Lacey Washington is situated on Washington’s beautiful Puget Sound at the western edge of the pristine Cascade Mountains. The city offers visitors the perfect opportunity to discover everything that makes the northwest so spectacular. Sparkling lakes and saltwater, densely-forested parklands, championship fairways, miles of hiking and biking trails, and an adjoining 3,700-acre wildlife refuge make enjoying nature as convenient as it is exciting. Towering above it all, the unbelievable magnificence of Mt. Rainier.

Lacey has bit of something for everyone with first class restaurants, limitless outdoor adventures, ample parks and open space, great entertainment options, a lively business community, strong public school systems, and friendly community members.

Since 1949, Lacey Fire District 3 has been providing services to the community, with a population of 107,000 and an area of approximately 70 square miles in northeast Thurston County between the Nisqually River and the City of Olympia. We serve roughly 34% of Thurston County’s population and protect over $20.4 billion in assessed valuation.

We provide fire and life safety response from five stations strategically located throughout the district; four of these stations are staffed 24-hours per day. Our department staffing rotates through four 24-hour shifts, each carrying an average of 30 full-time career emergency responders (firefighters, line officers, and firefighter/paramedics). These emergency responder personnel provide our external services – fire and rescue response, basic and advanced life support response, special operations response (static water, low-angle and rope rescue technical rescue), fire investigation, inspections and community education.

In 2023, our operating budget was $37.67 million. The District’s Fire, Rescue and Paramedic services are funded primarily through property taxes, contracts, and intergovernmental agreements.

Lacey Fire District 3 had a call volume of 23,448 in 2023 responding to 75% EMS, 2% Fire, and 23% Other calls for assistance. 

Basic Function:  Provides emergency and non-emergency incident responses and routine incident readiness support activities.

Reports to: Lieutenant as assigned

Job Classification: This is a union represented non-exempt position

Salary:  $7,151 (step 1) - $9,534 (step 5) per month DOE.

Benefits: Generous medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for employee and dependents (premiums paid at 100% for employee and family dependents). Additional benefits include HRA/VEBA medical reimbursement, disability insurance, wellness/EAP (Employee Assistance Program), paid holidays, sick and annual leave, and deferred compensation and LEOFF 2 retirement plans. [Please note: LFD3 does not participate in the Social Security retirement program.]

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs firefighting activities including but not limited to, driving fire apparatus, operating fire pumps and related equipment, laying hose, climbing ladders, and using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment.

2. Performs emergency medical activities congruent with level of EMS certification.

3. Assists in District administrative activities as assigned.

4. Operates radio and other communication equipment.

5. Maintains and performs minor repairs as appropriate for District equipment, facilities and apparatus.

6. Operates District computer and related technology systems and programs.

7. Responds to emergency and non-emergency incidents and performs necessary mitigation duties.

8. Participates in training as assigned and maintains acceptable skill levels.

9. Performs fieldwork such as hydrant, hose or pumper testing.

10. Engages in District activities such as inspections, public education, and pre-incident planning.

11. Performs other duties as appropriate to the position and as necessary and/or assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• IFSAC Firefighter II certification (by completion of probation).
• Fire Science degree or major coursework is desired.

Knowledge and Skill, and Abilities:

• Reading and math skills at high school level.
• Ability to operate hand tools and small equipment.
• Ability to follow instructions and take directions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet District standards for customer service and teamwork.
• Demonstrates and exemplifies “The LFD3 Way”.

Equipment/Mechanical Aids Used: 

• Working knowledge of fire service, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) apparatus and equipment.
• Working knowledge of computers.

Working Conditions: 

• Physically and mentally stressful situations to include extreme temperatures, contaminated atmosphere, hazardous materials, inclement weather, heights, confined areas, medical trauma and illness.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must meet District’s pre-employment standards to include successful completion of background and reference check, suitability assessment, medical/physical, and drug screen.
• Requires ability to lift, move, and/or carry a minimum of 180 lbs.
• Must be able to work at heights of 75 feet or more as required.

Other Requirements: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire any U.S. state or District of Columbia driver's license, and maintain such license for the duration of employment.
• Once attained, must maintain active Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) status with Thurston County.
• Must maintain (EVIP) Emergency Vehicles Incident Prevention certification.
• Documentation of current Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) at time of conditional job offer.

The statements contained herein reflect general details, as necessary, to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties, as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to otherwise balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position, if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The District will be establishing an Eligibility List August 12th for a 1st Quarter 2025 hire. The top ranked applicants will be invited to apply directly with the District.

Lacey Fire District 3 has an ongoing eligibility list. Candidates on the list are eligible for 12 months and are considered for any opening during that time.

2024 Step 1 Salary = $7,151/mo.  Education, Longevity, Tech Pay and Military Credit is available.

This position is represented by IAFF (Local 2903), LEOFF Retirement.

Generous medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for employee and dependents (premiums paid at 100% for employee and family dependents). Additional benefits include HRA/VEBA medical reimbursement, disability insurance, wellness/EAP (Employee Assistance Program), paid holidays, sick and annual leave, and deferred compensation and LEOFF 2 retirement plans. 

Please note: LFD3 does not participate in the Social Security retirement program.