Lateral Firefighter/EMT start at Step F: $9,227/monthly
Position Salary Range: $7,105-$9,227/monthly
Firefighter/Paramedic
Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic start at Step F: $10,473/monthly
Position Salary Range: $8,351-$10,473/monthly
Recruitment for 2027 vacancies will begin in the spring of 2026.
The Richland Fire & Emergency Services department is seeking Lateral Firefighter* applicants. If you are currently a professional full-time Firefighter with three years of consecutively paid experience at a like department (reviewed case by case), have successfully passed your probationary period with your current Firefighter employer, you may be considered as a Lateral Firefighter*. The Department maintains an ongoing and merged certification list for the Lateral Firefighter EMT/Paramedic position.
We are currently accepting applications and will be holding oral board processes monthly beginning April through June 2026.
In order to be eligible to participate in the City of Richland's application screening process, you need to complete the following items (in order):
Submit an online application with our agency by clicking " Apply " on this page.
Applicants are encouraged to attach a current cover letter and resume to the City's application.
Applicants must complete a Personal History Statement (linked here) to attach to their application.
Please review the hiring standards brochure HERE which includes temporary or permanent disqualifiers.
For more information on the pay, benefits, and hiring process, please view our Hiring Brochure .
*Lateral applications will be reviewed by hiring staff for experience with agencies with a similar structure to Richland Fire and Emergency Services (full time agency with frequent calls). If it is determined that a candidate’s agency experience is not similar to Richland, the candidate may not meet the requirements for our internal lateral academy. Candidates in this situation will be requested to reapply and go through the entry level Firefighter process (to include PST written testing and CPAT physical test).
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of a Fire Captain or designee, performs skilled emergency and non-emergency tasks in the area of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, and emergency medical services for the protection of life and property for municipalities, airports, and private industry.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three (3) consecutive years of paid experience as a full-time Firefighter in a like department.
Successfully completed probationary period with current Firefighter employer.
Graduation from a career-based fire academy.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license.
Eighteen (18) years of age or older at time of application.
Certified to wear a respirator at SCBA level.
Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced EMT (AEMT) certifications.
IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications.
IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certification.
Obtain Wildland Firefighter II certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment.
Washington State Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention (EVIP) certification within two (2) years of hire date and prior to driving fire department vehicles in the 'emergency' mode
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or Fire Administration or Business Administration.
Wildland Firefighter II certification.
Washington State Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification.
Certified Washington State or National Registry Paramedic.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Selection will be based on overall qualifications and an oral board interview process. Final candidate(s) selected will be required to complete a comprehensive background check to include an integrity interview, job suitability testing, reference checks, criminal history check, driving record, education and certification verification, and review of training records. Upon conditional offer of employment, candidate(s) must successfully complete a psychological evaluation, physical examination tailored to the specific job description (to include drug and alcohol testing), and a stress test.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ALL CLASS OPTIONS)
Duties listed are representative of the types of tasks and functions performed by positions of this class of work. Percentage of time and rank of importance of duties are not listed since both will vary by position and work location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Performs interior structural firefighting activities, extends hose lines, raises and climbs ladders, uses extinguishing agents, performs rescue operations, ventilates structures of toxic smoke and gases, performs salvage operations on the structural contents, body recovery, and Rapid Intervention activities.
Performs exterior structural firefighting activities, initial command and control operations, and defensive fire operations.
Fills incident support functions including rehab, staging, and Public Information Officer (PIO) commensurate with the needs of the incident.
Performs wildland firefighting activities commensurate with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training and agency certification.
Performs Emergency Medical Service (EMS) work as a Washington State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) per state and local protocols; lifts patients to backboard, moves patients on stretcher, gathers patient information, assists with patient care, triages and treats patients suffering illness or trauma and transports them to the appropriate medical facility.
Completes accurate and timely Basic Life Support (BLS) patient care reports, incident reports, and maintenance/repair requests.
Drives and operates emergency services apparatus to and from alarms; operates and monitors fire pumps used in suppression activities, secures water supply, monitors crew safety, and monitors and tracks equipment location and uses to ensure intact inventories after each emergency response.
Drives and operates all classes of vehicles used by the department; operates Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) as a passenger, troubleshoots and adapts to equipment failures and unexpected events at emergency scenes.
Performs non-emergency activities including, but not limited to, drills, training, building inspections, and participating in fire prevention programs, public education, and public relations activities.
Performs minor maintenance on apparatus, stations, and equipment, and assists with project and program work.
Performs special operations work in accordance with individual training and certification levels (Examples include hazardous materials, rope rescue, confined space rescue, and water/shoreline rescue responses).
Subject to shift work, 24-hour on call, and mandatory overtime as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Performs EMS work as a Washington State Paramedic per state and local protocols; lifts patients to backboard, moves patients on stretcher, and gathers patient information.
Coordinates the patient care activities of other EMS crew members as lead paramedic on various EMS calls; provides patient care, triages, and treats patients suffering illness or trauma, and transports them to the appropriate medical facility.
Works within assigned duties based on the individuals existing skills and abilities, and the division’s program and project needs by the Fire Marshal, to include, but not limited to, serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer, assisting the Fire Marshal with public education, fire investigations, plan reviews, and fire inspections to ensure code compliance.
Conducts building inspections in business occupancies throughout the community at all stages of construction.
Works a 4-10 or 5-8-hour workweek for a total of 40 hours worked per week, with occasional emergency call-back, 24-hour shift work, and mandatory overtime as required.
MEDICAL TRAINING COORDINATOR OPTION
Works within assigned duties based on the individuals existing skills and abilities, and the division’s program and project needs by the Internal Risk Reduction (IRR) Battalion Chief, to include, but not limited to, supporting organizational EMS training and certification needs.
Provide public education that supports organizational mission.
Address needs to enhance and improve overall EMS delivery system.
Works a 4-10- or 5-8-hour workweek, for a total of 40 hours worked per week, with occasional emergency call-back, 24-hour shift work, and mandatory overtime as required.
Performs all functions of a Firefighter EMT/Paramedic.
Specific and realistic knowledge, skills, and abilities typically necessary to competently perform this job.
Knowledge of:
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations related to assigned activities and directly pertaining to emergency services delivery and operation.
Benton/Franklin counties Mass Casualty Incident plan and pre-hospital BLS Patient Care Guidelines.
Applicable safety procedures, practices, and industry standards.
Modern office practices, methods, procedures, and equipment.
Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.
Health and safety laws, regulations, and policies applicable to assigned tasks.
Education and training related to industry standards, state requirements, and career development.
Mechanical systems and reasoning; machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Building construction relating to fire behavior and operational safety.
Administration and management as it relates to the organizational structure and operation of the fire department.
Transportation as it relates to traffic flow, street layouts, response routes, transportation industry hazards, and emergency response.
Geography relating to wildland fire behavior, hazardous materials exposures, and distribution of community infrastructure and resources.
Current adopted edition of the Uniform Fire Code (Deputy Fire Marshal option only).
Regulation and policy, specifically WAC 296-305, WSRB training elements, relevant NFPA standards, and other pertinent industry and safety standards (Medical Training Coordinator option only).
Skills and abilities to:
Learn, read, interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Understand and work within scope of authority.
Comply with health and safety standards and regulations.
Demonstrate situational awareness, think critically, and monitor operations and crew needs in emergency and non-emergency settings.
Demonstrate service orientation, by ensuring customer needs are the primary focus of actions taken.
Demonstrate complex problem solving under pressure, use sound judgment, decision-making, and deductive reasoning.
React to complex and changing work environments in a timely manner.
Troubleshoot, operate, and maintain assigned equipment to perform specific tasks.
Be an active learner; understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Maintain certifications applicable to the position.
Carry fair share of the daily workload, be pro-active and take corrective action on issues before being asked, and when appropriate.
Demonstrate the City’s shared values of Teamwork, Integrity and Excellence, and in accordance with Richland’s Fire & Emergency Services Expectations Document.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Operate a variety of modern office equipment and personal computers in a Windows-based computing environment, using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned tasks.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Provide continuous effort to improve operations and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environment:
Typically, work time is spent outside a building and exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Work in an office setting at a computer and/or plan review desk for long periods of time (Deputy Fire Marshal option only).
Work may be performed in buildings and on job-sites that are unfamiliar and in various stages of construction.
Perform work from aerial ladders, roofs, or other elevations over 12 feet from the ground.
Perform work in confined spaces or cramped body positions (e.g. attics, cars, under houses, closets, and in total darkness).
Work on or around moving machinery or equipment or in the vicinity of vehicles in motion (e.g. chain saws, fire and EMS apparatus, hydraulic tools, vent fans), including exposure to vibration when operating equipment.
Frequently exposed to noise levels over 90 dba when operating equipment and working at emergency incidents.
Exposed to the possibility of burn injuries caused by heat, fire, chemicals, or electricity.
Radiation hazards may be encountered (isotopes in hospitals, laboratories) and in rare occasions exposure to non-ionizing radiation.
Potential exposure to respiratory irritants, sensitizers, dust, noxious odors, toxic substances, and smoke.
Occasional contact with uninsulated or unshielded electrical equipment.
Exposure to infectious agents (such as Hepatitis, MRSA, HIV, AIDS and other blood borne pathogens).
Often exposed to high stress environments including life and death situations, acutely injured people, emotionally charged environments, and with frequent interruptions.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to regularly and punctually attend work at the office or other assigned locations.
Operate a motorized vehicle, which may include inclement weather conditions.
Operate standard equipment for assigned tasks.
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and move equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. using proper lifting techniques.
Move heavy objects and people, which may include morbidly obese patients who weigh in excess of 350 and up to 900 lbs., with the assistance of others, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment.
Bend, stoop, squat, crawl, walk, use manual dexterity, fine manipulation skills, and forceful reaching and grasping.
Ability to crouch, kneel, crawl, sit, climb stairs, run, twist, reach at chest height, above shoulder height, or below waist height, and use foot dexterity/control.
Wear and work in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job including: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), helmets, safety shoes, glasses, hearing protection, heat resistant clothing (bunker gear), and other special protective clothing (wildland, tyvec, etc.).
Walk through construction sites at all stages of completion, and negotiate uneven terrain.
Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person, before a group, over a radio, and over the telephone.
Corrected vision to read print, maps, and a computer screen.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job classification description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Richland and employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.
Summary of City of Richland benefits for IAFF R&F and IAFF-BC affiliated staff (union-represented employees):
LEOFF Health and Welfare Trust 6-B medical and vision plan (employee/employer contributions), including employer contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account
City-paid dental plan
City-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (equals two times the employees annual salary)
Long-Term Disability Insurance (employee/employer contributions)
Participation in the State of Washington's LEOFF II Pension Plan
10 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
Retirement Medical Trust
City-match deferred compensation plan 457
Vacation Leave
Sick Leave
Longevity Pay
Section 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)
Fire Education Incentive Program
Employee Assistance Program
Vacation Leave Accrual Rates
- Rates subject to change based upon collective bargaining agreement (CBA). See CBA for eligibility requirements. For 2026-2028 IAFF R&F CBA, rates are as follows for shift employees:
Lateral Firefighters will accrue vacation leave based on their total years of full-time, professional fire service in accordance with Section 21.1.1 of the CBA. Accrual shall commence at the applicable monthly rate based on verified years of qualified service. Documentation verifying prior service is required at the time of hire.
Length of Service / Monthly Rate of Vacation Credit in Hours*
0 through 9 years / 14
10 through 15 years / 16.25
16 through 20 years / 19
Over 20 years / 21
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested. Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392.
The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
