Firefighter Position

Tumwater Fire Department - 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.

Tumwater Fire Department - Firefighter

Last updated on September 24, 2025
PST Partner Agency since October 11, 2016

Vacancies: 3

Important Information

Selection process for entry-level firefighters

Step 1: Apply with the City of Tumwater (Applications accepted staring October 1, 2025)

Candidates interested in this position must complete the written exam (firefighter selection tool) through Public Safety Testing (PST) and a city of Tumwater application for employment. Applications are available at the Government Jobs website. The application deadline is January 30, 2026.

Applicants interested in this position must complete the written exam (firefighter selection tool) through Public Safety Testing. Please visit Public Safety Testing for information regarding the testing process. All candidates with a combined score of 80% on the PST written test will be invited to participate in 9-minute speed interviews scheduled for the week of Feb. 23, 2026, in Tumwater. Candidates must pass with a minimum of 70% on the speed interview will be considered for the next step.

Step 2: Speed interview

All candidates with a combined score of 80% on the PST written test will be invited to participate in a 9-minute speed interview. Candidates must pass with a minimum of 70% to be considered for the next step. Volunteer points are added to passing scores for those who qualify. Speed interviews will take place the week of Feb. 23, 2026, in Tumwater.

Step 3: Oral board interviews

Top candidates from speed interviews will be invited to participate in oral board interviews. These interviews will take place the week of March 23, 2026. Candidates must pass with a minimum of 70%.

Step 4: Eligibility list

Candidates will be placed on a ranked eligibility register based on their scores achieved on the PST Written Exam (40%) and the oral board interviews (60%), plus veteran's preference. The eligibility list will be approved at the April 2026 Civil Service Commission.

Step 5: Chief's interview

Depending on department openings, the top seven candidates will be invited to the chief's interview, which will be scheduled as needed.

Step 6: Conditional offer

  • Pre-employment screening

The next step in hiring is a conditional offer of employment. Candidates will be required to participate in pre-employment screenings, including a medical and psychological exam.

  • A valid candidate physical ability test (CPAT) certification is required.

CPAT certification is accepted from PST or another agency provider licensed by the IAFF/IAFC. To be valid, CPAT testing must have been completed within the last calendar year.

Candidates without valid certification who are scheduled for oral board interviews may request a test fee waiver.

  • How to prepare for the candidate physical ability test (CPAT)

Engage in advanced physical training before the CPAT, targeting muscle groups used in lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and other actions related to firefighter tasks. A workout program may include distance running, sprints, rowing, stair climbing with a weight pack, and weightlifting to develop both the upper and lower body.

More information can be found at the Public Safety Testing website.

Step 7: Recruit academy

Successful candidates will begin a firefighter recruit academy.

Candidates will receive updates regarding application status by email.

Community Information

The City of Tumwater is located at the southern tip of Puget Sound. The rugged Olympic Mountains rise in the distance and Mount Rainier seems close enough to touch on a clear day. Tumwater is just adjacent to our state capital, the city of Olympia, and 60 miles south of Seattle on the I-5 corridor. Tumwater is part of metropolitan Thurston County which has a population of 269,500. Thurston County offers ample opportunities for both rural and urban living. Many employees enjoy living in the rural county area while still keeping their commute short due to the close proximity of the metropolitan tri-city area of Tumwater, Olympia, and Lacey. Tumwater traces its roots to the pioneer community known as New Market which began on the banks of the Deschutes River in 1845. This site is regarded as the "end of the Oregon Trail" and the early village was the first permanent, European settlement in Washington. Tumwater is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Department Information

The Tumwater Fire Department is dedicated to protecting the people, their property, and the environment from natural and man-made emergencies. This protection is delivered to the citizens by means of emergency response, public education, code enforcement and disaster planning. The service area has expanded to meet the needs of our growing community.

The department provides services to the public from two locations, the Headquarters Fire Station, 311 Israel Road SW (24 hrs/day) and the North End substation, 405 Linwood Avenue SW. The City is a contract provider within the Thurston County Medic One system. As a system partner, Advanced Life Support (ALS) certified firefighter paramedics respond to medical emergencies in the city and county, and are fully cross-trained as firefighters. Paramedic services are also provided to the Rochester/Grand Mound.

The Tumwater Fire Department has 58 career positions and four administrative staff operating out of two fire stations. Our primary service area covers over 18 square miles. We receive over 4,000 calls for service per year. The department regularly participates in regional fire training programs with high emphasis on fire safety and efficiency. Operations members work a 4-Platoon schedule with 24-hour shifts.

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Area Information

County: Thurston
Population: 27,605
# of Staff:

Hiring Status

Tumwater Fire Department - Firefighter has 3 vacancies.

The City of Tumwater may have two to four vacancies in 2025-26To be considered, candidates must score 80% or more on the Public Safety Testing (PST) Firefighter Selection Tool written test and release their scores to Tumwater prior to January 31,2025. All qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a speed interview. The schedule for the recruitment and speed interviews will be posted at a later day but is expected to take place in the winter of 2025.  Detail regarding the process will be posted as soon as testing dates are established.

Note: A valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification is required by the time a conditional offer is made. CPAT certification is accepted from PST or another agency provider licensed by the IAFF/IAFC.  If the cost of the CPAT presents a financial hardship, please contact the City’s Human Resources Department at humanresources@ci.tumwater.wa.us.

Visit TumwaterFireJobs.com for more information.


Salary Information

$6910 - $9872 per month (2026)


Benefit Information

The City of Tumwater is a great place to work. We provide a generous benefit package. The position is represented by International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2409. Members receive medical, dental, vision coverage, retirement, basic life and AD&D, supplemental life and long term disability options. The City provides twelve paid holidays, including 9/11 Day, plus vacation and sick leave.

Find the Current City Contract on the City Website. https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/home/showpublisheddocument/24802/638061095953970000


Tumwater Fire Department - Firefighter Requirements

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

A valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification is required by job offer date. If a candidate does not have a valid CPAT certification and receives a conditional offer, the City will pay the CPAT testing fee. CPAT certification is accepted from PST or another agency provider licensed by the IAFF/IAFC. 

Minimum Age 21
Citizenship US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident
High School Grad/ GED Yes
Driver's License Required Yes
Ability to Read, Speak & Write the English Language Yes
Vision Requirements Defined with LEOFF Medical Standards.
College Requirement No
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

Tumwater Fire Department - 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 1 or more traffic crime convictions in last 3 years (DWI, Suspended, Reckless, etc.).
Automatic Suspension of driver's license within past 3 years.
Criminal Activity
Automatic Any adult felony conviction.
Automatic Unlawful sexual misconduct.

Contact Information

Tumwater Fire Department - Firefighter

555 Israel Road SW
Tumwater, WA 98501 Thurston County
360-754-4122

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