What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lateral 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 qualified and experienced firefighter paramedics to join the largest fire and emergency services provider in Oregon.
Eligible candidates for hire must be currently employed as a full-time/career firefighter and have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a full-time/career firefighter with no separation time or break in service longer than 120 days (between employers) at the time of conditional offer of employment. (Part-time, volunteer, sleeper/resident, paid-on-call, or seasonal does not apply to lateral firefighter paramedic recruitment.)
Lateral firefighter paramedics for Portland Fire & Rescue will be required to complete the entry level fire academy and complete twelve (12) months of probation and will be required to maintain their paramedic license for five (5) years from the 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. 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 base annual salary range for firefighters with 2 years of experience is $95,289-$108,382. This does not include paramedic premium pay. Please see below for details.
The entry rate of pay for lateral firefighter paramedics meeting the minimum requirement to apply shall receive the step payrate on par with their years of professional firefighting experience, up to the 4-year payrate. Employment dates must be verified by the employer prior to establishing the entry pay rate. Entry rate compensation for lateral firefighter paramedics shall be as follows:
- 2 years of experience – $95,289 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the two-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
- 3 years of experience - $101,624 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the three-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA.
- 4 or more years of experience - $108,382 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the four-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA.
Upon successful completion of the paramedic field training evaluation program (FTEP), paramedics will receive a total premium of 13% of top step firefighter base hourly rate over their regular rate while assigned as a 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.
A lateral firefighter's vacation accrual rate will follow the CBA, 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:
- Must be currently employed as a full-time/career firefighter and have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a full-time/career firefighter with no separation time or break in service longer than 120 days (between employers) at the time of conditional offer of employment. (Part-time, volunteer, sleeper/resident, paid-on-call, or seasonal does not apply to lateral firefighter paramedic recruitment.)
Required certifications at the time of application (must be attached):
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations
Applicant must also possess:
- A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record by the time of offer of employment.
- 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 01/06/2025 and 2/10/25
Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs and answer the supplemental questions.
Required certifications to attach to the application
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations
Optional Application Materials:
- A valid paramedic license (regardless of state), or proof of enrollment in a paramedic training program.
- If you would like to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc.) by the closing date of the recruitment.
- Apparatus Operator Certification.
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 2/24/25. (Pass/Fail)
- An evaluation of each applicant's supplemental questions.
- Evaluation of all required certifications and documents.
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 scheduled March 3-21, 2025 (Scored and Ranked)
Weighted 100%
Veteran Preference points will be added if applicable
The ranked eligible hire 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
| January 6, 2025-February 10, 2025 | Application Period |
| Week of February 10 | Application Review |
| Week of February 24 | Candidate Notification. Equally ranked Eligible Hire list. |
| March 3-21 | Panel Interview |
| Week of March 24 | Candidate Notification of Score and Rank |
| 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 : $95,289 - $108,382
