In order to be eligible to participate in the City of Richland's (City) application screening process, applicants should first complete the initial testing (written exam) and complete the online Personal History Statement (PHS) with Public Safety Testing (PST).  Candidates must also successfully pass a physical abilities test (CPAT).  The CPAT can be obtained from any verifiable agency, including PST.  Scores from the PST eligibility list with the City are good for one (1) year from the date of PST testing. CPAT must obtained within one year of the date of application submission.  Applicants are encouraged to attach a current cover letter and resume to the City's application.  

If you are interested in applying but have not completed the initial written testing process with PST, please visit PST's website at www.publicsafetytesting.com for more details on how to schedule now to be considered for future testing processes, and to review the City's Hiring Standards for Firefighter applicants.  CPATs can be obtained from PST or any other verifiable agency.

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

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of initial written and physical agility exams, as outlined by the City of Richland’s protocols.
• Three (3) years of experience with Richland Fire & Emergency Services, and presently at top step Firefighter (Deputy Fire Marshal and Medical Training Coordinator options only).
• 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).

Please review the Hiring Standards brochure for further details on hiring standards, to include temporary or permanent disqualifiers. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Fire Administration
• Completion of Tri-Cities Regional Academy within 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, to include reserve or resident firefighter
• Washington State or National Registry EMT certification
• Washington State or National Registry Paramedic certification
• 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

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.

Selection will be based on overall qualifications and oral board interview process.  

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.