Fire Department · Career
Pierce County Fire District Number 3 Dba West Pierce Fire & Rescue
University Place, WA · Pierce County
“Respond Efficiently · Execute Flawlessly · Be Nice!”
only department in Pierce County with a Protection Class 2 rating
Apply as an entry-level firefighter or paramedic with Pierce County Fire District Number 3 by July 27, earning $7,765–$8,736 monthly. EMT certification not required to apply.
Apply as a lateral firefighter or paramedic with WPFR by July 27; earn up to $11,004/month and enjoy generous benefits including longevity pay and full premium coverage for medical, vision, and dental insurance.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue serves more than 100,000 residents across roughly 31 square miles in the cities of Lakewood and University Place, plus contracted coverage for the Town of Steilacoom. The department was formed in 2011 through the merger of the Lakewood and University Place fire departments, tracing its roots to Pierce County Fire District No. 3, established in 1944.
The department operates six fire stations around the clock, running a fleet that includes six engines, a ladder truck, five medic units, a brush engine and three marine boats reflecting the community's waterfront geography.
Beyond fire suppression, West Pierce provides transport-capable emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response and community fire and life-safety education. It holds a Washington Survey and Rating Bureau Class 2 protection rating, which it notes is the only such rating in Pierce County.
MissionWest Pierce Fire & Rescue is a community partner dedicated to saving lives, improving health and safety, and protecting property.
West Pierce hires firefighters through its NEOGOV/GovernmentJobs employment portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/westpierce, where open positions and detailed position descriptions are posted. At the time of writing no firefighter positions were open.
Candidates can subscribe to job alerts through the portal to be notified when new openings are posted, and review the posted position descriptions for specific requirements before applying.
How do I apply to become a firefighter with West Pierce Fire & Rescue?
Applications are handled through the department's online employment portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/westpierce, where open positions and detailed position descriptions are posted.
Are firefighter positions currently open?
At the time of writing the employment portal showed no open firefighter positions. Candidates can subscribe to job alerts through the portal to be notified when new openings are posted.
Where can I find the requirements for a firefighter position?
Specific requirements are listed in the position descriptions available through the department's GovernmentJobs employment portal when a position is posted.
What area would I serve as a West Pierce firefighter?
The department protects more than 100,000 residents across about 31 square miles in Lakewood and University Place, plus contracted coverage for the Town of Steilacoom, from six 24/7 fire stations.
What kinds of emergencies does the department respond to?
West Pierce provides fire suppression, transport-capable emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, marine/water response and community fire and life-safety education.