Firefighter - Entry Level

The City of Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department 
Hillsboro, Oregon, is one of the state's most diverse and dynamic cities, with over 110,000 residents. As Oregon's "high-tech hub," Hillsboro boasts a thriving economy, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces.

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, with an annual budget of over $30 million, employs 146 personnel, including 137 sworn members. We provide exceptional emergency services, fire prevention, and community education across five strategically located stations within a 25.67 square mile area. Our commitment is to providing professionalism and excellence in every aspect of the services we provide.

Position Overview
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is creating an eligibility list for expected full-time vacancies for Firefighter EMT and Firefighter Paramedic, with placements beginning in August 2025. This list will be valid for one year from the closing date or until exhausted.

As a Firefighter EMT or Firefighter Paramedic, you will respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. You will also be responsible for maintaining fire stations, equipment, and apparatus, and participating in drills, training, and community outreach events. Duties include operating a variety of firefighting and medical equipment, participating in hazardous material incident response, assisting in fire prevention activities, and ensuring accurate documentation of incidents and patient care.
 

Compensation

• Firefighter EMT: $73,344.00 - $105,264.00 Annually, the posted rate is inclusive of the July 1, 2025, COLA, as outlined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. 
• Firefighter Paramedic Incentive Pay: 13%
• Starting Pay for those who are PERS/OPSRP eligible is $77,736.00. Those who are not PERS/OPSRP eligible at start of employment will have their salary increased once eligibility is earned, 

Application Process
Step 1    Sign Up: Register at National Testing Network. Select Firefighter Jobs and Hillsboro Fire and Rescue.
Step 2   Written Exam: Schedule and complete the FireTEAM exam via the National Testing Network.
Step 3   Physical Abilities Test: Complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).
Step 4    Complete the standard application on the City of Hillsboro’s Career Opportunities page.



Tentative Recruitment Timeline*

• Application opens:    January 7, 2025
• Application closes:    March 16, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PDT)
• Application reviews complete:      March 20, 2025
• First Round (Spark Hire One Way Video) Interviews:    March 25 – April 2, 2025
• First Round (Spark Hire One Way Video) interviews evaluated by panel    April 7 – 10, 2025
• Second Round (Virtual) Interviews:      April 28 – May 1, 2025
• Final Round (In Person, Panel) Chief’s Interviews:    May 19 – 22, 2025
• Selection and Offer:      May 24, 2025
• Firefighter Academy 25-2:    August 25, 2025

 *This schedule is subject to change based on City of Hillsboro needs.
 
Required Attachments

1. Resume and Cover Letter
2. Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) results must be between July 1, 2024, and March 16, 2025.
3. EMT License (State of Oregon or National Registry) or higher must be submitted by March 16, 2025

General Statement of Duties

• Respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services
  
• Support of fire prevention duties as assigned
• Maintenance of fire stations, equipment, and apparatus
• Participation in drills and training activities
• Active involvement in community outreach events as scheduled

For more details, please click on this link for job classification description: Firefighter




Minimum Requirements 

• Be at least 18 years of age by the date of appointment
• Be in good physical health as determined by a medical examination

Acceptable Education and License/Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent, AND
• State or State of Oregon Emergency Medical Technician license or higher, or a National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Technician certification and ability to obtain Oregon reciprocity within three months of hire
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record

Preferences

• EMT Paramedic preference will be applied in the process
• Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference by submitting approved documentation with their application

Veterans’ Preference
Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference by submitting as verification of eligibility a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service-connected pension. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted with your application in order to receive consideration.
 
Bilingual incentive pay available
Preference may be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish/English.
 
Employees who are qualified by the Department as bi-lingual in English and Spanish, or American Sign Language, or a language spoken by over ten (10%) percent of City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly premium of five (5%) percent of their regular base pay effective the first pay period following satisfactory completion of the testing process. Employees receiving bilingual pay will periodically be tested on their proficiency by the Human Resources Department. If an employee is no longer proficient in the language they are receiving premium for, the employee will no longer receive the five (5%) percent incentive.


Diversity Commitment
Hiring a workforce reflecting the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.

Recruitment Information Sessions – Virtual Open House
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue will host three 45-minute virtual open houses on the following dates to share information about the department, recruitment process, and firefighting careers. Please visit the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruitment website at https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/fire/join-us to access the session links.

Contacts

• Recruitment or Process Questions: Email us at Recruitment@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov
• National Testing Network (NTN) Score Transfer Request: NTN Score Transfer Request: Call (206) 428-3265 or use the Support Chat
•    FAQs and General Info: Visit the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruitment website at https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/fire/join-us

Salary : $73,344 - $105,264