Which eligible lists are currently valid and active?
Entry-level Firefighter Recruitment 2024-00172 and 2024-00173 are valid starting May 31, 2024.
How will candidates on the final eligible list be notified if they are being considered for a future fire academy?
Candidates (including alternates) for the January 2025 academy have been notified by email. The following fire academy is projected to start in July-August 2025, and candidates considered for that academy will be notified by email no later than January 31, 2025. The recruiting office will email candidates in ranked order.
Please send any changes to your contact information to Human Resources at neogov@portlandoregon.gov
I did not receive an email from Portland Fire & Rescue regarding the January 2025 fire academy. Should I contact the recruiting office?
No. Candidates who did not receive an email from Portland Fire & Rescue will not be notified that they are not considered for the January academy. Alternate candidates for the January academy have been notified, and additional alternates will be notified as needed. Candidates are encouraged to check their emails frequently.
Will Portland Fire & Rescue share where they are on the eligible hire list so I can better understand when I may be considered?
Yes. Candidates ranked up to the high 20s are being considered for the January 2025 academy.
I am on the eligible hire list for entry-level firefighter: 2024-00172 or 2024-00173. How many fire academies does Portland Fire & Rescue anticipate from this list?
We anticipate 2-4 fire academies from this list (subject to change). Each academy may range from 12-16 recruits.
How will Portland Fire & Rescue determine which list to select candidates from?
Currently, there are two valid lists: EMT and Paramedic. The Chief of the Bureau will evaluate the department's operational needs, and candidates will be hired accordingly.
What is the next step in the selection process?
Candidates being considered for an upcoming academy must complete a comprehensive background investigation. The Recruiting Office will email candidates (only those being considered for the upcoming academy) with detailed information about this step.
Can I review my interview notes?
Portland Fire & Rescue's selection documents are not available for review.
What are the most common reasons I did not score well enough to continue in the selection process?
- Responses:
- were inadequate in details
- were not relevant
- did not answer the question or all parts of the question
- did not demonstrate valued transferrable knowledge, skills, and abilities
- were unclear or complicated to track
Is there any way to get feedback about my panel interview?
We cannot provide individualized feedback. However, below are some tips for future interviews.
- Practice, Practice, Practice - As with any skill, the more you do it, the better you will be at it. Practice with firefighters and peers with different careers to get a broader perspective and a range of feedback. Repeated practice allows you to hear yourself articulate your thoughts, see if you speak clearly, and if your answers are relevant and impactful. Voice recorders/apps are helpful tools as well.
- Find ways to calm your nerves during the interview. Different techniques, such as deep breathing before starting, can often calm the nerves.
- Draw on perspectives from various experiences.
- Share details of your work, life, and personal experiences.
- Communicate clearly in the interview. Candidates are not expected to be professional speakers; however, the panel must understand and hear the details of your experience.
- Recognize if your answers to questions sound like you are summarizing your resume. We encourage you to share your characteristics and experiences when these characteristics were displayed.
- Understand that interview questions generally do not have a wrong or right answer. Recognize when answering questions based on what you believe the panel wants to hear. Panelists want to listen to your story. Be genuine. Be authentic.
- Understand your own biases and how they may reflect in your answers.
How will candidates on the final eligible list be notified if they are being considered for a Fire Chief Interview?
Candidates must complete a comprehensive background investigation before being invited to the Chief's interview. Candidates will be notified by email.
Can I get more information regarding the Fire Chief interview?
The Fire Chief Interviews will be conducted before the start of a fire academy, and only candidates being considered for that academy will be contacted by email. Candidates will only be invited to the Fire Chief interview in ranked order as vacancies occur and/or budget allows. The Fire Chief selection panel will interview candidates from the final ranked eligible list (candidates who have successfully passed all prior evaluation steps). The Fire Chief interview is pass/fail.
Is there a projected number of hires in 2024-2025?
Portland Fire & Rescue hires as vacancies occur and/or as the budget allows. We anticipate hiring 30-60 firefighters in 2024-2025 (subject to change).
When is the next firefighter recruitment?
Portland Fire & Rescue anticipates an entry-level firefighter recruitment in the spring or summer of 2025. Sign up to be notified when the application period opens. View the FAQ page to view the requirements for applying. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Portland.gov
Who do I contact to update my personal information, such as phone, email, and address?
Log in to your Government Jobs account and update any information.
Who do I contact if I would like to withdraw from the selection process voluntarily?
Email Tamela Ressler at Tamela.ressler@portlandoregon.gov and Karen Ehn at Karen.ehn@portlandoregon.gov