Entry Level Firefighter EMT and Paramedics
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Entry Level Firefighter EMT and Paramedics
Salary
$83,929.56 - $111,538.44 Annually
Location
55 SW Ash Street, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
2025-00897
Bureau
Portland Fire & Rescue
Opening Date
10/20/2025
Closing Date
11/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/documents/2023-2027-collective-bargaining-agreement-pffa/download) 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/pers/mem/Pages/OPSRP-Overview.aspx)
City Charter Section 5-304 Retirement Benefits (https://www.portland.gov/charter/5/3/304)
New Hire Benefits (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide) (Select 2024-2025 New Hire Benefits Orientation PFFA)
This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/class-comp/language-pay-differential-overview/language-pay-differential-eligibility) for qualifying employees
Union Representation: Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF labor agreement (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2023-2027-collective-bargaining-agreement-portland-fire/download) .
Website Information:
Visit the website for updated information and frequently asked questions (https://www.portland.gov/fire/join/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 (https://www.portland.gov/fire/join)
Questions? Contact:
Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter
anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov
To Qualify
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
18 years of age or older at the time of offer of employment
Have a high school diploma, or equivalent, at the time of offer of employment
Successfully complete the FireTeam test and Public Safety Self-Assessment 1 from the National Testing Network (https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/search.cfm?position=2#viewresults) no later than November 17, 2025. Test must be valid.
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.
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 (https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/FirePrograms/Pages/Cert-Rev-Denial.aspx) .
Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from th e Oregon Health Authority. (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PROVIDERPARTNERRESOURCES/EMSTRAUMASYSTEMS/EMSTRAININGCERTIFICATION/Pages/index.aspx)
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 (http://www.portland.gov/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 8thSelected 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, 2026Background Investigation Process for first academy
TBDPre-employment medical examination
TBDOffer of Employment
TBDStart 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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) 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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide/benefit-plan-summaries-highlight-guides) .
01
Portland Fire & Rescue highly values truthfulness. An omission is considered the same as a false statement. The following supplemental questions may cause this application to be rejected and may impact your eligibility for this position. Responses to the following questions will be verified through a variety of sources. To be considered in this application process, you must agree to the following statement:
I hereby swear or affirm I will answer the supplemental questions truthfully and accurately, and there are no willful misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications.
Yes
No
02
By selecting "YES" below, you acknowledge that you are applying for Entry-level Firefighter EMT/Paramedic and the requirements. Failure to meet all application requirements will disqualify you, and your application will be denied for further consideration.
Yes
No
03
By selecting "YES" below, you acknowledge that this recruitment requires a valid FireTeam test, a Public Safety Self-Assessment 1 test from the National Testing Network, and proof of successful completion of the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) from any authorized facility. Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
Yes
No
04
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
05
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.
06
Please select one of the following:
I currently possess a valid National EMT license
I currently possess a valid Oregon EMT license
I am currently enrolled in an EMT course
I am not enrolled in an EMT course, but intend to sign up for one as soon as possible
I do not intend to enroll in an EMT course
07
Do you acknowledge the minimum age to be hired is 18 years old?
Yes
No
08
Will you have a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of an offer of employment?
Yes
No
09
By clicking 'yes', you acknowledge that a minimum of an Oregon EMT is required prior to an offer of employment.
Yes
No
10
Do you have a criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)?
Yes
No
11
Do you have a criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Health Authority?
Yes
No
12
Do you acknowledge as an applicant that you may be disqualified from the application and selection process due to incomplete, illegible, intentional or unintentional omission, or falsification of any information requested throughout the recruitment process?
Yes
No
13
Do you acknowledge a valid driver's license is required before an offer of employment?
Yes
No
14
Are you a United States citizen or have proof of legal right to work in the U.S. at the time of hire?
Yes
No
15
Communications regarding this recruitment are sent via email. Please acknowledge that you understand how communications will be sent.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Portland
Address
1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987 Portland, Oregon, 97204
Website
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs
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