Entry Level Firefighter EMT and Paramedics

Entry-Level Firefighter Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 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 :

Payrate and Accruals :

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

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 :

To Qualify :

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 :

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

Optional attachments at time of application :

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.

Application Tips :

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.

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.

STEP 5 : Background Investigation Process (Pass / Fail)

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