Entry Firefighter
City of Hillsboro
The City of Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department
Hillsboro, Oregon, is one of the state's most diverse and dynamic cities, with over 111,000 residents. As Oregon's "high-tech hub," Hillsboro boasts a thriving economy, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces.
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, with an annual budget of over $43million, employs 154 personnel, including 144 sworn members. We provide exceptional emergency services, fire prevention, and community education across six strategically located stations within a 25.67 square mile area. Our commitment is to providing professionalism and excellence in every aspect of the services we provide.
Position Overview
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is creating an eligibility list for expected full-time vacancies for Firefighter EMT and Firefighter Paramedic, with placements beginning in August 2026. This list will be valid for one year from the closing date or until exhausted.
As a Firefighter EMT or Firefighter Paramedic, you will respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. You will also be responsible for maintaining fire stations, equipment, and apparatus, and participating in drills, training, and community outreach events. Duties include operating a variety of firefighting and medical equipment, participating in hazardous material incident response, assisting in fire prevention activities, and ensuring accurate documentation of incidents and patient care.
Compensation- Firefighter EMT: $77,004 - $110,532 Annually*
- Firefighter Paramedic Incentive Pay: 13%
- Starting Pay for those who are PERS/OPSRP eligible is $81,624. Those who are not PERS/OPSRP eligible at start of employment will have their salary increased once eligibility is earned.
Application Process
Step 1 Sign Up: Register at National Testing Network. Select Firefighter Jobs and Hillsboro Fire and Rescue.
Step 2 Written Exam: Schedule and complete the FireTEAM exam via the National Testing Network.
Step 3 Physical Abilities Test: Complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).
Step 4 Complete the standard application on the City of Hillsboro’s Career Opportunities page.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline*
*This schedule is subject to change based on City of Hillsboro needs.Application opens:
January 5, 2026
Application closes:
March 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PST)
Application reviews complete:
March 6, 2026
Mock Interview Training Session (optional)
March 11 – 12, 2026
First Round (Spark Hire One Way Video) Interviews:
March 16 to March 26, 2026
First Round (Spark Hire One Way Video) interviews evaluated by panel
March 30 – April 2, 2026
Second Round (Virtual) Interviews:
April 20 – 23, 2026
Final Round (In Person) Interviews (with Chiefs):
May 18 – 21, 2026
Selection and Offer:
May 27, 2026
Firefighter Academy 26-1:
August 24, 2026
Required Attachments- Resume and Cover Letter
- Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) results must be between July 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026.
- EMT License (State of Oregon or National Registry) or higher must be submitted by March 1, 2026
- Respond to emergency calls to provide fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services
- Support of fire prevention duties as assigned
- Maintenance of fire stations, equipment, and apparatus
- Participation in drills and training activities
- Active involvement in community outreach events as scheduled
Acceptable Experience and Training
Minimum Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age by the date of appointment
- Be in good physical health as determined by a medical examination
- High school diploma or equivalent, AND
- State or State of Oregon Emergency Medical Technician license or higher, or a National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Technician certification and ability to obtain Oregon reciprocity within three months of hire
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
Preferences- EMT Paramedic preference will be applied in the process
- Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference by submitting approved documentation with their application
Veterans’ Preference
Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference by submitting as verification of eligibility a copy of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) or a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service-connected pension. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted with your application in order to receive consideration.
Bilingual incentive pay available
Preference may be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish/English.
Employees who are qualified by the Department as bi-lingual in English and Spanish, or American Sign Language, or a language spoken by over ten (10%) percent of City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly premium of five (5%) percent of their regular base pay effective the first pay period following satisfactory completion of the testing process. Employees receiving bilingual pay will periodically be tested on their proficiency by the Human Resources Department. If an employee is no longer proficient in the language they are receiving premium for, the employee will no longer receive the five (5%) percent incentive.Additional Information
Diversity Commitment
Hiring a workforce reflecting the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.
Recruitment Information Sessions – Virtual Open House
Hillsboro Fire & Rescue will host three 45-minute virtual open houses to share information about the department, recruitment process, and firefighting careers. Please visit the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruitment website at https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/fire/join-us to access the session dates and links.
Contacts- Recruitment or Process Questions: Email us at Recruitment@Hillsboro-Oregon.gov
- National Testing Network (NTN) Score Transfer Request: NTN Score Transfer Request: Call (206) 428-3265 or use the Support Chat
- FAQs and General Info: Visit the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruitment website at https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/our-city/departments/fire/join-us
Benefits, Health Information, and Bargaining Agreements
Learn more about pay plans, benefits, health coverage, and applicable collective bargaining agreements: here