Employment-Related FAQs

East Pierce Fire & Rescue 64

WELCOME!

Thanks for your interest in working for East Pierce Fire & Rescue! There are many exciting careers in addition to firefighting including administrative support, behavioral health, facilities, finance, human resources, IT, mechanic, and public education. We are proud to serve our many communities and wish you the best of luck on your career journey!

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Current Openings

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FAQs – FF/PM TESTING 2024-01 (PDF)

Employment-Related Frequently Asked Questions for Firefighter/Paramedic Testing

Below are general questions related to becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic. Please refer to FAQs – FF/PM TESTING under Current Openings for specifics to a job posting. Note: FAQs – FF/PM Testing will only be available when a position is open.

How do I apply for this position?

There are two things you will need to do before the application close date to be considered an applicant.

  1. Apply online with East Pierce Fire & Rescue (EPFR) through GovernmentJobs

2. Test with National Testing Network (NTN) and select East Pierce Fire & Rescue (vouchers may be available – please see information in the ‘testing fee’ section below). Candidates must also complete the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) as it is considered in the candidate’s overall score.

FIREFIGHTER Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network

What do I need to know about the NTN test?

Please refer to the Candidate FAQs on the NTN website
Candidate Frequently Asked Questions | National Testing Network

Is there a testing fee?

NTN does charge a candidate fee; however, to eliminate the cost to our applicants, we have vouchers available to cover the fee of a new test. There are no financial criteria to receive a voucher. All you must do is apply online with EPFR as indicated above and meet EPFR minimum requirements, outlined below. Once that is done, email humanresources@eastpiercefire.org to request a voucher. We will reply within 72 hours. If you have applied online and meet the requirements listed below, you will receive the voucher number via email. *Please note, vouchers will only be offered through September 25, 2023.

EPFR minimum requirements

  • WA State or National Registry EMT-P certification by November 20, 2023
  • Graduated from a CAAHEP accredited Paramedic Program
  • 21 years of age by start date
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • High school graduate or GED certification
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak the English language

I received my voucher. How do I use it?

Schedule a test with NTN by visiting their website and choosing Firefighter Jobs, select East
Pierce Fire & Rescue, continue to follow the instructions. You will enter the voucher information in the pay section.
Public Safety Careers | Firefighter Jobs | Police Officer Jobs | National Testing Network

I have already paid for my test score to be submitted to EPFR. Can I be reimbursed?

Unfortunately, we cannot process reimbursements.

I already have a test score I would like to use and would just like to add EPFR. Can I use a voucher for that?

No, the vouchers are only good for a new test. Unfortunately, you will have to pay for the $12 fee to add EPFR as a new department.

How do I request testing accommodation due to a disability?

Please refer to the Candidate FAQs on the NTN website at Candidate Frequently Asked Questions | National Testing Network.

Is there an applcation fee?

No, we do not charge an application fee. Online applications are only accepted via our Careers webpage with a free GovernmentJobs account.
Job Opportunities | East Pierce Fire & Rescue (governmentjobs.com)

I can't make changes to my application. Do I need to submit another application?

Yes. When you reapply most of your information is saved with your GovernmentJobs account and will automatically populate. You can then edit what you need to. Please note, it will create a duplicate record, so only the most recent application will be considered. Previous versions of your applications will be declined.

I am having issues with GovernmentJobs. Can you help?

We do not have the ability to reset passwords or troubleshoot your account. For GovernmentJobs technical assistance, please call them directly at 855-524-5627 or visit their website. GovernmentJobs | FAQ | Frequently asked questions

What is required for veteran's preference?

You must attach documentation (DD214, NGB form 22 or equivalent) to your online application if claiming preference.

How soon after the exam will I have my score?

Generally, we will receive the scores within 7 calendar days after the application close date. Top candidates will be invited to continue in the district selection process.

  • We use the NTN’s recommended scoring method which includes the candidate’s PSSA score.
  • Because of the weighted formula, we do not share candidate scores.

Am I able to review my exam to see which questions I missed?

No, we contract with NTN and there is no review option.

Is a Paramedic certification required to apply for this position?

You must obtain your WA State or National Registry EMT-P certification by November 20, 2023. To learn more about National Registry, visit National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (nremt.org).

Do I need a current Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) to apply?

No, CPAT is not required to apply, however it is a condition of employment. If you receive a conditional offer, you will be required to complete the CPAT. Candidates with a valid CPAT certification completed within one year prior to the start date will not need to test again. We accept CPAT certification from any testing agency which provides CPAT in accordance with the International Association of Fire Fighters standards.

Do you accept lateral candidates?

Yes. To be considered a lateral candidate, in addition to the advertised minimum requirements, candidates must be:

  • A member in good standing with a minimum of one (1) year field experience as a full-time career Firefighter/PM by the application close date and must have been employed within the last 6 months of the close date
  • Current EMT-P certified
  • IFSAC FFI and FFII certified

If lateral candidates are hired as part of an entry-level recruit class process, they may start at a higher salary step depending on experience and will still be required to attend the Fire Academy with the other recruits.

How will I be contacted by the District?

Only candidates that have applied online with EPFR (placing them in our system) will be contacted via email. If you only applied at NTN, but not through our website you will not be contacted. Candidates will be notified if they advance in the process or not.

What are the next steps of the process?

Candidates successfully completing each component will advance to the next step. Please note all dates are subject to change. There are no candidate exceptions made to the scheduled dates.

  • Candidates that have completed both the NTN test and EPFR application process by the close date will be selected for pre-screen interviews based on NTN scores
    • Candidates will be notified by October 16
  • Pre-screen Interviews conducted virtually
    • October 24, 25, & 26
  • Oral Board Interviews conducted at EPFR Headquarters (HQ)
    • November 13, 14, 15, & 16
  • Chief Interviews conducted at EPFR HQ
    • November 14, 15, 16, & 17
  • Establish list and extend conditional offers, anticipate extending up to 6 offers
    • November 20
  • Pre-employment process will include CPAT (candidates with valid CPAT certification completed within one year prior to the start date will not need to test again), medical exam, drug screening, psychological assessment, and comprehensive background investigation with criminal history and driving record – EPFR pays all costs associated with the pre-employment process
  • Confirmed offers
    • January 2, 2024
  • Anticipated start date
    • February 12, 2024

The pre-employment process includes successfully passing a background investigation including criminal history and driving record review. Are there automatic disqualifiers for employment?

We encourage candidates to review RCW 43.43.830 for information on background checks. Findings from a civil adjudication proceeding and/or convictions of crimes listed within the RCW are possible disqualifications. Records are reviewed on an individual basis as a condition of employment. Employees must have the ability to legally operate a vehicle in Washington State and are required to provide proof of a current/valid driver’s license prior to hire date.

What are the details of your Fire Academy?

Candidates that have received confirmed offers attend the Pierce County Fire Training Consortium (PCFTC) Recruit Academy. This Academy includes FFI, FFII, and Hazardous Materials Awareness Operations certifications. Candidates are not required to have these certifications prior to application. Candidates with these certifications upon hire will still be required to attend the full Academy. The Academy typically runs 22-25 weeks. Candidates receive full salary while attending.

The Academy is not open to the public. It is only for career firefighters hired by one of the PCFTC departments.