Job Information

KENNEWICK FIRE DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 6108
KENNEWICK, WASHINGTON 99336
(509)585-4240
http://www.go2kennewick.com

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Updated: August 05, 2026

Classification: Firefighter/EMT

Why Work for the Kennewick Fire Department?

Kennewick firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics have a passion to make a difference in their community by helping the people who need it the most. Working as part of a unified team, our men and women respond to all types of calls including medical emergencies, vehicle extractions, structure fires, hazardous materials releases, technical/rope rescues, and much more – no two days are the same. We strive to cultivate a work environment that reflects our values of honor, selflessness and competence, plus inspires personnel to continuously learn and grow that supports the health and wellbeing of our workforce.

Review the current Firefighter job descriptions here:

KFD Firefighter Job Description

Compensation Information

Competitive Compensation – In 2026, Kennewick firefighters earn a starting salary of $88,656 per year upon hire. Their salary increases annually, reaching $116,664 by their fourth year of employment. This salary does not include holiday pay, paramedic differential, specialty pay, and other applicable premium pay.
Paramedic Compensation - City-authorized certified Paramedics receive additional compensation calculated at (13%) of Step 4 Firefighter salary, currently approximately $1264 per month or $15,166 per year. This results in a Firefighter/Paramedic base salary range of approximately $103,822 to $131,830 per year, excluding holiday pay and other applicable premium pay. Retention of the paramedic certification beyond five (5) years results in an additional one percent (1%), for a total of fourteen percent (14%), of Step 4 Firefighter salary. Paramedics that choose to retain their certification beyond (10) years will receive additional compensation of one percent (1%), for a total of fifteen (15%) of Step 4 Firefighter salary.

Benefits Information

Paid Time Off - Vacation accrual rates begin at 16 hours per month, with accrual increasing based on years of service.

Sick Leave - Upon hire, new firefighters receive 144 hours of sick leave. During the first three years of employment, accrual occurs at 24 hours per month, and transitions to 12 hours of accrual each month after the first three years.

Educational and Longevity Incentives - Educational and longevity incentive pay may be available based on college credits and years of service.
Holiday Compensation- In the first week of December, a lump sum of compensation will be provided for work performed on all holidays stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The compensation rate for this is at twelve (12) hours of pay at the straight time rate for each holiday worked; currently, the CBA identifies 10 recognized holidays.
Health Insurance – Kennewick firefighters have low deductible health insurance for themselves and their families and only pay 5% of the cost; the City pays the remaining 95% and provides vision and dental benefits at no cost to employees.
Health and Wellness – Kennewick firefighters have access to fitness facilities in every fire station, and receive one hour per shift to engage in physical fitness while on duty.
Retirement Benefits – Kennewick firefighters participate in the Washington State LEOFF retirement/pension system, and the City provides an additional 5% of employee wages into retirement accounts with no match required.
Professional Development – Kennewick firefighters receive rigorous on-the-job training and professional development, and have the opportunity to train to become fire inspectors, logistics firefighters, deputy fire marshals, company officers, training officers, EMS officers, or chief officers.

The current collective bargaining agreement is available at: (City of Kennewick Labor Contracts).

About the Kennewick Fire Department

The Kennewick Fire Department (KFD) is a full-service, all-hazards fire and emergency medical services department serving approximately 89,220 residents across 29.8 square miles. Emergency services are delivered from five strategically located fire stations throughout the City.

KFD provides fire suppression, Basic and Advanced Life Support emergency medical care and ambulance transport, hazardous materials response, technical and rope rescue, vehicle extrication, fire prevention and other emergency and non-emergency services. The department responds to approximately 14,000 calls for service annually, an average of nearly 40 calls each day, with more than 70% involving emergency medical services.

KFD’s mission is to “Partner with our community to proactively reduce risk and mitigate fire and life safety emergencies for those who live, work, and recreate in and around the City of Kennewick.” Guided by the values of Honor, Selflessness and Competence, KFD is committed to excellent public service, teamwork, continuous learning and the health and well-being of its workforce. As Kennewick continues to grow, the department remains focused on meeting the community’s current and future emergency-service needs.

About the City of Kennewick and Surrounding Area

Located along the Columbia River near the confluence of the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers in southeastern Washington, Kennewick is a growing community of 89,220 that enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Kennewick, together with the neighboring cities of Richland and Pasco, comprises the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 329,100. Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities and is a regional shopping and entertainment hub and an outdoor recreational paradise. Kennewick offers breathtaking parks, a vibrant downtown, upscale dining and retail, art galleries, antique shops and a variety of entertainment venues.

Columbia Center is one of the largest enclosed shopping centers in Eastern Washington, and downtown Kennewick continues to undergo revitalization focused on creating a welcoming gathering place with a comfortable, hometown atmosphere. The Tri-Cities also boasts more than 200 wineries within a one-hour drive, along with numerous craft breweries and tasting rooms.

The Tri-Cities is a sports-minded community, which is reflected in its many public athletic facilities. The area is home to the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League and the Tri-City Dust Devils, the High-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The Toyota Center in Kennewick is home to the Tri-City Americans and hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events throughout the year. Golf is also enjoyed nearly year-round, with ten public courses throughout the area offering opportunities for experienced golfers and beginners alike.

The confluence of the Snake, Yakima and Columbia rivers has produced an aquatic playground that brings water lovers from throughout the region together to enjoy sailing, boating, water-skiing, swimming, fishing, windsurfing and more. The annual Benton-Franklin Fair and Rodeo showcases championship cowboys and bull riders and features country and pop music entertainment.

Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities are located in the neighboring cities of Pasco and Richland. CBC offers a variety of associate degree and vocational and technical programs, while WSU Tri-Cities provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Learn more about the Tri-Cities region! Visit Tri-Cities website.

Job Requirements

Age:
18

Citizenship Required:
US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

High School Grad / GED:
Yes

Driver's License:
Valid WA State Driver's License upon hire

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

Vision:
Vision must be correctable to 20/20 or 20/100 uncorrected and possess normal field, night, peripheral, and distance vision.

College:
Not required

Academy Certification:
Not required

Prior Experience:
Not required

Additional Requirements:

Certifications:
Be able to obtain a Washington State Emergency Medical Technician certification within one year of hire.

Schooling Prior and Post Hiring:
When hired, during 3 year apprenticeship program, completion of nine college classes is required.
Non-user of tobacco products.

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:
Conviction of, or deferred judgment for, a crime which is a felony under state or federal law; or military conviction by a Court Martial that is comparable to a felony conviction.

Conviction of, or deferred judgment for two or more misdemeanor crimes or petty offenses, other than traffic offenses, under Federal or State law, or violations of municipal or county ordinance within the last five years.

Driving Disqualifiers:
Conviction of, or deferred judgment for three or more driving violations in the last year; four or more driving violations in the last three years; or seven or more driving violations in the last seven years.

Conviction of, or deferred judgment for any reckless driving violation within the last three years or two or more violations within the last seven years.

Conviction of, or deferred judgment for any DUI ( Driving Under the Influence), DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in the last three years, or two or more convictions of DUI, DWI or DWAI in the last seven years.

Suspension or revocation of driver's license in the last two years; or two or more suspensions or revocations in the last five years.

Drug Use Disqualifiers:
Illegal use or possession of marijuana within the last three years from date of application.

Illegal use or possession of any controlled substance, other than marijuana, within the last five years (includes narcotics, steroids, ecstasy, or other controlled drugs).

Illegal sale or distribution of any controlled substances or drugs, including steroids, in the last ten years from date of application.

Additional Disqualifiers:

Violation of medical protocols or standards by certified health care providers that result in disciplinary actions, license suspension, or revocation.
Falsification, omissions or discrepancies of information required on the applications and/or on other forms or documents in any portion of the examination process.
Unable to qualify for Washington State EMT certification
Failure to pass any portion of the Commission's required exams.
Overall conduct and character of the applicant that demonstrates an undesirable behavior pattern including, but not limited to, interpersonal skills, dishonesty and/or integrity issues, repeated motor vehicle violations, employment terminations, thefts and/or illegal activities or a combination of such conduct and/or activities.

Once results are pulled, candidates who have successfully passed the NTN testing (Public Safety Self Assessment) will be sent an email with instructions on how to submit their CPAT verification and set up an online profile in the City of Kennewick applicant management system. If you have completed a CPAT outside of NTN, do not send your CPAT results until requested. Make sure to check your SPAM folder on a regular basis, as we have found sometimes our emails go directly to SPAM.

^{All candidates are required to complete and upload the following form: https://www.go2kennewick.com/DocumentCenter/View/13618/KFD-Confidential-PHQ-Supplemental-Form}

For additional information and to view our current eligibility lists, you may visit our Civil Service Commission website at https://www.go2kennewick.com/585/Civil-Service-Commission

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