Applicants must apply on the City of Portland Career Page at www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs
Portland Fire & Rescue is seeking qualified and experienced firefighter EMT and paramedics to join the largest fire and emergency services provider in Oregon.
Eligible candidates for hire must be currently employed as a full-time/career firefighter and have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a full-time/career firefighter with no separation time or break in service longer than 120 days (between employers) at the time of conditional offer of employment. (Part-time, volunteer, sleeper/resident, paid-on-call, or seasonal does not apply to lateral firefighter paramedic recruitment.)
Lateral firefighter EMT/paramedics for Portland Fire & Rescue will be required to complete the entry level fire academy and complete twelve (12) months of probation. Lateral firefighter paramedics will be required to maintain their paramedic license for five (5) years from the date of hire.
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 the Training Station and work a 1-3-2-3 shift schedule.
Payrate and Accruals
Current base annual salary range for firefighters with a minimum of two (2) years of experience is $98,063.68 -$111,538.44. This does not include paramedic or apparatus operator premium pay.
Please see below for details.
The entry rate of pay for lateral firefighter EMT's meeting the minimum requirement to apply shall receive the step payrate on par with their years of professional firefighting experience. Employment dates must be verified by the employer prior to establishing the entry pay rate. Entry rate compensation for lateral firefighter paramedics shall be as follows:
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 paramedic.
Portland Fire Rescue offers several opportunities for specialty pay. Click Local 43 Labor agreement for details.
Step 3 - $47.15/hourly (40-hour work week); $98,063.68/annually
Step 4 - $50.28/hourly (40-hour work week); $104,582.92/annually
Step 5 (top step) – $53.62/hourly (40-hour work week); $111,538.44/annually
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.
A lateral firefighter's vacation accrual rate will follow the CBA, with the accrual rates increasing to the next step on the anniversary date of hire.
Benefits Information
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
City of Portland Core Values:
Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility
These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City's core values, please click here.
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
Required certifications at the time of application (must be attached):
Non-Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certificates will be verified to be from an accredited institution and will occur after the application period closes.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
Submit at the time of application
Applicant must also possess:
Candidates must pass each step before moving to the next.
STEP 1: Apply online between 10/20/2025 and 11/17/25
Required certifications to attach at the time of application:
Optional Application Materials:
Application Tips:
STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation (Pass/Fail)
Candidates have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
STEP 3: Establish Eligible List
Candidates will be notified by email if they are placed on the eligible list. Candidates who are placed on the eligible list will receive information regarding the next step. The eligible list will be referred to the Fire Chief.
Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview or continuation in the selection process.
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.
STEP 5: Background Investigation Process (Pass/Fail)
The background investigation process may take up to 4 weeks and will include the following:
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 and employment verification prior to an offer of employment. The pre-employment exam must be completed in Oregon.
Recruitment Timeline - Subject to change without notification
October 20 - November 17, 2025
Application Period
Week of November 17 - December 1
Application and Minimum Qualification Review
Week of December 15th
Establish Eligible List and candidate notification
Week of December 29th
Selected candidates invited to in-person panel interview
Week of January 12th
In-person panel interview for first academy
Week of January 19th
Results of in-person interview via email
Week of January 26 - February 16
Background investigation process for first academy
TBD
Pre-employment medical examination
TBD
Offer of Employment
TBD
Start of 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.
Click here for additional information regarding the following:
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
Portland Fire & Rescue
Irene.Concepcion-Sestric@portlandoregon.gov
Lieutenant Stephanie Adams, Recruiting Officer
Portland Fire & Rescue
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
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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