Lateral Firefighter EMT / Paramedic

Lateral Firefighter EMT / Paramedic

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. 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.

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. 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 : 2 years of experience $98,063.28 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for an Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the three-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 3 years of experience - $104,582.92 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for an Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the four-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA. 4 or more years of experience - $111,538.44 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the five-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA. 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.

To Qualify : The following minimum qualifications are required for this position : 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 EMT / paramedic recruitment.) A minimum of a valid EMT license, regardless of state Required certifications at the time of application (must be attached) : Firefighter I Firefighter II Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations A minimum of a valid EMT license, regardless of state. To initiate Oregon reciprocity, click here. 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 A valid paramedic license Applicant must also possess : A high school diploma, or equivalent, at the time of employment. A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record by the time of offer of employment. A valid Oregon EMT license is required prior to an offer of employment. Candidates who submit proof of a valid Oregon Paramedic before an offer of employment will be hired and compensated as a firefighter paramedic.

The Recruitment Process : Candidates must pass each step before moving to the next.

STEP 1 : Apply online between 10 / 20 / 2025 and 11 / 17 / 25 Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs and answer the supplemental questions. Required certifications to attach at the time of application : Firefighter I Firefighter II Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations A valid EMT, regardless of state Optional Application Materials : A valid paramedic license, (regardless of state) If you would like to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc.) by the closing date of the recruitment. 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. ONLY ATTACH DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. Do not attach firefighter training and / or certifications that are not required to apply. Failure to follow instructions may disqualify an applicant from the process.

STEP 2 : Minimum Qualification Evaluation (Pass / Fail) An evaluation of each applicant's supplemental questions. Evaluation of all required certifications and documents. 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 : 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 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 29