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Lateral Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

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Lateral Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

Salary

$98,063.68 - $111,538.44 Annually

Location

55 SW Ash Street, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2025-00898

Bureau

Portland Fire & Rescue

Opening Date

10/20/2025

Closing Date

11/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

The Position

Applicants must apply on the City of Portland Career Page at www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

Portland Fire & Rescue is seeking qualified and experienced firefighter EMT and 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 EMT/paramedics for Portland Fire & Rescue will be required to complete the entry level fire academy and complete twelve (12) months of probation. Lateral firefighter paramedics 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.

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 the Training Station and work a 1-3-2-3 shift schedule.

Payrate and Accruals

Current base annual salary range for firefighters with a minimum of two (2) years of experience is $98,063.68 -$111,538.44. This does not include paramedic or apparatus operator premium pay.

Please see below for details.

The entry rate of pay for lateral firefighter EMT's meeting the minimum requirement to apply shall receive the step payrate on par with their years of professional firefighting experience . E mployment 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 – $98,063.28 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate (see below) for an Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the three-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

+ 3 years of experience - $104,582.92 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate (see below) for an Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the four-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA.

+ 4 or more years of experience - $111,538.44 plus 3% of top step firefighter base hourly rate for Oregon paramedic certification and shall be placed at the five-year vacation accrual rate as provided by the CBA.

Pay Premium for Paramedics: 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 paramedic.

Portland Fire Rescue offers several opportunities for specialty pay. Click Local 43 Labor agreement (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/documents/2023-2027-collective-bargaining-agreement-pffa/download) for details.

Step 3 - $47.15/hourly (40-hour work week); $98,063.68/annually

Step 4 - $50.28/hourly (40-hour work week); $104,582.92/annually

Step 5 (top step) – $53.62/hourly (40-hour work week); $111,538.44/annually

DPSST Apparatus Operator certification : 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/pers/mem/Pages/OPSRP-Overview.aspx)

+ City Charter Section 5-304 Retirement Benefits (https://www.portland.gov/charter/5/3/304)

+ New Hire Benefits (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide) (Select 2024-2025 New Hire Benefits Orientation PFFA)

+ This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/class-comp/language-pay-differential-overview/language-pay-differential-eligibility) for qualifying employees

+ Union Representation: Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF labor agreement (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2023-2027-collective-bargaining-agreement-portland-fire/download) .

Website Information

Visit the website for updated information and frequently asked questions (https://www.portland.gov/fire/join/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 (https://www.portland.gov/fire/join)

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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/documents/core-values/download) .

To Qualify

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 EMT/paramedic recruitment.)

+ A minimum of a valid EMT license, regardless of state

Required certifications at the time of application (must be attached):

+ Firefighter I

+ Firefighter II

+ Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations

+ A minimum of a valid EMT license, regardless of state. To initiate Oregon reciprocity, click here (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/providerpartnerresources/emstraumasystems/emstrainingcertification/pages/recip.aspx) .

Non-Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) certificates will be verified to be from an accredited institution and will occur after the application period closes.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

Submit at the time of application

+ A valid paramedic license

Applicant must also possess:

+ A high school diploma, or equivalent, at the time of employment.

+ A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record by the time of offer of employment.

+ A valid Oregon EMT license is required prior to an offer of employment. Candidates who submit proof of a valid Oregon Paramedic before an offer of employment will be hired and compensated as a firefighter paramedic.

The Recruitment Process

Candidates must pass each step before moving to the next.

STEP 1: Apply online between 10/20/2025 and 11/17/25

+ Candidates must apply online through Government Jobs (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor) and answer the supplemental questions.

Required certifications to attach at the time of application:

+ Firefighter I

+ Firefighter II

+ Hazardous Material Awareness / Operations

+ A valid EMT, regardless of state

Optional Application Materials:

+ A valid paramedic license, (regardless of state)

+ 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.

+ ONLY ATTACH DOCUMENTS REQUESTED. Do not attach firefighter training and /or certifications that are not required to apply. Failure to follow instructi ons may d isqualify an applicant from the process.

STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation (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.

STEP 3: Establish Eligible List

Candidates will be notified by email if they are placed on the eligible list. Candidates who are placed on the eligible list will receive information regarding the next step. The eligible list will be referred to the Fire Chief.

Placement on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview or continuation in the selection 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.

Veteran Preference will be applied if applicable.

The eligible list will remain valid for one (1) year and can be abolished or extended at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee.

STEP 5: 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 6: Fire Chief Panel Interview (Pass/Fail)

Selected candidates who pass Steps 1-5 will be invited to a Fire Chief panel interview as needed for an upcoming fire academy.

Candidates who pass the Fire Chief panel interview must pass a pre-employment medical examination and employment verification prior to an offer of employment. The pre-employment exam must be completed in Oregon.

Recruitment Timeline - Subject to change without notification

October 20 - November 17, 2025 Application Period

Week of November 17 - December 1 Application and Minimum Qualification Review

Week of December 15th Establish Eligible List and candidate notification

Week of December 29th Selected candidates invited to in-person panel interview

Week of January 12th In-person panel interview for first academy

Week of January 19thResults of in-person interview via email

Week of January 26 - February 16Background investigation process for first academy

TBDPre-employment medical examination

TBDOffer of Employment

TBDStart of 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.

Additional Information

Click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) 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?

Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

[email protected]

Questions about requirements to apply, timeline, or general firefighter questions?

Lieutenant Irene Concepcion-Sestric, Recruiting Officer

Portland Fire & Rescue

[email protected]

Lieutenant Stephanie Adams, Recruiting Officer

Portland Fire & Rescue

[email protected]

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

+ Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)

+ Carrot Fertility

+ Wellness Benefits

+ Life Insurance

+ Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.

+ Employee Assistance Plan

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Retirement

+ Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer

+ Family Medical Leave

+ City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide/benefit-plan-summaries-highlight-guides) .

01

READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING: The application for the position of Lateral Firefighter EMT/Paramedic requires specific documents to be submitted with your electronic application by the end of the application period, November 17, 2025. Refer to the list or requirements to apply and required documents to attach.

Portland Fire & Rescue highly values truthfulness. An omission is considered the same as a false statement. The following supplemental questions may cause this application to be rejected and may impact your eligibility for this position. Responses to the following questions will be verified through a variety of sources. To be considered in this application process, you must agree to the following statement:

+ I hereby swear or affirm I will answer the supplemental questions truthfully and accurately, and there are no willful misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications.

+ Yes

+ No

02

When completing your online employment profile, upload the required documents by clicking on "ATTACHMENTS" and then click on "ADD SUPPLEMENTAL ATTACHMENT." Add all required document(s) separately. All certifications MUST be valid through all phases of the process. If a certificate expires during the process, please renew the certification, and submit evidence of renewal to the Recruitment Office at [email protected]. All valid renewals must be submitted prior to an offer of employment. By selecting "YES" below, you acknowledge the required document(s) for submission, including renewal deadlines, and any missing required documentation will disqualify you, and your application will be denied for further consideration. Have you read and understood all of the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)

04

The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)

+ My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.

+ You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.

05

At the time of application, do you meet all the requirements to apply?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Will you have a minimum of a valid EMT license, regardless of state, at the time of application?

+ Yes

+ No

07

By selecting "yes" below, you acknowledge and meet all the requirements to apply for lateral firefighter EMT/paramedic as listed in this job posting.

+ Yes

+ No

08

Will you have a high school diploma or equivalent in general education development (GED) at the time of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

09

Are you a United States citizen, or do you have the legal right to work in the U.S.?

+ Yes

+ No

10

Do you acknowledge as an applicant that you may be disqualified from the application and selection process due to incomplete, illegible, intentional or unintentional omission, or falsification of any information requested throughout the recruitment process?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Have you attached all the required documents? If not, please go back and attach the following documents:

+ Firefighter I

+ Firefighter II

+ Hazardous Material Awareness/Operations

+ A minimum of a valid EMT, regardless of state

+ Yes

+ No

12

Communications regarding this recruitment are sent via email. Please acknowledge that you understand how communications will be sent.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Portland

Address

1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987 Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

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