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Entry Level Firefighter EMT and Paramedics

Entry Level Firefighter EMT and Paramedics

Oregon StaffingPortland, OR, US
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Entry Level Firefighter Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

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
  • This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees
  • Union Representation : Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF labor agreement
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Health Authority.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • STEP 2 : Minimum Qualification Evaluation (Pass / Fail) Must meet the qualifying scores for the FireTeam test and PSSA 1.
  • STEP 3 : Establish Eligible List Candidates will be notified by email if they are placed on the eligible list.
  • STEP 4 : Firefighter Panel Interview Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview.
  • 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.
  • 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-
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    Firefighter Paramedic • Portland, OR, US