Firefighter

The City of Kennewick is continuously accepting test scores for the position of Firefighter. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must successfully complete the following: Firefighter written examination with a score of 70% or higher on each required exam component. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). CPAT results must be current within one year of the date scores are pulled. The Kennewick Fire Department accepts results from any IAFF-accredited CPAT provider, including Public Safety Testing (PST) and National Testing Network (NTN). If your CPAT is from National Testing Network (NTN), please email a copy of your CPAT results directly to Susan Helsley at susan.helsley@ci.kennewick.wa.us. Candidates who meet the initial testing requirements may be invited to continue through the City's selection process, which may include an oral board, background investigation and Fire Chief interview. Candidates approved to receive a conditional offer of employment must successfully complete all required pre-employment examinations, including: Medical examination Psychological examination

The Kennewick Fire Department (KFD) is a full-service, all-hazards fire and emergency medical services department serving approximately 89,220 residents across 29.8 square miles. Emergency services are delivered from five strategically located fire stations throughout the City. KFD provides fire suppression, Basic and Advanced Life Support emergency medical care and ambulance transport, hazardous materials response, technical and rope rescue, vehicle extrication, fire prevention and other emergency and non-emergency services. The department responds to approximately 14,000 calls for service annually, an average of nearly 40 calls each day, with more than 70% involving emergency medical services.

2026 Salary Information: $88,656 to $116,664 per year, excluding holiday pay, paramedic differential, specialty pay, and other applicable premiums. Monthly Firefighter Salaries: Step 1 - $7,388; Step 2 - $8,166; Step 3 - $8,944; Step 4 - $9,722. Pay step increases are effective upon successful completion of the requirements for the corresponding step of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program.

Benefit Information The City of Kennewick offers firefighters a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical Insurance: The City pays 95% of the medical insurance premium, and employees pay 5%. For 2026, employee premiums are $47.62 or $52.73 per month for employee-only coverage and $142.24 or $157.53 per month for full-family coverage, depending on the plan selected. Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability and EAP: The City pays 100% of the employee premium. Vacation Leave: New firefighters earn 16 hours of vacation leave per month, with accrual increasing based on years of service. Sick Leave: New firefighters receive 144 hours of sick leave upon hire. After the first six months, firefighters accrue 24 hours per month through their first three years of employment. Holiday Pay: Firefighters may receive up to 120 hours of holiday pay, paid as a lump sum in December. Retirement: Firefighters participate in the Washington State LEOFF Plan 2 pension system, which provides a lifetime retirement benefit and survivor options. Full retirement is available at age 53, with reduced retirement available as early as age 50, subject to applicable plan requirements. Deferred Compensation: The City contributes 5% of the employee's salary to a 457 deferred compensation plan. No employee match is required. Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan: The City contributes $75 per month to a MERP account to help pay eligible medical expenses and health insurance premiums in retirement. Life Insurance: The City provides $25,000 in life insurance coverage. Employees may also purchase additional voluntary group term life insurance. Uniforms and Equipment: The City pays for required firefighter uniforms and boots. Additional Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts, tuition assistance, wellness programming and access to fitness facilities.

Requirements: Minimum age 18, US citizen, high school diploma/GED, valid driver's license, no adult felony convictions, ability to read/speak/write English, vision correctable to 20/20, Firefighter written examination score of 70% or higher, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), Washington State EMT certification required within one year of appointment

Salary: $88,656 to $116,664 per year, excluding holiday pay, paramedic differential, specialty pay, and other applicable premiums

Application Deadline: Continuous