The Bellingham Fire Department is actively seeking applicants for its Entry Firefighter and Entry Firefighter/Paramedic positions, with a training academy planned for January 2027. The City of Bellingham has opened the NTN FireTeam testing window, and interested candidates are encouraged to test now to begin the eligibility process.
Bellingham Fire serves roughly 95,000 residents across the city and provides emergency medical services, fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response. The department staffs multiple stations across the city and regularly draws from a regional applicant pool given competitive pay, benefits, and the quality of life Bellingham offers.
The National Testing Network, or NTN, administers the FireTeam exam used by hundreds of fire agencies across the country. The test evaluates cognitive skills, reading comprehension, and situational judgment relevant to firefighting. Candidates can register and test through NTN's website, and scores are submitted directly to the Bellingham Fire Department's hiring process.
The department is building an eligibility list from this testing window, meaning candidates who score well will be ranked for potential selection before the academy date. A strong NTN score does not guarantee a spot, but it is the first required step. Candidates may also need to pass a physical ability test, background investigation, medical exam, and oral interview before receiving a conditional offer.
Entry firefighter positions with the City of Bellingham come with the City's union-negotiated wage and benefits package, which includes health coverage, retirement contributions, and paid training. Bellingham firefighters are represented by Bellingham Firefighters Local 106, one of the longest-standing labor locals in Whatcom County.
Those interested in applying or learning more about the position requirements can visit the City of Bellingham's fire department page or search for the posting directly on the City's job listings portal. Bellingham Fire encourages anyone interested in the position to share the announcement with qualified candidates in their network.
The January 2027 academy start gives candidates several months to complete testing and move through the hiring process. Applicants should not wait until the last minute, as eligibility list development and follow-up hiring steps can take time once the testing window closes.
Anyone with questions about the hiring process can contact Bellingham Fire's administration directly through the City of Bellingham website or by calling City Hall at 360-778-8000.
