Which eligible lists are currently active?
Entry Level Firefighter Recruitment 2022-01564 is currently valid. Lateral Firefighter Recruitment 2022-01563 expired October 12, 2023.
I placed in the top 150 of the entry level firefighter eligibility list. 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 12-24 recruits.
Will there be an additional fire academy from eligible hire list 2022-01564?
Yes. Candidates who are being considered for the May 2024 fire academy have been contacted.
PF&R continuously evaluates vacancies/budget and will update the website if an additional academy will be selected from this list.
Should I apply for the upcoming entry level firefighter recruitment in 2024 if I am currently on the eligible hire list 2022-01564?
Candidates who are still interested in pursuing a career with Portland Fire & Rescue are highly encouraged to apply for the January 2024 entry level firefighter recruitment.
If eligible hire list 2022-01564 expires, will I be notified?
Yes. The recruiting office will notify all alternates/candidates on the eligible hire list by email when the list expires.
How will candidates on the final eligible list be notified if they are being considered for a future fire academy?
If a future fire academy is confirmed, the Recruiting Office will contact candidates in ranked order via email. Please send any changes to your contact information to Human Resources, Loan Tran at Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov.
Can I get more information regarding the Fire Chief's Interview?
Fire Chief's Interviews will be conducted prior to the start of a fire academy and only candidates being considered for that specific academy will be contacted by email. Candidates will only be invited to the Fire Chief's interview in ranked order as vacancies occur and/or budget allows. The Fire Chief's selection panel will interview candidates from the final ranked eligible list (candidates who have successfully passed all prior evaluation steps). Fire Chief's interview is pass/fail.
How will candidates on the final eligible list be notified if they are being considered for a Chief's Interview?
The Recruiting Office or Human Resources will contact candidates by email.
Can I review my panel/Chief's interview notes?
Portland Fire & Rescue's selection documents are not available for review.
Is there any way to get feedback about my panel interview?
We understand the value of receiving feedback about your interview to get a better understanding on how you can improve on future interviews. Below are a few suggestions:
- Practice, Practice, Practice - As with any skill, the more you do it, the better you will be at it. Practice with a variety of peers who have different careers to get a broader perspective and to get a range of feedback. Repeated practice allows you to hear yourself articulate your thoughts and see if you are speaking clearly and if your answers are relevant and impactful. Voice recorders/apps are a useful tool as well.
- Find ways to calm your nerves during the interview. Different techniques, such as deep breathing prior to start, can often calm the nerves.
- Draw on perspectives from various experiences.
- Share details of your work, life, personal experiences.
- Communicate clearly in the interview. Candidates are not expected to be professional speakers; however, it is important that the panel is able to 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 characteristics of yourself, along with experiences when these characteristics were displayed.
- Understand that interview questions generally do not have a wrong or right answer. Recognize when you're answering questions based on what you believe the panel wants to hear. Panelists want to hear your story. Be genuine. Be authentic.
- Understand your own biases and how they may reflect in your answers.
When is the next firefighter recruitment?
Portland Fire & Rescue will update the website when new information becomes available. Sign up to be notified when the application period opens. View the FAQ page to view requirements to apply. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Portland.gov
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).
Who do I contact if I need to update any of my personal information, phone, email, address?
Please send any updates to Human Resources Senior Recruiter: Loan Tran at Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov.