Entry-level Firefighter
Entry-level Firefighter
Requirements and Timeline
West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is establishing an eligibility list for entry-level Firefighter. The 2020
Probationary 1 Firefighter monthly base salary is $5,469. WPFR anticipates hiring up to 15 Firefighters.
*Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is not required. All recruits will be required to
successfully complete a 6-week Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy. Recruits without Paramedic
certification will complete training and attain EMT certification during the EMS Academy.
Candidates with Washington State or National Registry Paramedic certification by September 30, 2020 may be
considered for employment as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Personnel assigned to serve in the District’s paramedic
program, who receive and maintain valid paramedic certification, shall receive additional duty pay of 12.5% or
15% to the monthly base salary (based on assignment).
Candidates with fire service experience may be considered for lateral employment. Requirements are service
in a full-time, paid Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic position; with a municipal fire department, fire
district, or fire authority with primary duties of fire suppression and emergency medical services. The 2020
lateral monthly base salary range is $6,573 to $7,099 (depending on duration of previous experience).
All recruits will be required to successfully complete the 6-week EMS Academy and a 13-week Fire Academy;
Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials certifications.
General Requirements:
At least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Ability to read, write and speak English
Ability to legally operate a vehicle in Washington State
At time of hire, ability to provide documentation showing authorization to work in United States
Candidates shall be tobacco free at time of appointment and throughout service
Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of the following; WPFR will pay the costs
associated with these conditions:
Background investigation to include criminal history and driving record
Medical examination and drug screening. Candidates will be marijuana free at time of appointment. While
on-duty, employees shall not have in their system any substance, which may impair their ability to perform
job duties (alcohol, prescription medications, controlled and/or illicit substances).
Psychological assessment
Passing grade on the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT). Orientation guides are available at the
National Testing Network and Public Safety Testing websites. *Candidates with valid CPAT certification,
completed after January 1, 2020 will not be required to pass CPAT again. Candidates will be asked to
provide CPAT documentation at the Reception phase of testing, if applicable.
The probationary period shall be inclusive of the Academy, followed by 12 months serving on 24-hour
shift schedule. Continued employment is based upon successful completion of:
EMS and Recruit Academy (provided by WPFR)
Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Operations certifications (training and testing in Recruit Academy)
Questions? Please email employment@westpierce.org
Entry-level Firefighter
Testing Process Timeline
*Timeline is subject to change without notice. WPFR will communicate to candidates any changes as
quickly as possible. It is important for contact information to be accurate in your online application,
and that you check email frequently (including Junk/Spam folders).
Monday, June 1, 2020
8:00 AM (PDT)
Application period opens
Candidates must complete an online application at:
www.westpierce.org
*Upon verification of completed application, candidates will receive
instructions to self-schedule an online examination.
WPFR will provide the Online Test Orientation Guide via email. You are
not required to purchase any study materials.
Friday, July 24
5:00 PM (PDT)
Application period closes
You will be required to register for an online examination date by 5:00 PM
on Sunday, July 26.
ONLINE EXAMINATION:
Tuesday, August 4
Saturday, August 8
Comprehensive Examination Battery (CEB) Online Examination
The examination consists of 100 questions with a 2.5 hour time limit
Online access will be from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM each date listed
The examination must be completed within a consecutive 2.5-hour
period, by 11:59 PM. It is not an option to begin the examination, save
progress and complete at a later date and/or time.
You must access the examination from a laptop or desktop computer
(Windows, Mac, Linux) with Chrome, Safari, Edge or FireFox
Detailed instructions will be provided via email by July 31
Candidates must attain a minimum score of 70%
August 24 – September 4
(Monday through Friday)
Oral Boards
Candidates selected for interviews will be notified by August 17
Self-scheduling will be a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. We may consider
video/phone interviews for candidates living out of the area.
Tuesday, September 29 Candidate Reception
Candidates proceeding to this event will be notified by September 8
The reception provides opportunity for candidates to meet a variety of
WPFR personnel from all divisions. The event format may be adjusted if
public health gathering restrictions are in effect.
By Friday, October 2 Conditional Offers of Employment
Candidates will be notified via phone and email.
*Successful completion of all employment conditions must occur by
Friday, November 13
Thursday, January 7, 2021 Anticipated Hire Date
Recruit Academy begins January 11, 2021