Job Information

BENTON COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 4
2604 BOMBING RANGE ROAD
WEST RICHLAND, WASHINGTON 99353
(509)967-2945
http://www.bcfd4.org

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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=1875&jobid=2&agentid=114

Updated: September 01, 2026

Firefighter/Paramedic

Entry-Level & Lateral Opportunities

Testing Requirements: FireTEAM and CPAT

Join a Department Where People Matter

Benton County Fire Protection District No. 4 (BCFD4) is establishing an eligibility list for Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighter/Paramedics. We are seeking professionals who are passionate about serving others, committed to continuous improvement, and looking for more than just a job—we're looking for teammates who want to build a career.

Located in the growing City of West Richland, Washington, our department serves a thriving community that values public safety and supports its first responders. As our community continues to grow, so does our commitment to providing exceptional emergency services while maintaining the close-knit culture that makes Benton County Fire District #4 a great place to work.

Our target hiring date is February 1, 2027. To be considered, the National Testing Network eligibility list will be established from candidates testing by October 1, 2026.

All communication to applicants who successfully pass the National Testing Network will be facilitated by email. Please add the following email to your safe sender list or check your junk/spam email on the dates listed below, Hiring@BCFD4.org

Email reminder to complete agency application will be sent on 10/2/2026 and close 10/9/2026

Applicants that want to learn more about BCFD4 are welcome to attend an open house on 10/3/2026 from 1100AM to 1PM. There will be light snacks and refreshments. This is completely voluntary and is not part of the evaluation process. Staff will be on site to answer questions, show you around the station and apparatus. Our only request is to RSVP to ensure we have enough food and refreshments. https://form.jotform.com/bcfd4/bcfd4-open-house-rsvp

Interviews will be held during the week of 10/19/2026 upon completion of the application, applicants will be emailed a link to sign up for open time slots for their interview. On the day of interviews applicants will be interviewed by two panels. One panel consisting of 3-5 BCFD4 firefighters and one panel of 3-5 BCFD4 Officers.

Conditional offers will be sent to successful applicants on 10/26/2026.

Why Benton County Fire District #4?

At BCFD4 we believe that great departments are built on great people. We work hard, train hard, and genuinely enjoy serving alongside one another. We have intentionally built a culture centered on professionalism, integrity, accountability, and mutual respect.

When you join our team, you'll find leaders who are invested in your success, coworkers who have your back, and an organization committed to helping every member grow personally and professionally.

We value:

A positive, team-first culture
Professionalism on every call
High-quality patient care
Continuous training and improvement
Strong leadership and mentorship
Community involvement and service
Family, wellness, and work-life balance

Whether you're starting your fire service career or bringing years of experience as a lateral firefighter, you'll become part of an organization where your contributions are valued and your development is supported.

About Our Department

BCFD4 provides fire suppression, advanced life support, rescue services, fire prevention, and community risk reduction throughout more than 52 square miles encompassing the City of West Richland and surrounding unincorporated Benton County.

Operating from three fire stations, our department responds to more than 2,350 emergency calls annually, with approximately two-thirds involving emergency medical services.

We are a combination department consisting of career, volunteer, and intern firefighters who work together with one common mission—providing exceptional service to our community every day.

Our members operate modern apparatus, utilize progressive EMS protocols, and train extensively to ensure we are prepared for every incident.

Why West Richland?

West Richland offers an exceptional quality of life that is difficult to match.

Located in the heart of Washington's Tri-Cities, residents enjoy over 300 days of sunshine each year, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and endless outdoor recreation. With convenient access to both the Yakima and Columbia Rivers and other water activities are just minutes away.

Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, cycling, golf, wine country, or spending time with family, West Richland provides opportunities to enjoy life both on and off duty.

The community continues to experience responsible growth while maintaining its small-town feel, making it an outstanding place to build both a career and a family.

What We Offer

Modern Equipment & Facilities

Well-maintained stations
Frontline apparatus
Advanced EMS equipment
Progressive training environment

Professional Development

Comprehensive recruit training
Continuing education
Specialty team opportunities
Leadership development
Promotional opportunities

Exceptional Culture

Our people are our greatest asset. We foster an environment where firefighters support one another, celebrate successes together, and continually strive to improve. We believe that investing in our employees ultimately benefits the community we serve.

2027 Wage Projection. The 2027 salary schedule is projected to increase between 4% and 6% over 2026. The Collective Bargaining Agreement provides a 3% wage increase plus an additional CPI-based adjustment of 1% to 3%. Final 2027 wages will depend on the applicable CPI calculation.

Projected 2027 Firefighter Base Salary

Entry Level Firefighter (80%): $75,271 - $76,719
Lateral Firefighter (90%): $84,680 - $86,308
Top Step Firefighter (100%): $94,089 - $95,898

Additional Incentive Pay

Employees may qualify for additional compensation based on education, medical certifications, technical certifications, and longevity. Estimated 2027 annual values below are based on the projected Top Step Firefighter salary range of $94,089 to $95,898.

Associate Degree (6.5%): approximately +$6,116 to +$6,233 per year
Bachelor's Degree (13%): approximately +$12,232 to +$12,467 per year
EMT with IV and SGA endorsement (3%): approximately +$2,823 to +$2,877 per year
Advanced EMT (6%): approximately +$5,645 to +$5,754 per year
Paramedic (up to 12.5%): approximately +$11,761 to +$11,987 per year
Qualifying technical certifications: 1% each, up to 3%, approximately +$941 to +$959 per certification, up to +$2,823 to +$2,877 per year
Longevity pay: 1% at 5 years, 2% at 10 years, and 3% at 15 years, up to approximately +$2,823 to +$2,877 per year

Incentives are paid in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Some incentives do not stack or pyramid.

Benefits That Add Real Value

$3,000 annual District contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Medical and vision coverage
District-paid dental coverage for the employee and dependents
Long-term disability and life insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
LEOFF II retirement
District deferred compensation contribution of 2% of Top Step Firefighter pay, approximately $1,882 to $1,918 annually
Additional dollar-for-dollar District deferred compensation match of up to 1.5%, approximately $1,411 to $1,438 annually
Potential total District deferred compensation contribution of approximately $3,293 to $3,356 annually for employees receiving the full match
District contribution of $100 per month ($1,200 annually) to the WSCFF Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP)

Schedule & Time Off

48/96 shift schedule for 24-hour shift personnel
13 Kelly Days annually
Vacation begins at 14 hours per month, or 168 hours per year
Vacation accrual increases with service, reaching 26 hours per month, or 312 hours per year, after 10 years
24-hour employees accrue 24 hours of sick leave per month, or 288 hours per year
Initial 72-hour sick leave bank
One floating holiday for 24-hour employees

Minimum Qualifications

Washington State or National Registry Paramedic certification
High school diploma or equivalent
Valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Ability to successfully complete physical, medical, psychological, and background investigations

Testing Information

National Testing Network Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

Questions?

Email: Hiring@bcfd4.org

Build Your Career Here

If you're looking for a department where you can make a meaningful difference, grow professionally, and become part of a team that genuinely values its people, we encourage you to apply.

At Benton County Fire District #4, we're committed to serving our community with excellence—and we're looking for individuals who share that commitment.

Come serve with us. Grow with us. Build your future with Benton County Fire District #4.

Benton County Fire District No. 4 is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Apply Now >