Firefighter (Entry Level)

For more information about the position pay, benefits and hiring process, see our Hiring Brochure.

Under the general supervision of a Fire Captain or designee, performs skilled emergency and non-emergency tasks in the area of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and emergency medical services for the protection of life and property for municipalities, airports, and private industry. 

• Complete the written exam with Public Safety Testing (PST). Scores from the PST eligibility list with the City are good for one (1) year from the date of PST testing and must be current at the time of application to our agency.

• Complete the physical exam (CPAT) with PST or any verifiable agency. CPAT must be completed within the past year from date of application.

• Complete the online Personal History Statement (PHS) on your PST profile. 

• The CPAT can be obtained from any verifiable agency, but the written test and PHS must be completed with Public Safety Testing.

• Submit an online application with our agency by clicking "Apply" on this page.

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

• Please review the hiring standards brochure HERE which includes temporary or permanent disqualifiers.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Completion of initial written and physical agility exams, as outlined by the City of Richland’s protocols.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Eighteen (18) years of age or older at time of testing.

• Certified to wear a respirator at SCBA level.

• Obtain a Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced EMT (AEMT) certification within six (6) months of successfully completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment.

• Obtain IFSAC Firefighter I and II within six (6) months of successfully completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment.

• IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations are required within the first year of employment based on the schedule outlined in the department training and development/ OJT program.

• Obtain Wildland Firefighter II certification within one (1) year of successfully completing Fire Academy and maintain throughout employment.

• Obtain Washington State Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVIP) certification within two (2) years of hire date, prior to driving fire department vehicles in the ‘emergency’ mode, and maintain throughout employment through department-provided training.

• Certified Uniform Fire Code Inspector or higher qualification or obtain within six (6) months of appointment into the position (Deputy Fire Marshal option only).

• Valid Washington State Paramedic certification (Paramedic and Medical Training Coordinator options only). 

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Fire Administration.

• Completion of Tri-Cities Regional Academy within last four years.

• Washington State or National Registry EMT certification

• Washington State or National Registry Paramedic certification.

• Prior experience, to include reserve or resident firefighter.

• IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications.

• IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications.

• Wildland Firefighter II certification.

• Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification.

*If you have successfully completed the Tri-Cities Regional Academy in the past four years, you will not be required to attend academy. *

Selection will be based on overall qualifications and an oral board interview process. Final candidate(s) selected will be required to complete a comprehensive background check to include an integrity interview, job suitability testing, reference checks, criminal history check, credit check, driving record, education and certification verification, and review of training records. Upon conditional offer of employment, candidate(s) must successfully complete a psychological evaluation, physical examination tailored to the specific job description (to include drug and alcohol testing), and a stress test.

Duties listed are representative of the types of tasks and functions performed by positions of this class of work.  Percentage of time and rank of importance of duties are not listed since both will vary by position and work location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Performs interior structural firefighting activities, extends hose lines, raises and climbs ladders, uses extinguishing agents, performs rescue operations, ventilates structures of toxic smoke and gases, performs salvage operations on the structural contents, body recovery, and Rapid Intervention activities.

• Performs exterior structural firefighting activities, initial command and control operations, and defensive fire operations.

• Fills incident support functions including rehab, staging, and Public Information Officer (PIO) commensurate with the needs of the incident. 

• Performs wildland firefighting activities commensurate with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training and agency certification. 

• Performs Emergency Medical Service (EMS) work as a Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) per state and local protocols; lifts patients to backboard, moves patients on stretcher, gathers patient information, assists with patient care, triages and treats patients suffering illness or trauma and transports them to the appropriate medical facility. 

• Completes accurate and timely Basic Life Support (BLS) patient care reports, incident reports, and maintenance/repair requests.

• Drives and operates emergency services apparatus to and from alarms; operates and monitors fire pumps used in suppression activities, secures water supply, monitors crew safety, and monitors and tracks equipment location and uses to ensure intact inventories after each emergency response. 

• Drives and operates all classes of vehicles used by the department; operates Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) as a passenger, troubleshoots and adapts to equipment failures and unexpected events at emergency scenes. 

• Performs non-emergency activities including, but not limited to, drills, training, building inspections, and participating in fire prevention programs, public education, and public relations activities.

• Performs minor maintenance on apparatus, stations, and equipment, and assists with project and program work.

• Performs special operations work in accordance with individual training and certification levels (Examples include hazardous materials, rope rescue, confined space rescue, and water/shoreline rescue responses).

• Subject to shift work, 24-hour on call, and mandatory overtime as required.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Performs EMS work as a Washington State Paramedic per state and local protocols; lifts patients to backboard, moves patients on stretcher, and gathers patient information.

• Coordinates the patient care activities of other EMS crew members as lead paramedic on various EMS calls; provides patient care, triages, and treats patients suffering illness or trauma, and transports them to the appropriate medical facility.

• Works within assigned duties based on the individuals existing skills and abilities, and the division’s program and project needs by the Fire Marshal, to include, but not limited to, serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer, assisting the Fire Marshal with public education, fire investigations, plan reviews, and fire inspections to ensure code compliance. 

• Conducts building inspections in business occupancies throughout the community at all stages of construction.

• Works a 4-10 or 5-8-hour workweek for a total of 40 hours worked per week, with occasional emergency call-back, 24-hour shift work, and mandatory overtime as required.

• Works within assigned duties based on the individuals existing skills and abilities, and the division’s program and project needs by the Internal Risk Reduction (IRR) Battalion Chief, to include, but not limited to, supporting organizational EMS training and certification needs.

• Provide public education that supports organizational mission.

• Address needs to enhance and improve overall EMS delivery system.

• Works a 4-10- or 5-8-hour workweek, for a total of 40 hours worked per week, with occasional emergency call-back, 24-hour shift work, and mandatory overtime as required.

• Performs all functions of a Firefighter EMT/Paramedic.

Specific and realistic knowledge, skills, and abilities typically necessary to competently perform this job.
 
Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations related to assigned activities and directly pertaining to emergency services delivery and operation.

• Benton/Franklin counties Mass Casualty Incident plan and pre-hospital BLS Patient Care Guidelines.

• Applicable safety procedures, practices, and industry standards.

• Modern office practices, methods, procedures, and equipment.

• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.

• Health and safety laws, regulations, and policies applicable to assigned tasks.

• Education and training related to industry standards, state requirements, and career development.

• Mechanical systems and reasoning; machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Building construction relating to fire behavior and operational safety.

• Administration and management as it relates to the organizational structure and operation of the fire department.

• Transportation as it relates to traffic flow, street layouts, response routes, transportation industry hazards, and emergency response.

• Geography relating to wildland fire behavior, hazardous materials exposures, and distribution of community infrastructure and resources.

• Current adopted edition of the Uniform Fire Code (Deputy Fire Marshal option only).

• Regulation and policy, specifically WAC 296-305, WSRB training elements, relevant NFPA standards, and other pertinent industry and safety standards (Medical Training Coordinator option only).

• LEOFF Health and Welfare Trust 6-B medical and vision plan (employee/employer contributions), including employer contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account 

• City-paid dental plan

• City-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (equals two times the employee's annual salary)

• Long-Term Disability Insurance (employee/employer contributions)

• Participation in the State of Washington's LEOFF II Pension Plan

• 10 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday

• Retirement Medical Trust

• City-match deferred compensation plan 457

  • IAFF = 4.5% Match of top step FF max

  • IAFF-BC = 4% Match of base rate

• Vacation Leave 

• Sick Leave

• Longevity Pay

• Section 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)

• Fire Education Incentive Program

• Employee Assistance Program

Vacation Leave Accrual Rates

*Rates subject to change based upon collective bargaining agreement (CBA). See CBA for eligibility requirements. For 2026-2028 IAFF R&F CBA, rates are as follows for shift employees:

0 through 9 years / 14

10 through 15 years / 16.25

16 through 20 years / 19

Over 20 years / 21

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force.  Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
 
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested.  Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392. 
 
The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City.  Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.