Tumwater Fire Department holding Open House on Dec. 4

The Tumwater Fire Department will host an open house on Wednesday, Dec. 4, for individuals interested in exploring a career in emergency medical services or firefighting.   

Participants may gain insight from current crew members, tour the fire station and ask questions about a career with the Tumwater Fire Department. 

The department has both entry-level and lateral transfer positions available.   

Interested individuals can check the qualifications and requirements for open positions and benefits on the department’s site. 

The Tumwater Fire Department Headquarters Station is located at 311 Israel Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98501. 

Entry-level firefighters 

The first step in applying as an entry-level firefighter is to apply with the city of Tumwater. Candidates are expected to complete the written exam (firefighter selection tool) through Public Safety Testing (PST) and a city of Tumwater employment application.  

Applications are available at the Government Jobs website, with a Jan. 31, 2025, deadline. 

All candidates scoring a combined 80 percent on the PST written test will proceed to the nine-minute speed interviews in mid-February 2025. To pass, an individual must hit a minimum 70 percent rating. 

The third step in the process is to undergo oral board interviews on March 5 and 6, 2025, wherein top candidates from speed interviews will be invited. 

Candidates will then be ranked on an eligibility register, with 40 percent of their rating coming from their PST Written Exam score, 60 percent from the oral board interviews, and with a consideration of veteran's preference.  

The eligibility list will be approved on March 13 by the Civil Service Commission. 

Next, the top seven candidates are invited to the chief's interview in spring 2025. 

After the tests and interviews, the successful applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment. Candidates are also required to participate in preemployment screenings, such as a medical and psychological exam. 

Candidates must possess a valid candidate physical ability test certification from PST or another agency provider licensed by the IAFF/IAFC completed within the last calendar year.  

The final step is for successful candidates to begin in a firefighter recruit academy. Candidates will receive application updates via email. 

Paramedics 

The Tumwater Fire Department is also hiring paramedics throughout Thurston County.  

Interested candidates are required to complete tests before taking the Thurston County Medic One (TCMO) protocol test.  

Editor's note: This article was written by a human reporter with some assistance from artificial intelligence. Our team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.