City of Portland, Oregon

The Position

Applicants must apply on the City of Portland Career Page at www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

Portland Fire & Rescue is seeking Entry Level Firefighter Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. No firefighting skills, experience, or fire education is required. Both positions will be required to complete twelve (12) months of probation. Entry Level Firefighters hired as paramedics will also be required to maintain their paramedic license for five (5) years from the date of hire.

Firefighters will learn, demonstrate knowledge of, and perform the following duties, including but not limited to:

• Various operations and skills required to be proficient on an engine, truck, squad, or other specialty apparatus
• Skill in performing a variety of mechanical operations
• Maintenance of equipment, apparatus, buildings, and fire station grounds
• Perform safely under hazardous and stressful conditions
• Skill and ability in performing prolonged and arduous work under adverse working conditions on non-emergency and emergency scenes
• Skill in understanding and following oral and written instructions
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective, courteous, and tactful working relationships with all employees and the community
• Skill in evaluating complex emergency situations when not directly supervised

About Portland Fire & Rescue:

Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) is the largest fire and emergency services provider in the State of Oregon, serving the city of Portland and the regional metropolitan area. In addition to responding to fire, medical, and other emergency incidents, PF&R is the lead responder for all natural and human-caused disasters including, earthquakes, floods, and terrorism, and acts as an important safety net for those suffering from homelessness or without support systems. PF&R also provides critical public safety and community health services including fire prevention, community outreach, and public education.

Work Schedule:

Portland Fire & Rescue’s Firefighter Academy is Monday-Thursday, 0630-1700, for approximately 20 weeks (subject to change). Recruits who successfully complete the fire academy will be transferred to a Training Station and work a 1-3-2-3 shift schedule.

After Training, the work schedule shall consist of the following:

• 1-3-2-3 (24 hours on duty; 72 hours off duty; 48 hours on duty; 72 hours off duty)
• 24-48 (24 hours on duty; 48 hours off duty) - Traveler and Kelly Day rotation

Payrate and Accruals:

Current firefighter annual salary range is $83, 929.56 - $111,538.44. See hourly rates below.

Portland Fire & Rescue offers several opportunities for specialty pay. Click Local 43 Labor agreement for details.

Step 1 - $40.35/hourly; $83,929.56/Annually

Step 2 - $43.52/hourly; $90,523.68/Annually

Step 3 - $47.15/hourly; $98,063.68/Annually

Step 4 - $50.28/hourly; $104,582.92/Annually

Step 5 - $53.62/hourly; $111,538.44/Annually

Pay Premium For Paramedics: Upon successful completion of the paramedic field training evaluation program (FTEP), firefighter paramedics will receive a total premium of 13% of top step firefighter base hourly rate over their regular rate while assigned as a firefighter paramedic.

DPSST Apparatus Operator Certification: An additional 3% of the top step firefighter base hourly rate will be added if a candidate provides a valid DPSST Apparatus Operator certification and a valid state driver’s license. For applicants who do not possess an apparatus operator certificate, 3% will be added upon completion of the driving/apparatus curriculum of the fire academy.

Vacation accrual will follow Local 43 Labor Agreement, with the accrual rates increasing to the next step on the anniversary date of hire.

Benefits Information:

• Information on PERS
• City Charter Section 5-304 Retirement Benefits
• New Hire Benefits (Select 2024-2025 New Hire Benefits Orientation PFFA)
• This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees
• Union Representation: Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF labor agreement.

Website Information:

Visit the website for updated information and frequently asked questions. We encourage you to copy and save the following link to access updated information for all recruitments and future career opportunities. Join Portland Fire and Rescue | Portland.gov

Questions? Contact:

Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter

anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

1. 18 years of age or older at the time of offer of employment
2. Have a high school diploma, or equivalent, at the time of offer of employment
3. Successfully complete the FireTeam test and Public Safety Self-Assessment 1 from the National Testing Network no later than November 17, 2025. Test must be valid.
4. Successfully complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT), completed between October 20, 2024, and November 17, 2025. Only a CPAT licensed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the International of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will be accepted. Candidates who complete the CPAT within the date range above but are unable to submit proof of completion before November 17, 2025 shall email Anna Morgan at anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov for instructions.
5. Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Mandatory convictions for denying or revoking certification of a fire service professional can be found here.
6. Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Health Authority.

Note: Applicants may apply without a valid EMT. An Oregon EMT is required prior to an offer of employment. Candidates may be required to submit proof of enrollment in an EMT course at any time during the selection process.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

Attach at the time of application:

• A valid Oregon Paramedic
• A valid National EMT license
• A valid Oregon EMT license

The Recruitment Process

Candidates must pass each step before moving to the next.

STEP 1: Apply online between 10/20/25 and 11/17/25

• Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs and answer the supplemental questions.
• Successful completion of the FireTeam test and Public Safety Self-Assessment 1 no later than November 17, 2025. Test must be valid. Do not attach test results during the application period. Candidates who completed the FireTeam test prior to October 20, 2025, will need to log in to their NTN account and add Portland Fire & Rescue. It is the candidate’s responsibility to select Portland Fire & Rescue.
• Proof of a valid CPAT completed between October 20, 2024, and November 17, 2025. Candidates who complete the CPAT within the date range above but are unable to submit proof of completion before November 17, 2025, shall email Anna Morgan at anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov for instructions. Portland Fire & Rescue recognizes some CPAT facilities may not be able to process your test results by November 17, 2025.

Early applications will not be given preference.

Optional attachments at time of application:

• Valid EMT license, regardless of the state
• Valid paramedic license, regardless of the state
• Veteran documents (ex: DD214, Veteran Preference Letter)

There is a fee to take the FireTeam test and the CPAT. Scholarship funds may be available to those who qualify. Contact Anna Morgan at anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov for questions. Candidates applying for a waiver will be required to meet all deadlines and date ranges for both tests.

ONLY ATTACH DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. Do not attach firefighter training and/or certifications. Failure to follow instructions may disqualify an applicant from the process.

Application Tips:

• Before applying, it is strongly recommended that you review the required certifications/documents and prepare them before you start the application process in Government Jobs. Applicants cannot edit previously submitted applications. If you do not submit all required attachments at the SAME time, you will need to re-submit your application. You may re-submit once every 24 hours.
• Upload the required documents by clicking on "ATTACHMENTS" and then click on "ADD SUPPLEMENTAL ATTACHMENT." Add all required documents separately.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. Do not attach materials not requested. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation (Pass/Fail)

Must meet the qualifying scores for the FireTeam test and PSSA 1. Qualifying scores will be determined after the application period closes on November 17, 2025.

STEP 3: Establish Eligible List

Candidates will be notified by email if they are placed on the eligible list. The eligible list will consist of candidates who meet the qualifying scores for all FireTeam categories, including the PSSA 1. The eligible list will be referred to the Fire Chief.

Candidates have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with the application process. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.

Candidates will be notified of their status via email. Candidates who are placed on the eligible list will receive information regarding the next step.

STEP 4: Firefighter Panel Interview

Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview. Only candidates who are being considered for an upcoming fire academy will be invited to an interview. Candidates being considered for additional fire academies will be invited at a later date.

Veteran Preference will be applied if applicable.

The eligible list will remain valid for one (1) year and can be abolished or extended at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee. Candidates who are unable to submit proof of a valid Oregon EMT license (minimum) prior to an offer of employment will not be considered. Candidates may be required to submit proof of enrollment in an EMT course at any time during the selection process.

STEP 5: Background Investigation Process (Pass/Fail)

The background investigation process may take up to 4 weeks and will include the following:

• Review Statement of Personal History
• Employment history and verification
• References
• Driving Record
• Criminal background
• Personal profile
• Supplemental information

STEP 6: Fire Chief Panel Interview (Pass/Fail)

Selected candidates who pass steps 1-5 will be invited to a Fire Chief panel interview as needed for an upcoming fire academy.

Candidates who pass the Fire Chief panel interview must pass a pre-employment medical examination. The pre-employment exam must be completed in Oregon.

Recruitment Timeline - Subject to change without notification

October 20, 2025 - November 17, 2025

Application Period

Week of November 17 - 28

Review application and minimum qualifications

Week of December 1st

Establish eligible list and candidate notification

Week of December 8th

Selected candidates invited to in-person panel interview

Week of December 15th

In-person panel interview for first academy

Week of December 29th

Results of in-person interview via email

Week of December 29 - January 26, 2026

Background Investigation Process for first academy

TBD

Pre-employment medical examination

TBD

Offer of Employment

TBD

Start of Fire Academy

Candidate communication is via email during the application and recruitment process. Emails from the City of Portland and/or governmentjobs.com may be directed to your junk or spam email folders. We highly encourage placing emails from the City of Portland or governmentjobs.com in a safe domain list to ensure timely notifications.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

Questions about the application process?

Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

Anna.Morgan@portlandoregon.gov

Questions about requirements to apply, timeline, or general firefighter questions?

Lieutenant Irene Concepcion-Sestric, Recruiting Officer

Irene.Concepcion-Sestric@portlandoregon.gov

Lieutenant Stephanie Adams, Recruiting Officer

Stephanie.Adams@portlandoregon.gov

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

• Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
• Carrot Fertility
• Wellness Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
• Family Medical Leave
• City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers.

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