Fire Department · Career
Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority
Kent, WA · King County
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Department careers page ↗Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (Puget Sound Fire) is a regional fire authority serving communities south of Seattle and east of Puget Sound in King County, Washington. It protects the cities of Covington, Kent, Maple Valley, SeaTac and Tukwila, along with unincorporated areas of King County Fire District #37 and King County Fire District #43.
The agency covers more than 120 square miles and a population of over 260,000. It operates 17 fire stations and employs roughly 450 people, about 345 of them uniformed firefighters, making it one of the larger fire agencies in the region.
Operations is the department's largest and most visible division, staffing an on-duty crew of roughly 67 firefighters around the clock. The organization has grown over time through service agreements and annexations, including SeaTac (2015), KCFD #43 (2018) and the annexation of Tukwila effective January 1, 2024.
MissionProfessionally and Compassionately Helping People
Entry-level firefighter hiring runs through the WA Fire Careers consortium, in which Puget Sound Fire partners with Valley Regional Fire Authority, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Enumclaw Fire and King County District 20 and uses the National Testing Network (NTN) for initial candidate testing. A single low-cost online test places eligible applicants on a shared candidate list used by all participating agencies.
Candidates who pass the written test, prescreen interview and oral board are ranked on an eligibility/hiring list by final score (including veteran's preference points where applicable). Selection then continues with a background investigation, additional interviews, physical agility exam, drug test, and psychological and medical exams.
Requirements
- Authorized to work in the United States at time of hire
- Current state EMT certification, or eligible for certification upon hire
- Complete WA Fire Careers / National Testing Network (NTN) initial testing
- Pass written test, prescreen interview and oral board to be placed on the eligibility list
Hiring process
- Take the WA Fire Careers / NTN online entry-level test
- Prescreen interview
- Oral board interview
- Placement on eligibility/hiring list by final score (plus veteran's preference points)
- Background investigation
- Additional interviews
- Physical agility exam
- Drug test
- Psychological and medical exams
Benefits
Competitive package including Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents; a 3% employer contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan; longevity pay; paid vacation and sick leave; 30 hours of personal leave annually; 12 paid holidays; and life insurance.
How do I apply to become a firefighter with Puget Sound Fire?
Entry-level firefighter testing is handled through WA Fire Careers using the National Testing Network (NTN). One online test places you on a shared candidate list used by Puget Sound Fire and other consortium agencies.
Do I need to be an EMT to apply?
Yes. Candidates must hold a current state EMT certification or be eligible for certification upon hire.
What does the hiring process involve?
After the written test, prescreen interview and oral board, candidates are ranked on an eligibility list. Selected candidates then complete a background investigation, additional interviews, a physical agility exam, drug test, and psychological and medical exams.
What benefits does Puget Sound Fire offer?
Benefits include PERS retirement; medical, dental and vision insurance; a 3% employer 457 contribution; longevity pay; paid vacation, sick and personal leave; 12 paid holidays; and life insurance.
Which communities would I serve?
Puget Sound Fire covers Covington, Kent, Maple Valley, SeaTac and Tukwila plus unincorporated King County Fire Districts #37 and #43, across more than 120 square miles from 17 stations.
What specialty teams can firefighters join?
The department staffs a 24/7 hazardous materials unit and trains members in technical rescue disciplines including rope, trench, confined space and swift-water rescue, along with wildland/brush response and vehicle extrication.