Firefighter/Paramedic 48/96 Shift bei City of Whitefish, MT

About the Department

The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our Fire Department team.  We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! 

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain – home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Whitefish Firefighter/Paramedics are covered under the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 3995 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary Range: 

Probationary - Range 17, Step 1, $26.35 base per hour (FY26) plus Flathead EMS approved Paramedic Certification pay 10%

Confirmed -  Range 17, Step 2, $26.89 base per hour (FY26) plus Flathead EMS approved  Paramedic Certification pay 10%

Firefighter/Paramedics are hourly non-exempt employees and scheduled to work one of three 48-hour on / 96-hour off shifts for 2,756 hours per year. As a reference, this position will work two consecutive 24-hour workdays starting at 7:00 am followed by 96-hours off-duty within a 24-day FLSA work cycle. Each position will receive a Kelly-hour adjustment of 11.2-hours per 24-day work cycle.

Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Competitive wages
• Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance (FY26 the City pays 81.04% of monthly premium, employee pays 18.96% of monthly premium pre-tax)
• Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) 
• Free annual biometric screening - Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
• City Wellness Program - City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
• Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
• Montana Firefighters' Unified Retirement System (FURS) - includes employer and employee contributions
• 15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
• 12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
• 12.5 paid holidays per year
• One paid personal day per year
• $25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents
• 125 Cafeteria Plans - Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Free Employee Assistance Program - 6 free counseling sessions per issue, per person in household 
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) offering Pretax & Roth
• Optional Aflac Plans including Accident, Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Hospital and Critical Illness
• May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility
• City paid continuing education, training and development (as approved by supervisor and City Manager)
• FMLA - up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events.  Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
• Bereavement Leave - up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
• Jury & Witness Duty Leave
• Military Leave
• 15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
• T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks – 15% off the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans
• Discounts on AT&T mobile plans
• Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
• Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program - designed to help full-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance – click  here to learn more and understand your eligibility.
• Licensing fees - City pays for associated license/certification fees which are deemed beneficial or essential to the job
• IAFF Local 3995 Collective Bargaining Agreement:
  • Firefighters earn pro rata vacation time starting at the equivalent of 159 hours per year for those working 2,756 hours per year
  • Sick Leave is accrued at the rate of 127.20 hours per year for those working 2,756 hours per year
  • One Personal Day per year (12 hours)
  • Annual Step & COLA pay adjustment per the union contract (IAFF 3995)
  • Annual physical provided and paid by employer
  • Have the choice to be compensated for OT or earn compensatory time off at one and one-half (1 ½)
  • Accrued compensatory time cash in of up to 40 hours on first pay period in December
  • May received payment for up to 20 hours accrued personal time on first pay period in June
  • Uniforms and gear including personal protective equipment needed for daily operations provided under the quartermaster system
  • 11.2 Kelly Hours per each 24-day FLSA work cycle
  • Opportunities for advancement based on years of experience, knowledge and demonstrated skills.

APPLY BY:  Applicants are  required to submit a cover letter and resume with their online application. This recruitment will remain open until filled.   
 

For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 406-863-2464 or email [email protected].

Testing and Interview Schedule:

The selection process includes written and Physical Ability tests. The written test is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, followed by the Physical Ability test on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Candidates who successfully pass both tests will be invited to participate in an interview, which will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY 

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs all the duties of a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Whitefish Fire  Department which includes serving the Whitefish Fire Service Area. Duties include but  not limited to an all-hazard emergency response, non-emergency medical transports,  public assistance, fire prevention, public safety education, preplanning, fire inspections,  preventive maintenance, and other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of their assigned Captain. In their Captain’s absents the  on-duty Shift Commander. During an incident work within the Incident Command  System under the overall command of the Incident Commander. Medically follow  Flathead County EMS Protocols under the direction of the Flathead County Medical  Director.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to emergency incidents consistent with the Whitefish Fire Department’s  Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) & Standard Administrate Policies (SAPs),  Flathead County’s Paramedic Protocols, and all applicable Federal, State, Local and the  City of Whitefish rules and regulations.

Examples of the typical duties and responsibilities are:

Emergency Incident and Non-Emergency Calls for Service Duties:

a) Respond swiftly and safely to all calls for service per Fire Department policies and procedures.

b) May be required to stay on duty beyond their scheduled shift if handling an  ongoing call for service which includes the subsequent clean-up, paperwork, and  putting apparatus back in service. Any time worked in addition to their scheduled  shift will be paid at one and one-half times their regular hourly rate.
c) May be required to stay on duty beyond their scheduled shift if their replacement,  needed to meet the minimum staffing requirements, hasn’t shown. Any time  worked in addition to their scheduled shift will be paid at one and one-half times  their regular hourly rate.
d) Treat everybody with dignity and respect.
e) Maintain a positive professional attitude and appearance when on duty or any time representing the City of Whitefish or the Whitefish Fire Department.

f) Wear all appropriate PPE per Department SOGs, as directed by the Incident  Commander, or any Company or Chief Officer.
g) Properly drive and operate all fire department apparatus including the: ambulances, engines, and tenders per Department SOGs or as directed by the  Shift Commander or the incident command staff.
h) Carry out emergency medical, firefighting, hazmat, rescue, duties per Department  SOGs or as directed by the incident command staff.
i) Accurately and timely complete all required paperwork. Note: State law requires  all PCRs (Patient Care Reports) to be completed and submitted to the hospital  within 24-hours of the call. It is the desire of the Whitefish Fire Department that  all PCRs are completed as part of the call or at least before the end of the shift.
j) Properly clean, inspect, and return to service all equipment and apparatus in a  timely manner.

Daily (non-Call for Service) Duties:

In addition to Calls for Service, which take priority, the daily duties are assigned by the  Captain or on-duty Shift Commander following the Fire Chief’s priorities and may include but are not limited to:

a) Wearing the appropriate neat and clean uniform per Department SAPs.
b) Properly perform daily required narcotic, apparatus and equipment checks.
c) Complete required training to maintain certifications, including EMS, Fire, Hazmat, Wildland, Rescue, and ICS.
d) Work as part of a team to build the synergy amongst the shift while  demonstrating proficiency of knowledge, skills, and ability of new and previously acquired JPRs (Job Performance Requirements).
e) Work as part of the team to complete station and shift projects, for example:

i. Cleaning the stations, inside and out, dumping garbage.
ii. Hydrant testing as assigned.
iii. Facility and apparatus maintenance and minor repairs.
iv. Car seat inspections.
v. Perform Station Tours.

f) Attend scheduled community events, representing the fire department.
g) Provide public education.
h) Perform annual fire inspections on commercial properties as assigned.

i) Preplan emergency response to target hazards within the City of Whitefish and  the Whitefish Fire Service Area as assigned.
j) Physical fitness training.

SPECIAL GUIDELINES
  
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related to, or a logical assignment as a Firefighter/Paramedic. All Firefighters must arrive for their scheduled shift well rested, as no one can foresee when or what calls for service will occur.

Minimum Qualifications

Firefighter/Paramedics respond to unknown, chaotic, dangerous emergency situations with the goal of determining the dangers, establishing a risk management plan to protect life, property, and the environment, then mitigate the emergency. Because of all the uncertainties involved including what type of incident, the severity of the incident, what the weather conditions are, and what our staffing level is at the time, the following requirements must be met prior to becoming a Confirmed Firefighter/Paramedic.

a) High School diploma or GED equivalent.

b) Hold and maintain a valid Montana Driver’s License without record of suspension or revocation.

c) Have completed the Whitefish Fire Department’s Driver / Operator course and cleared by the Fire Chief to drive and operate department apparatus.

d) Hold and maintain a valid Montana Paramedic License (AEMT grandfathered in) with the Flathead County’s Medical Director’s approval to operate as such.

e) Successfully complete and maintain training to the Firefighter I and II levels per NFPA 1001. Including Hazmat Operations per NFPA 1072.

f) Successfully complete and maintain (red carded) NWCG’s FFT2 or higher.

g) Successfully complete and maintain Incident Command training including IS-700, IS-800, IS-100, and IS-200 per FEMA.

Firefighter/Paramedics are expected to maintain their certification and ample time is set aside during each shift to complete required training.

Complete list of initial and incumbent training requirements are contained in the Fire Department’s SAP #101-39, Training.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

NFPA 1582 sets the minimum medical and fitness requirements for Firefighters operating to protect civilian life and property. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
 
All on-duty Firefighter/Paramedics must be fit-for-duty with no restrictions.

a) This position may require the ability to work the whole 48-hour shift based on calls for service. Due to the uncertainty of the emergency scene and what tasks may be required, each Firefighter/Paramedics must arrive for their scheduled shift on time, well rested, and fit-for duty with no restrictions.

b) This position requires the ability to work in all the extreme weather conditions seen in Northwest Montana.

c) This position requires the ability to work in extreme hazardous conditions encountered at an emergency scene such as uneven/slippery surfaces, close

proximity to moving mechanical equipment, burning structures, broken glass, jagged metal, electrical currents, high places, confined spaces, etc.

d) This position requires the ability to lift items in excess of 175 pound occasionally and up to 60 pounds frequently.

e) This position requires the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

f) This position requires the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

g) This position requires the ability to operate computers and other electronic devices.

h) This position requires the vision to see close, distance, peripheral with depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

i) This position requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, walk long distances up and down hill, carry heavy equipment, climb ladders, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

j) This position requires the use of hand and power tools where hand-eye coordination is necessary.

k) This position requires the ability to perform these duties while properly wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect from exposure to smoke, gases, chemicals, fumes, odors, mists, and dust and exposure to individuals with blood borne infectious diseases or illnesses.

l) This is a stressful job that requires quick decision making.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
 
Formal application through Human Resources and/or Fire Chief, rating of education and experience; written test; oral interview; reference check; physical fitness test; and other job-related tests may be required.
 
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
 
The City of Whitefish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Whitefish does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, creed, political idea, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression in its hiring or employment practices.

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