Which eligible lists are currently valid and active?
Entry-Level Firefighter 2025-00897
Lateral Firefighter 2025-00898
I interviewed for the entry-level firefighter position, Recruitment 2025-00897, first wave. The notification I received included my interview score as a percentage and stated that I will remain on the eligible list, and that other candidates who interviewed are being considered for hire. Do I need to take any action?
No. Your interview score meets or exceeds the panel interview minimum score. Candidates who scored higher than you are being considered to move through the selection process. However, your interview score allows you to remain on the eligible list. As stated on the notification, you may be contacted if you are being considered for future vacancies with Portland Fire & Rescue.
I am on the eligible list for Entry-Level Firefighter, Recruitment 2025-00897, and I received an email stating that I was not considered for the first wave of interviews. How were candidates selected for the 1st wave of interviews?
Per the job posting, scores from the FireTeam test (all categories) and the PSSA1 were evaluated to select candidates to interview.
When will Portland Fire & Rescue consider interviewing additional candidates from the eligible list?
The recruiting office will contact candidates on the eligible list via email if they are invited to an interview. At this time, there is no timeline for the next wave of interviews for Recruitment 2025-00897. As stated in the notification, the eligible list will remain active for up to 12 months, and may be extended by the Fire Chief or designee. Continue to visit this link for updates.
I am on the eligible list for Lateral Firefighter, Recruitment 2025-00898. I received an email stating that I am currently on the eligible list. What is the next step in the process?
Candidates under consideration for an interview were contacted by email during the week of January 6, 2026. At this time, there is no timeline for the next wave of interviews for Recruitment 2025-00898. As stated in the notification, the eligible list will remain active for up to 12 months, and may be extended by the Fire Chief or designee. Continue to visit this link for updates.
I am on the eligible list for Lateral Firefighter, Recruitment 2025-00898. I did not receive an interview invitation for the 1st wave. How was the first wave selected?
Candidates with valid paramedic licenses were invited to interview due to operational needs.
I received a notification that I passed the panel interview for Lateral Firefighter, Recruitment 2025-00898, and will remain on the eligible list. What is the next step in the process?
Candidates with higher panel interview scores are being considered. Your passing score allows you to remain on the eligible list. Updates for this recruitment will be posted here. If you are being considered for a future fire academy, you will be contacted by email.
I received a notification that I did not meet all the minimum requirements to be placed on the eligible list for Recruitment 2025-00897. How can I check which requirement I did not meet?
Candidates should log into their National Testing Network (NTN) account and verify the following:
- Submitted FireTeam scores to Portland Fire & Rescue
- Completed the PSSA1 (this is different than the FireTeam test)
- Completed and provided proof of a valid CPAT within the date range of October 20, 2024, to November 17, 2025. Portland Fire & Rescue verified CPATs for candidates who used NTN for their CPAT.
- Did not meet the qualifying scores for one or more of the FireTeam categories. Refer to the notification for qualifying scores.
I applied for the current entry firefighter and lateral firefighter position. What is the next step?
Please refer to the job posting and review the recruitment process and the tentative timeline.
Entry-level firefighter applicants received an email notification on 12/5/2025.
Lateral firefighter applicants will receive a notification in early January 2026.
Check your Spam or Junk folders.
Portland Fire & Rescue has contacted NTN regarding an alleged data breach. What information is there to share?
PF&R is in contact with NTN, and at this time, there has been no confirmation of a data breach.
Why haven't I received an email about my application status?
All applicants received an email notification on 12/5/25 regarding their status. If you did not receive an email, it may be in your Spam or Junk Folder, or you did not submit an application through Government Jobs.com.
I am on Portland Fire & Rescue's eligible hire list. How many fire academies does it anticipate from this list?
We anticipate 2-4 fire academies from this list (subject to change). Each academy may range from 10 to 24 recruits.
How will Portland Fire & Rescue determine which list to select candidates from?
The Chief of the Bureau will evaluate the department's operational needs and hire candidates accordingly.
I am currently an alternate for the March 2026 fire academy. If my status changes, how and when will I be notified?
The recruiting office will contact alternates by email, and as needed.
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 detail
- were not relevant
- did not answer the question or all parts of the question
- did not demonstrate valued transferable 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 your peers to gain a broader perspective and a range of feedback. Repeated practice helps you hear how you articulate your thoughts, assess whether you speak clearly, and determine whether your answers are relevant and impactful. Voice recorders/apps are also helpful tools.
- Find ways to calm your nerves during the interview. Various techniques, such as deep breathing before starting, can often help calm nerves.
- Draw on perspectives from various personal and work experiences.
- Share details of your work, life, and personal experiences.
- Communicate as clearly as possible in the interview. Candidates are not expected to be professional speakers; however, the panel must be able to hear and understand the details of your response.
- Recognize if your answers to questions sound like you are summarizing your resume. We encourage you to share your characteristics and experiences as they were demonstrated.
- 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.
Could you provide more information about the Fire Chief Panel interview?
Candidates must complete each step before the Fire Chief Panel interview. The Fire Chief Interviews will be conducted before the start of the fire academy, and only candidates under consideration for that academy will be invited.
Is there a projected number of hires in 2025-2026?
Portland Fire & Rescue hires as vacancies occur and/or as the budget allows. We anticipate hiring 30-60 firefighters in 2025-2026 (subject to change).
When is the next firefighter recruitment?
Portland Fire & Rescue will update the website when future firefighter recruitments open. 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 should I contact to update my personal information, such as phone number, email address, and address?
Log in to your Government Jobs account and update any information.
Who should I contact if I would like to withdraw from the selection process?
Email Anna Morgan at Anna.morgan@portlandoregon.gov and Jaclyn Snyder at Jaclyn.snyder@portlandoregon.gov