What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entry Level Firefighter Paramedic position at City of Portland?
Applicants must apply on the City of Portland Career Page at www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs
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 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
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
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. PF&R responded to 90,583 incidents in 2023.
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 the Training Station and work a 1-3-2-3 shift schedule.
Payrate and Accruals
Current firefighter annual salary range is $81,555-$108,382. This does not include firefighter paramedic pay premium. Please see below for details.
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.
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 the collective bargaining 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 (Select 2024-2025 New Hire Benefits Orientation PFFA)
- This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees
- Union Representation: Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF labor agreement.
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 10th, 2025. More details below.
Successfully pass/submit proof of completion of the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT), completed between December 30, 2023, and February 10th, 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.
Valid Oregon paramedic license is required prior to an offer of employment. A paramedic license is not required at time of application, but proof of enrollment in a paramedic training program will be requested during the selection process. To initiate Oregon reciprocity, click here.
Candidates must pass each step before moving to the next.
STEP 1: Apply online between 12/30/24 and 2/10/25
Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs and answer the supplemental questions.
Successful completion of the FireTeam test no later than February 10, 2025. Test must be valid. Do not attach test results during the application period. Candidates who completed the FireTeam test prior to December 30, 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.
Proof of a valid CPAT completed between December 30, 2023 - February 10, 2025. Candidates may apply without submitting proof of a completed CPAT; however, they MUST submit proof by email to Karen Ehn at Karen.Ehn@portlandoregon.gov no later than February 10, 2025. You will be disqualified if you do not submit proof of a valid CPAT. Early applications will not be given preference.
Optional attachments: valid paramedic license (regardless of state), or proof of enrollment in a paramedic training program.
If applicable, submit Veteran documents (ex: DD214, Veteran Preference Letter)
There is a fee to take the FireTeam test and the CPAT. Scholarship funds may be available to those who qualify. Contact Karen Ehn at Karen.Ehn@portlandoregon.gov for questions. Candidates applying for a waiver will be required to meet all deadlines and date ranges for both tests.
ONLY ATTACH DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. Failure to follow instructions may disqualify an applicant from the process.
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.
STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation week of 2/10/25 and Establish Eligible List Week of 2/17/25. (Pass/Fail)
Must meet the minimum scores below and submit all required documents by the deadline.
- Human Relations - 65%
- Mechanical - 60%
- Reading - 75%
- Math - 70%
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.
Placement on the eligible hire list does not guarantee an interview or continuation in the selection process.
Candidates will be notified of their status via email. Candidates who are placed on the Eligible List will receive information regarding the next step.
STEP 3: Firefighter Panel Interview – Tentatively March 3-15, 2025 (Scored and Ranked)
Candidate final score and rank will consist of the following:
Human Relations score - 40%
Firefighter Panel Interview 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 valid for one (1) year 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 considered.
STEP 4: 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 5: Fire Chief Panel Interview (Pass/Fail)
Candidates will be invited to a Fire Chief panel interview in ranked order and as needed for an upcoming fire academy.
Candidates who pass the Fire Chief panel interview must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
The Fire Chiefs selection panel will interview, select, and hire candidates from the final ranked eligible list (candidates who have successfully passed all evaluation steps).
Recruitment Timeline - Subject to change without notification
| December 30, 2024-February 10, 2025 | Application Period |
| Week of February 10 | Application Review |
| Week of February 17 | Candidate Notification. Equally ranked Eligible Hire list. |
| March 3-15 | Panel Interview |
| Week of March 17 | Candidate Notification of Score and Rank |
| March-April | Background Investigation Process |
| April-May | Fire Chief Panel Interview (in ranked order and as needed for hire) Pre-Employment Medical Examination |
| May-June | Offer of Employment |
| July-August, 2025 | Start of Fire Academy |
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? Karen Ehn, Senior Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Karen.Ehn@portlandoregon.gov
Lt. Irene Concepcion-Sestric, Recruiting Officer
Portland Fire & Rescue
Irene.Concepcion-Sestric@portlandoregon.gov
Salary : $81,555 - $108,382
