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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.