Departments » Fire and Emergency Services » Join RF&ES

Entry Level Firefighter

Font Size: + -
Print

The Richland Fire & Emergency Services Department (RF&ES) provides emergency services, including:

  • Fire suppression
  • Emergency medical response
  • Hazardous materials response
  • Technical rescue

The Richland Fire & Emergency Services also provides other critical services, such as:

  • Fire investigation
  • Fire prevention
  • Public education

Entry level firefighters are an integral part of our team. If you believe you'd be a good fit, review the requirements below and apply today!

Entry Level Firefighter | Benefits and Salary

$69,480-$76,428 starting salary (depends on qualifications)

  • Paid Training
  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • State Pension & Retirement/Deferred Compensation Plans
  • HRA/VEBA/MERP
  • Vacation & Sick Leave
  • 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
  • Education Incentives
  • Longevity Pay

Requirements

  • 18 years of age or older at time of testing
  • U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driver's license upon hire
  • Completion of initial written and physical agility exams (see Before You Apply)
  • Obtain Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced EMT (AEMT) within six months of completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment
  • Certified to wear a respirator at SCBA level
  • Obtain IFSAC Firefighter I and II within six months of completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment
  • Obtain IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations within the first year of employment based on the schedule outlined in the department training and development/OJT program
  • Complete Wildland Firefighter II certification within one year of completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment
  • Complete Washington State Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVIP) certification within two years of hire date and before driving fire department vehicles in the 'emergency' mode
  • Certified Uniform Fire Code Inspector or higher qualification, or get within six months of appointment into the position (Deputy Fire Marshal option only)

Desirable Qualifications

  • Associates or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Fire Administration
  • Completion of Tri-Cities Regional Academy within the past four years
    • Please note: If you have completed the Tri-Cities Regional Academy in the past four years, you do not have to attend academy.
  • Prior experience, including reserve or resident firefighter
  • Washington State or National Registry EMT certification
  • Washington State or National Registry Paramedic certification
  • IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications
  • Wildland Firefighter II certification
  • Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification

Before You Apply

Before submitting an application, make sure you're eligible for the position by reviewing the following requirements:

  1. Complete an initial written exam through Public Safety Testing (PST)
  2. Complete an online Personal History Statement (PHS) through PST
  3. Pass a physical abilities test (CPAT) through any verifiable agency, including PST within one year of the date of application submission

PST scores are good for one year from the date of testing.

Apply Now

Applicants should attach a current cover letter and resume to the City's application.

Hiring Process

Completing the required testing and training can be a rigorous process, but it prepares each hired applicant for the job.

Step 1: Apply

Pass the initial written and physical agility tests conducted through Public Safety Testing (see link above).

Step 2: Interview

Pass the application screening process and oral exam. The chief may interview the top three candidates for each vacancy.

Step 3: Background

Pass extensive background check, including:

  • Integrity interview
  • Psychological exam
  • Physical
  • Stress test
  • Drug and alcohol screening

Step 4: Onboarding

Complete at least 600 hours of training at Tri-Cities Regional Academy.

Step 5: Training

Academy graduates complete on-the-job training within 36 months of hire.

Apply Now

Applicants are encouraged to attach a current cover letter and resume to the City's application.