Fire Department · Combination
Riverside Fire Authority
Centralia, WA · Lewis County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Riverside Fire Authority is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Riverside Fire Authority (RFA) was formed on January 1, 2008 through the merger of the Centralia Fire Department and Lewis County Fire District 12, combining resources into a single regional agency. Today RFA operates eight stations across 184 square miles, protecting roughly 26,000 residents in Centralia and the surrounding Hanaford Valley, Seminary Hill, Cooks Hill, Lincoln Creek Valley, Independence Valley, and Garrard Creek areas of northwest Lewis County.
The authority runs as a combination department, pairing a full-time career staff with a diverse group of community-based volunteers who together respond to more than 4,500 calls a year, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and brush fires. Beyond emergency response, RFA's services span fire suppression, hazardous materials response, advanced life support EMS, fire and life safety inspections, fire investigation, construction fire code plan review, and public fire safety education.
RFA describes itself as "YOUR fire department," reflecting a community-oriented mission overseen by an elected board of fire commissioners and led by a dedicated fire marshal's office that handles code enforcement and prevention work for the district.
Riverside Fire Authority hires career Firefighter/EMTs, Firefighter/Paramedics, and Community Paramedics through periodic recruitment cycles (e.g., the 26-01 cycle), each running from an application deadline through practice testing, physical testing and assessment, ride-alongs, and a Chief's interview before a set start date. The department also maintains an active volunteer firefighter program with its own in-house academy leading to IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification.
Hiring process
- Submit application by the posted deadline
- Attend practice testing
- Complete physical testing and assessment center evaluation
- Advancing candidates complete ride-alongs
- Chief's interview
- Selected candidates receive a start date
Volunteer applicants complete an in-house academy and a task book (up to 10 months depending on availability) leading to IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification; EMT certification requires approximately 160 hours of coursework plus field training.
How do I become a firefighter with Riverside Fire Authority?
Riverside Fire Authority hires career firefighters through periodic recruitment cycles that include a written/practice testing phase, a physical testing and assessment center, ride-alongs for advancing candidates, and a final Chief's interview before candidates receive a start date. Applications are only accepted while a recruitment cycle is open.
What are the requirements to apply?
Specific disqualifying factors are outlined in the department's Agency Disqualifiers document, and applicants must complete the current fillable employment application and pass physical testing and assessment center evaluation as part of the hiring process.
Does Riverside Fire Authority hire paramedics and lateral firefighters?
Recent recruitment cycles have included openings for Firefighter/Paramedic, Firefighter/EMT, and Community Paramedic positions, indicating the department hires for both EMT and paramedic-level roles.
Is Riverside Fire Authority currently accepting applications?
The department's most recent recruitment cycle (26-01) has closed; check the Employment page for the next open recruitment period.
Can I volunteer with Riverside Fire Authority?
Yes. RFA maintains an active volunteer firefighter program for applicants at least 18 years old with a valid Washington driver's license, a high school diploma or GED, and a clean criminal background. Volunteers complete an in-house academy and task book toward IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification, with training, gear, on-the-job injury coverage, and a nominal stipend provided.