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Form of workPlease read ENTIRE announcement before applying.
Portland Fire & Rescue is seeking Entry Level Firefighter Paramedics. No firefighting skills, experience, or fire education required. An Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic will be required to complete twelve (12) months of probation and 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
Ability to perform strenuous activity 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
Paramedic Pay
Upon successful completion of the paramedic field training evaluation program, paramedics will receive 12% of top step firefighter base hourly rate over their regular rate while assigned as paramedic. Paramedic pay shall increase to 13% effective July 1, 2024. Current firefighter annual salary range is: $78,322.92 - $104,087.36.
Eligible Firefighter Paramedics will be required to maintain their paramedic license for a minimum of five (5) years from 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 22 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.
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)
Benefits Information
For Information on PERS:
PERS : OPSRP overview and benefit calculation : Nonretired members : State of Oregon
New Hire Benefits (Select 2023-2024 New Hire Benefits Orientation PFFA)
New Employees: Welcome to your Benefits | Portland.gov
City Charter Section 5-304 Retirement Benefits
Section 5-304 Retirement Benefits. | Portland.gov
Union Representation: Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF. To view this labor agreement, please click the following link.
CoP 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Portland Fire Fighters Association Local 43
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:
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 from the National Testing Network no later than February 12th, 2024. FIREFIGHTER Jobs | Find Public Safety Jobs | National Testing Network More details below.
Successfully pass/submit proof of completion of the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT). Completed between January 29th, 2023 to February 12th, 2024. 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 at: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/FirePrograms/Pages/Cert-Rev-Denial.aspx
Have no criminal conviction that would prevent certification from the Oregon Health Authority. Oregon Health Authority : EMS Provider Licensure : EMS Provider Licensure : State of Oregon
Valid Oregon Paramedic license is required prior to an offer of employment. A Paramedic license is NOT REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
STEP 1: Apply online between January 29, 2024-February 12, 2024 (Pass/Fail)
Complete the supplemental questionnaire
Successful completion of the FireTeam test no later than February 12, 2024. Test must be valid. Do not attach test results during the application period.
Required attachments at time of application:
Proof of a valid CPAT completed between January 29, 2023-February 12, 2024. Please submit your application when you have your required attachment. Please do not apply until you have your CPAT certificate. Early applications will not be given additional preference.
There is a fee to take the FireTeam test and the CPAT. There are scholarship funds to waive this fee for Portland Fire & Rescue applicants (this will not apply for applications to other agencies). Contact us to apply for this waiver. Candidates applying for a waiver will be required to meet all deadlines and date ranges for both tests.
Optional attachments at time of application:
Valid paramedic license, regardless of state
Veteran documents (ex: DD214, Veteran Preference Letter)
ONLY ATTACH DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. Failure to follow instructions may disqualify an applicant from the process.
FireTeamTest
Portland Fire & Rescue recognizes that the National Testing Network does not inform candidates of their test results by percentages. Candidates will be notified by email the last week of February 2024 if they pass Step 1, which includes passing the supplemental questions and meeting the minimum scores for each of the categories below and placement in the top 100 based on Human Relations score. Do not contact the Recruiting Office or Human Resources for score information.
Candidates who completed the FireTeam test prior to January 29, 2024, 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.
STEP 2: Equally Ranked Eligible List - Top 100 scores only
Human Relations - weighted 100%, and must meet the qualifying scores below:
Mechanical - 60%
Math - 60%
Reading - 75%
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. All completed applications for this position must be submitted online no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment. E-mailed and/or faxed applications or required documents will not be accepted.
STEP 3 Panel Interview #1 - Scored
Candidate final score and rank will consist of the following:
Human Relations score - 40%
Panel Interview #1 score - 60%
Veteran Preference points will be added if applicable.
Candidates on the ranked eligible hire list who do not have a valid paramedic license will be required to submit proof of a valid Oregon Paramedic license prior to an offer of employment. The list will remain active for one (1) year from the date of the ranked eligible hire list 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 Paramedic license prior to an offer of employment will not be able to transfer their application or scores to the Entry Level EMT recruitment.
Placement on the eligible hire list does not guarantee an interview or continuation in the selection process.
STEP 4: Background Investigation Process (Pass/Fail)
Review Statement of Personal History (notary required)
Possess a driver license, submit a driving record and pass an evaluation by City of Portland Risk Management
Submit proof of a valid Oregon Paramedic prior to an offer of employment
Pass an employment and character reference background
Pass a criminal background
STEP 5: Chief's Panel Interview (Pass/Fail)
Candidates will be invited to a Chief's Interview in ranked order and as needed for an upcoming fire academy.
Candidates who successfully pass the Chief's Interview will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination.
The Fire Chief's selection panel will interview, select, and hire candidates from the final ranked eligible list (candidates who have successfully passed all evaluation steps).
Candidates must pass each step prior to moving to the next step.
Recruitment Timeline - Subject to change without notification
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:
- City of Portland Core Values
- Recruitment Process - Work Status
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Veteran Preference
- ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
Questions about the application process?
Loan Tran Polanco, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov
Karen Ehn, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Karen.Ehn@portlandoregon.gov
Questions about requirements to apply and other questions?
Portland Fire & Rescue Recruitment Team
firerecruiter@portlandoregon.gov
