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ABOUT SVFD

Spokane Valley Fire Department employs more than 175 firefighters, some of whom are also officers, paramedics or apparatus engineers. All firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Many become members of special teams within the Department, skilled in various specialties. Firefighters work one 24-hour shift from 0800-0800, every third day. We also employ about 25 administrative staff who support the work of firefighters.

The employment process for all open positions is governed by the Civil Service process, unless otherwise noted.  Questions? Please call Pegy Callahan, Civil Service Examiner at 892-4140.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not base decisions on race, color, sexual orientation, age, nation of origin, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability or other protected status. We encourage people of color and women to apply.

Entry Level Firefighter

Application Opens: September 14, 2022
Application Closes: October 10, 2022
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Description

Written Test: Applicants need to register to test with National Testing Network (NTN) (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com). The most recent test scores from NTN for tests taken between October 10, 2021 through close of application will be considered.

Physical Ability Test: Current, valid CPAT certification from a verifiable CPAT program administered October 10, 2021 through close of application will be considered. The department will not offer a CPAT test. All CPAT certifications will be verified by SVFD. CPAT certifications from companies other than National Testing Network can be submitted directly to SVFD via email (cpat@spokanevalleyfire.com).

Oral Interview: Applicants will be notified via email by SVFD if they are selected to participate in the interview panel. Additional information (including an application) will be requested at that time.

Job Type

Full-Time

Schedule

24 on / 48 off with 14 Kelly Days

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • High school diploma or GED equivalency
  • Must hold and maintain a valid state drivers’ license from any state

Qualifications

  • Must be a non-tobacco user including e-cigarette/vape
  • Candidates will be trained and certified as a WA EMT in their initial fire academy training and will be required to maintain their WA EMT certification as a condition of employment (EMT not required to be hired or for application)
  • Must maintain the department’s minimum training and performance standards
  • Must pass NTN Test with a 70% (Military Points are added only to passing scores)
  • Must be fully vaccinated for COVID by the start of Academy, if mandated by the state (2023)

Salary

$5,799.80 per Month – 1st Year – (70% of Top Step FF)
$6,628.34 per Month – 2nd Year – (80% of Top Step FF)
$7,456.89 per Month – 3rd Year – (90% of Top Step FF)
$8,285.43 per Month – 4th Year – (100% – Top Step FF)

Benefits

  • Retirement – Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters II (LEOFF)
  • Deferred Compensation – Department matches 5% of monthly wages
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance – Provided with a maximum monthly employee contribution of $81.11
  • Provided Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) – $1,700 per year
  • Paid Vacation – Earned at an initial rate of 6 shift, up to 13 shifts based on longevity
  • Holidays – Compensated
  • Bereavement Leave – Two shifts for approved family members
  • Paid Sick Leave – Earned at a rate of 18 hours per month

Additional Information

Military Preference: Military preference credit will be awarded in accordance with RCW 41.04. Applicants claiming military preference must do so on the Veteran’s Scoring Criteria Questionnaire with evidence of their military service attached. (Form DD214 or discharge orders). If Form DD214 or discharge orders are not submitted, or if the questionnaire is not filled out in its entirety, military preference percentage will not be awarded.

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Program Links

 

Did you Know?

 

  • You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
  • Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.

Commissioner Patrick Burch

Board Member Since: July 18, 2016
Current term expires: December 31, 2025

Commissioner Burch was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners in July 2016 to fill an unexpired term and has served continuously since that time. He became a volunteer member of the Department’s CERT Team in 2008 and later served as a team leader/member of Fire Corps.

“I admire the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s focus on continuous improvement. Our dedication to the community, fiscal responsibility and the fact that we are one of the few accredited fire departments in the State of Washington all make SVFD great!”

Note: As the individual appointed to this non-partisan position, Commissioner Burch was elected by voters in November 2017.

Commissioner Mike Kester

Board Member Since: January 1, 2020
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2025

Commissioner Mike Kester was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in November, 2019.

Commissioner Kester grew up in the Spokane area and has a deep appreciation for just how fortunate we all are to live in this beautiful area. He believes that being involved in this community is not something to take lightly.

His background includes joining the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G) after high school and serving on a port firefighting boat doing search and rescue in Portland, Oregon.  After the Coast Guard, he attended the University of Montana earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Resource Management.  He then went on to work for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, serving in their Parks Department.

Spokane was the next step in his career. He  went to work for the Burlington Santa Fe Railroad and the next 22 years was spent as a conductor moving freight. Commissioner Kester  retired in 2010 after a workplace injury and now,  he and his wife enjoy making meals for World War II Veterans, helping out at the YMCA ,and providing meals for those in need.

“In the 25 years of being a resident of the Spokane Valley the professionalism of the SVFD has inspired me to take an active part in bettering our community. We have one of the best fire departments in the whole Pacific Northwest. My wife and I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I have dedicated my life to keeping them safe.  I want to apply that dedication to our community.  Keeping us all safe is a goal we should all aspire to in one way or another. Communication within the department and with the public is, and always will be one of my primary goals.”

Commissioner John Guarisco

Board Member since: August 27, 2018
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2027

Commissioner Guarisco was appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners in August 2018 to fill an unexpired term and has served continuously since that time. Commissioner Guarisco founded Marjoni Marketing in 2004 and in 2010 merged with MDI marketing. He then pursued Real Estate, earning his license and now, currently serves the greater Spokane area as a licensed Realtor. He has long been active in the community and has won numerous awards during his career including the Volunteer of the Year (2014) and the Community Caring Award (2010) from the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.  He is a member of the Greater Spokane Valley Rotary Club and holds an AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College.

Note: As the individual appointed to this non-partisan position, Commissioner Guarisco was elected by voters in November 2019.

Commissioner Bill Anderson

Board Member since: January 1, 2000
Current six year term expires: December 31, 2023

Commissioner Anderson served our community as a Spokane Valley Fire Department firefighter for 29 years. Throughout his career, he worked as a firefighter, dispatcher and engineer before he was promoted and became an officer. He was Station Captain of Millwood Station 2 when he retired in 1999. During his years as firefighter, he was an active leader of Spokane Valley Firefighters Local 876 and served as a trustee on the Washington State Council of Firefighters for 25 years.

“It’s important to me that we continue the good service we’ve always given the people. We’ve accomplished a lot and are pulling in the same direction to get better. I’m very proud of the Spokane Valley Fire Department.”

Commissioner Brian Asmus

Board Member Since: June 14, 2021
Current term expires: 

Commissioner Brian Asmus was appointed to the Spokane Valley Fire Department Board of Fire Commissioners in 2021.

Commissioner Asmus is the former Liberty Lake Police Chief and current Director of Safety and Security at Central Valley School District (CVSD).

“Brian Asmus brings extensive Public Safety leadership experience, and a long history of being actively engaged in his community to his new role as a SVFD Commissioner,” said SVFD Fire Chief, Bryan Collins. “During his time as a Police Chief, Brian interacted with SVFD firefighters and administrators on a regular basis, making him very familiar with our structure, standing within our communities, as well as with many of our current SVFD board members and personnel. Brian’s experience working and collaborating on regional issues aligns nicely with SVFD’s philosophy and will help us continue to be a catalyst for local and regional excellence and innovation.”