Police and Fire Hiring Process

The Civil Service Process

All municipal Fire and Police departments fall under the classified Civil Service as defined in Washington state law and each municipality has Civil Service Rules that govern the process. Ours can be found linked here.

Step 1: Written Exam

The written exam is administered by Public Safety Testing. Click the corresponding link to the position you are interested in below to be directed to the posting on the Public Safety Testing website for more information and to sign up to take the written exam. 

Firefighter 

Firefighter/Paramedic 

Entry Level Police Officer

Lateral Police Officer

As part of this testing process you will be required to complete a personal history statement, (PHS) that encompasses detailed information about you. Failure to return your completed PHS will result in disqualification from the hiring process. You will also be required to pass a physical ability test. PST provides more information on this. 

Step 2: The Oral Board

As openings in the department become available you will be scheduled for an Oral Board. During the Oral Board you will sit across from a panel consisting 3 people, 2 of which represent the department. You will be sent an e-mail inviting you to participate in the Oral Board examination and will have to submit an application with our agency along with additional forms. Read the requirements carefully as to not miss submitting all of the required paperwork.

Step 3: Eligible List Final Score

The score from the Oral Board and written exam is combined into a combined score. This along with points for military service are added for a final score. These final scores are then taken to the Civil Service Commission for certification of an eligible list. Firefighter/EMT’s have a separate eligible list from Firefighter/Paramedics and Entry Level Police Officers have a separate list from Lateral Police Officers. 

Step 4: The Background Process

As positions in the department become available, the Chief reviews the top 5 candidates for each opening from the certified civil service eligible list and the background investigator will then begin the review of candidates in the following manner;

  • Integrity interview
  • Thorough records and driver records check
  • Review of past employment
  • Interviews of references and others

 

This process can take some time, so please be patient.

Ensure you meet the requirements. You must meet the minimum hiring standards for all department employees. Once in the background investigation process, applicants who do not meet the department's eligibility requirements will no longer be considered and will be disqualified from the eligible list.  All disqualifications are reviewed for final approval and candidates are not able to view the results of their background investigation. If you are disqualified, you may not reapply for a position for one year from the date of disqualification.

Step 5: The Hiring Process

If the background investigation has no findings that would warrant disqualification and you pass the Chief's interview, the Chief will request permission to hire from the City Manager. Upon City Manager approval the Pasco Human Resources department will send you a conditional offer of employment.

DO NOT QUIT YOUR CURRENT JOB or MOVE until you have completed all of the conditions outlined in the conditional offer letter!

After receiving a conditional offer of employment you will be scheduled for additional tests; which will include a psychological and medical exam (polygraph as well for Police positions). Once you receive notification that you have passed your conditions, you will confirm a start date with Human Resources. 


If you have any additional questions about the process, please contact Delaney Tucker at tuckerd@pasco-wa.gov.