A career with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue is an opportunity to serve your community, be part of a dedicated team, and make a difference every day. We are looking for individuals who are committed, resilient, and ready to help others in critical moments.
Getting Started
You do not need prior fire service experience to apply for an entry-level firefighter position. However, the process is competitive.
To strengthen your application, consider:
- Gaining experience as a volunteer firefighter (with neighboring agencies)
- Completing CPR and First Aid training
- Maintaining a strong level of physical fitness
Hiring Timeline
We anticipate opening our next hiring process on June 24, 2026, with applications closing on August 3, 2026.
Sign up to be notified when positions open through our job portal.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older at time of employment
- Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification (within 12 months of date of application)
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass all phases of the hiring process
- EMT certification is not required to apply. Candidates selected for hire will receive EMT training during the academy at no cost.
Hiring Process
- CPAT Certification
- Online Application
- Online Exam (reading, math, reasoning, human relations, and personality assessment)
- Oral Board Interview
- Background Investigation
- Chief’s Interview
- Conditional Offer
- Psychological Evaluation
- Medical Exam & Drug Screening
- Final Offer & Recruit Academy
Recruit Academy
- Recruits attend a 21-week academy, which includes EMT training.
- Schedule: 40 hours per week
- Typically, four 10-hour days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
- Paid probationary firefighter salary
- All equipment and training costs are covered
Pay & Benefits
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue offers a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement through LEOFF Plan 2
- Deferred compensation (457 plan) with employer contribution
- Paid time off (504 hours annually)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life insurance and disability benefits
Veterans' Preference
Veterans’ preference is applied to passing scores in accordance with Washington State law. Documentation must be provided at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not need prior experience to apply, but the process is competitive. Consider gaining experience as a volunteer firefighter with neighboring agencies and completing CPR or First Aid training.
Yes. You must submit a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification with your application. The certification must be less than 12 months old.
No. Central Pierce Fire & Rescue administers its own online exam at no cost. We do not accept written test results from other agencies.
No. EMT certification is not required to apply. Candidates selected for hire will receive EMT training during the recruit academy at no cost.
Not necessarily. Background information, including criminal and driving history, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be able to legally operate a vehicle in Washington State and provide a valid driver’s license prior to hire.
Yes. You will receive a probationary firefighter salary while attending the academy. All training and equipment costs are covered by the District.
The academy is typically 21 weeks, including EMT training.
Recruits work a 40-hour week, usually four 10-hour days (Monday–Thursday).
All required documents, including CPAT certification and veteran preference documentation, must be attached at the time of application. Late submissions are not accepted.
For assistance, contact NEOGOV customer service at 1-855-524-5627 or email [email protected].
Please contact our HR Division at [email protected].