Firefighter Position

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter

 

PROFILE DISCLAIMER

The information herein is provided by the respective agency and is only as accurate and as up-to-date as the agency representative(s) update this information. PST is not responsible for the veracity of this data as it is provided directly from the agency. It is ultimately the applicant's responsibility to verify any information about the agency with the agency.

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter

Last updated on July 16, 2025
PST Partner Agency since March 03, 2022

Vacancies: 2 -6

Testing Deadline: August 12, 2025.

Important Information

SE Thurston Fire Authority (SETFA)

Entry-Level firefighter/EMT Recruitment

SE Thurston Fire Authority (SETFA) is establishing an Entry-Level Firefighter/EMT eligibility list to support anticipated staffing needs in early 2026. This process may be used to fill up to two entry-level firefighter positions, with actual hiring dependent on organizational needs and lateral recruitment outcomes.

 Key Dates for Candidates (subject to change)

  • Job Announcement Posted: July 15, 2025
  • Written Exam Deadline (Public Safety Testing): August 12, 2025
  • Applications Due: August 29, 2025
  • Oral Board Invitations Sent: September 3, 2025
  • Oral Board & Assessment Lab: September 15, 2025
  • Chief’s Interview (Lateral candidates only): September 25–26, 2025
  • Conditional Offers Extended: October 6, 2025
  • Background, Psych, and Onboarding Begins: October 27, 2025

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Valid Washington State driver’s license (by hire date)
  • Ability to pass a driving history check and pre-employment background screening
  • Valid CPAT from PST or NTN completed within 12 months of the announcement date (on or after July 15, 2024) will be accepted.

 Examination Steps

To be considered, candidates must complete the written exam through Public Safety Testing (PST) by August 12, 2025.

Qualified candidates will be invited to complete additional steps in the selection process, which may include:

  • Application packet submission with required documentation
  • Oral Board Interview
  • Assessment Lab
  • Chief’s Interview
  • Personal History Statement (completed via PST)
  • Background investigation
  • Psychological evaluation
  • Medical and drug screening

Important Notes

  • Applicants must ensure their PST profile and contact information are current.
  • Candidates invited to apply must carefully follow all Application Submission Instructions, including attaching all required documentation.
  • Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of all evaluation steps.
  • Applicants claiming veterans’ preference under RCW 41.04.010 must submit DD214 or official discharge documentation confirming honorable discharge before the filing window closes.

All questions and communication must be directed to: hiring@setfa.org

Phone calls will not be accepted.

Community Information

S.E. Thurston Fire Authority

Nestled in the shadow of Mount Rainier, the communities of Yelm and Rainier offer a unique balance of purpose, pride, and possibility. Located in southeast Thurston County, this fast-growing region is known for its sweeping rural landscapes, mountain views, and strong connection to service. Whether you’re raising a family, advancing your fire service career, or putting down long-term roots, this is the kind of place where you can build something meaningful—both on and off duty.

The Yelm/Rainier area has grown by more than 42% in the last decade and is projected to double in size by 2040, thanks to excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and close proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Olympia, Tacoma, and Centralia. Many residents are active duty military or veterans, and the area reflects a deep culture of public service and community involvement. SE Thurston Fire Authority protects a growing population of over 30,000 residentsacross a diverse and supportive fire district that spans both towns and rural areas.

Yelm is the commercial and cultural heart of the region, offering access to restaurants, local businesses, scenic parks, hiking trails, farmers markets, and family-oriented events—all while maintaining the charm of a close-knit hometown. Rainier provides a quieter pace, with beautiful rural properties, strong values, and quick access to work, recreation, and community life. From community celebrations to emergency preparedness outreach, residents here take pride in supporting those who serve—and in shaping a safer, stronger future together.

Department Information

S.E. Thurston Fire Authority

S.E. Thurston Fire Authority (SETFA) serves a diverse 120-square-mile district that includes the Cities of Yelm and Rainier, along with surrounding unincorporated areas of Thurston County. The cities are classified as suburban, while the broader response area is primarily rural.

SETFA responds to more than 4,000 emergency calls annually and operates as the primary Basic Life Support (BLS) transport agency for the region. The district currently staffs two fire stations, employs 33 career members, and supports a growing volunteer firefighter program. Our department values operational readiness, strong local partnerships, and a deep commitment to professional service. For more information please visit www.sethurstonfire.org

Annual Call Volume:

  • 2022: 3,987
  • 2023: 4,005
  • 2024: 4,166
  • 2025 YTD (as of July): 2,218

SE THURSTON FIRE AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Job Description

Please visit SETFA Career Employment to review the Firefighter/EMT job description and job announcement minimum qualifications for (Entry-Level Firefighter/EMT).


Area Information

County: Thurston
Population: SE Thurston Fire 40,000+
# of Staff: 33 Full Time Firefighters

Hiring Status

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter has 2 -6 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is August 12, 2025.

SETFA anticipates hiring 2–6 entry-level Firefighter/EMTs for 2026 from this process and will establish an eligibility list for any additional openings that arise during the life of the list.

Salary Information

2025 (Current)

  • Probation (Class 5 – 0–12 months): $7,049.78/month | $84,597.41/year
  •  Top Step (Class 1 – 49–60 months): $8,812.23/month | $105,746.76/year

Benefit Information

The following is an overview of the benefits available to SE Thurston Fire Authority Firefighters. This position is represented by IAFF LOCAL 3628.

Benefits Overview

The following is an overview of the benefits available to SE Thurston Fire Authority Firefighters. This position is represented by IAFF Local 3628.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance -100% employer-paid coverage through the WA Fire Commissioners Association PPO100 (First Choice Health Network) for employees and eligible dependents.

Post-Retirement Medical Coverage -Firefighters who retire with at least 20 years of service with SETFA and are age 53 or older are eligible for 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage until age 65 or Medicare eligibility, whichever comes first.

Retirement-Enrollment in the Washington State LEOFF 2 retirement system. This defined-benefit plan provides pension eligibility based on service credit and final average compensation. Employer and employee contributions apply. Visit www.drs.wa.gov for more information.

Deferred Compensation (457 Plan) -Employees may defer pre-tax retirement contributions, with employer matching of 5% in 2025 and 6% in 2026.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) -SE Thurston Fire Authority contributes $1,200 per year into each firefighter’s HRA account to support medical expenses.

Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) -SETFA contributes $75 per month into each firefighter’s post-retirement medical expense account.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) -Upon separation or retirement, eligible employees receive a tax-free deposit into an HRA/VEBA account based on unused sick leave, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. These funds may be used for qualified medical expenses.

Kelly Day Leave -Firefighters receive 18 Kelly days annually, reducing total hours worked to help balance workload and support wellness.

Vacation Leave

  • 0–5 years: 144 hours/year
  • 6–10 years: 192 hours/year
  • 11–15 years: 240 hours/year
  • 16+ years: 288 hours/year

Sick LeaveAccrued at 24 hours/month with no maximum cap.

Holidays -11 paid holidays annually: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Personal DayFirefighters receive three personal leave day per year.

Tuition IncentiveEarn an additional 2% base wage increase for an Associate’s Degree or 4% for a Bachelor’s Degree after completing probation.

Longevity PayReceive a 2% base wage increase every five years of continuous service with SETFA.

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)Annual wage increases of 2% to 5%, tied to the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue CPI-W index.

Disclaimer:

This bulletin is for informational purposes only. Pay, benefits, and working conditions are subject to change and governed by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement and any applicable MOUs between SE Thurston Fire Authority and IAFF Local 3628.

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter Requirements

Category Requirement Required at time of...
    Test Hire
Written Examination Yes, required
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Yes, required as described below

Candidates must have a valid CPAT from PST or NTN taken within 12 months of the application deadline (September 12, 2024 – September 12, 2025). Once contacted, applicants must submit all required documentation as part of the application process.

PST Personal History Statement

Due by September 12, 2025

 
Minimum Age 18
Citizenship

US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or have the ability to legally work in the U.S. by the time of application deadline.

High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required

Valid U.S. driver’s license (by hire date).

Active duty military may use out-of-state licenses.

Felony Conviction(s) as an Adult None.
Felony Conviction(s) as a Juvenile Will be carefully reviewed on a case by case basis
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
College Requirement No
Prior Experience Requirement

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• IFSAC Firefighter I

• IFSAC Firefighter II

• HazMat Awareness & Operations

• Valid EMT or NREMT Certification

• Associate Degree

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Previous Fire Service Experience

EMT Certification

EMT/NREMT NOT required

Washington State EMT or NREMT certifications

(NOTICE: Be prepared to submit your supporting credential number and or  certification to verify your credentials.)

Firefighter 1 Certification

DESIRED: IFSAC/ProBoard FF1 Certification

Firefighter 2 Certification

DESIRED: IFSAC/ProBoard FFII Certification

Prior FF Experience Required

DESIRED
Previous firefighting experience as a career or volunteer.

Prior EMT Experience Required

DESIRED

EMT/NREMT

Current Hiring Status

2–6 entry-level Firefighter/EMTs for 2026

CPAT

Candidates must have successfully completed a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 12 months prior to the application deadline. CPATs from either Public Safety Testing (PST) or National Testing Network (NTN) will be accepted, provided the test was taken between August 29, 2024, and August 29, 2025.

Multiple Scores from Same Applicant We consider the highest score received within the past one year
Request/Access Scores On an as-needed basis as vacancies occur

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Applicants should not apply to our agency if they indicate any of the automatic disqualifiers. Potential disqualifiers will be considered on a case by case basis.

Category Disqualifier
Driving
Automatic
Negligent homicide arising out of the use of a motor vehicle (gross negligence).
Automatic

Operating during a period of suspension or revocation.

Automatic

Using a motor vehicle for the commission of a felony.

Automatic

Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle.

Automatic

Operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s authority.

Automatic

Permitting an unlicensed person to drive.

Automatic

Reckless or negligent driving.

Automatic

Hit and run driving.

Potential

Driving under the influence of drugs.

Potential

Driving while intoxicated.

Drug Usage
Automatic Illegal use of illegal drugs in the last 5 years.
Automatic Pattern of illegal use of prescription medication.
Criminal Activity
Potential

Adult misdemeanor convictions will be carefully reviewed.

Automatic

Any adult felony conviction.


Automatic Any juvenile felony conviction.
Automatic Been convicted of any crime under a domestic violence statue.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.
Employment
Automatic Lied during any stage of the hiring process.
Automatic Falsified their application, personal history questionnaire, or any other forms during hiring process.
Financial
Potential Current credit accounts, or unresolved accounts in collection will be carefully reviewed.

Contact Information

SE Thurston Fire Authority - Firefighter

SE Thurston Fire Authority
709 Mill Rd
Yelm, WA 98597 Thurston County
3604582799

Website
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Agency Test Requirements
Written Examination: Yes, required
CPAT: Yes, required as described below

PST Personal History Statement:

Due by September 12, 2025


Other S.E. Thurston Regional Fire Authority positions

Lateral Firefighter