Firefighter Trainee

About This Role

Portland Fire & Rescue is hiring Firefighter Trainees to serve Oregon's largest city. PF&R combines fire suppression, EMS, and technical rescue services across a city with heavy rainfall, dense timber construction, and growing urban density — conditions that shape a distinctive Pacific Northwest firefighting experience.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Trainee
• Company: Portland Fire & Rescue
• Location: Portland, OR
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $20–$28/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

PF&R trainees complete a 14-week fire academy covering structural firefighting, wildland awareness, EMS, and swift water rescue — reflecting Portland's proximity to the Columbia and Willamette rivers. After academy graduation, trainees serve a 12-month probationary field assignment. All firefighters hold Oregon EMT-Basic certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress structural fires in Portland's dense mix of historic and modern buildings
• Provide EMT-level emergency medical services on every response
• Conduct swift water and flood rescue operations on Portland's river corridors
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue under NFPA 1006 standards
• Support wildland fire response in Portland's east side urban interface areas
• Participate in community fire safety education and prevention programs

Requirements & Skills

• Oregon residency preferred; must be at least 18 at time of hire
• High school diploma or GED; fire science coursework is an advantage
• Pass PF&R written and physical ability tests
• CPAT certification required
• Oregon EMT-Basic certification preferred at hire
• Valid Oregon driver's license and clean driving record

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $20–$28/hr under IAFF Local 43 collective bargaining agreement
• Oregon PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) pension
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 24-on/48-off shift schedule
• Uniform allowance and equipment provided

Who Should Apply

Oregon residents interested in a career that combines structural fire, EMS, and water rescue in a progressive, mid-size Pacific Northwest city. Portland Fire & Rescue has an active diversity recruitment program and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds who meet the physical and educational requirements.

About the Company

Portland Fire & Rescue operates 30 fire stations with approximately 700 uniformed personnel. The department provides fire suppression, EMS, haz-mat, swift water rescue, and technical rescue services across Portland's 145 square miles of urban, suburban, and riverfront terrain.

How to Apply

Apply at portland.gov/fire/careers. Open recruitment cycles are announced on the website. The process includes written and physical ability testing, CPAT, an oral board, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.