Enjoy the security and benefits that a Fire Department Career can offer:

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL:

• Be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Have good vision. Vision less than 20/20 must be corrected to 20/20 with either glasses or contact lenses
• Clear a thorough medical examination
• Possess a valid Washington Driver’s License at the time of appointment
• Pass a testing process hosted at Bates Technical College in Tacoma Washington, which will include a video/written examination, oral interviews and Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT). 

How do I become a Firefighter-Recruit with the Olympia Fire Department?

Olympia is a member of the Bates Firefighter Testing Consortium and our tests are actually proctored through Bates Technical College. See our Examination page to learn more about the testing process.

Since we only test on a yearly basis or as needed, it is important that you keep your name active on the "Entry Level Firefighter Interest List" which is maintained by the City of Olympia Human Resources. To have your name included on the interest list please contact the City of Olympia Human Resources Department at (360) 753-8442.

Civil Service/Employment Register
Once the testing process is complete, the Civil Service Commission will certify an employment register, which will contain the names of those candidates who successfully complete the written examination, CPAT, and the competitive interview examinations. Candidates will be ranked in order of a weighed total score, to include the results from each of the examinations utilized in the selection process. This employment register is normally effective for one year; however, the Civil Service Commission may extend the register for one additional year, or may determine at any time that another examination is required to establish a new list.

Fire Chief's Interview
This interview normally lasts 90 minutes. It has more in-depth questions than the first interview. The board consists of four Olympia Fire Department Chief Officers. The board normally asks fifteen behavioral type questions. The Fire Chief will make final selection based on the recommendations of the board.

Appointment
Appointments are made from among the top five candidates on the employment register. The Department may consider the number of candidates equal to the number of position openings plus four (one positon opening = five candidates for consideration).

Prior to appointment, successful completion of the following procedures are required:

Chief's interview and background investigation
Medical evaluation including screening for controlled substance abuse (pass/fail)
Psychological evaluation (pass/fail)

For More Information:
Call (360) 753-8348  Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

Or Write to: Olympia Fire Department
                    Attn: Recruitment Officer
                   100 Eastside Street NE
                    Olympia, Washington 98506
                    fire@ci.olympia.wa.us