel vehicles, or building maintenance preferred

  • Proficient computer skills in MS Office, ImageTrend Reporting Software, and Target Solutions preferred

LICENSES & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Mush have a valid US Driver's License and have the ability to obtain an Alaska Driver's License within 30 days of hire

  • Must be eligible to work in the US; requirements by federal law, if hired, must complete employment eligibility verification (I-9)

  • Required to complete a thorough criminal investigation and all pre-employment requirements, which includes drug testing

  • Required at time of hire or able to obtain within 3 months: ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800

  • Basic Life Support Instructor (BLS) preferred

  • Required to work rotating shifts with emergency or non-traditional work hours as necessary

BENEFITS: (Refer to Collective Bargaining Agreement for details)

  • If applicable, the employee will receive a lump sum sign-on bonus (taxable) not to exceed $5,000

  • If applicable, the employee will receive a relocation payment (taxable) of $5,000, plus one (1) way airfare for the employee and one (1) family member

  • 100% employer-paid medical and dental premiums (employee & dependents)

  • 100% employer-paid basic life/AD&D insurance (employee & dependents)

  • 100% employer-paid LifeMed insurance (employee only)

  • Work out incentive pay up to $500 /month

  • 13 Floating Holidays per year

  • Personal Leave starting at 18 hours a month

  • Eligible for State of Alaska Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement

  • Eligible for 457 Plans with MissionSquare

  • Up to 100% tuition reimbursement (must be taken while employed; refer to Title III)

  • Travel allowance of $2,500 every year on your date of hire after 1st year of employment

  • Education Incentive per month: $200 Associate’s degree, $300 Bachelor’s degree, $400 Master’s degree

  • Retention bonus up to $10,000 (Collective Bargaining Agreement for further details)

  • Free Membership for Parks, Culture, and Recreation (employee only)

TO APPLY: Download and complete the required forms found here: Employment Application Forms

Submit application package to:

CITY OF UNALASKA
Department of Administration
43 Raven Way, P.O. Box 610
Unalaska, AK 99685

Or by email to [email protected]

Questions? Please call us at (907) 581-1252

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER