Firefighting Jobs in the Western US
Career firefighting positions are highly competitive. We list these openings to help local fire departments reach more applicants. We also want to bring more visibility to volunteer firefighter programs, where aspiring firefighters can gain the training, experience and references that paid positions look for.
Firefighting jobs in Oregon
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Firefighter EMT Basic and EMT Paramedic
Gresham Fire Department · Gresham, ORFull-time, entry-level Pay $80,437 to $117,324 a year Closes November 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)Gresham's entry-level recruitment for firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics. Applicants apply to the city, take the FireTEAM written test and CPAT, and complete a personal history questionnaire.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's license
- Oregon EMT Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic
- CPAT
- FireTEAM written test
View full posting and apply: Firefighter EMT Basic and EMT Paramedic, Gresham Fire Department (opens in a new tab) Gresham Fire Department in the directory
Source: City of Gresham careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted September 18, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Operations
Medford Fire Department · Medford, ORFull-time, chief officer, 9/80 schedule Pay $151,256.60 to $193,046.00 a year Closes November 4, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)Medford is hiring a Deputy Fire Chief to lead its operations division, the department's largest, as part of the Fire Chief's executive team.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or GED
- 15 years of firefighting and EMS, 5 in a supervisory role and 1 as a battalion chief or equivalent
- Oregon driver's license
- Firefighter II, Fire Officer IV, Instructor II, FFT1, Incident Safety Officer and ICS 400 within one year
View full posting and apply: Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Operations, Medford Fire Department (opens in a new tab) Medford Fire Department in the directory
Source: City of Medford careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 21, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Shift Captain
North Lincoln Fire & Rescue · Lincoln City, ORFull-time, company officer, 48/96 shifts Pay $79,373 to $96,596 Closes November 13, 2026Recruiting a shift captain, the company officer who leads a crew, on a 48/96 schedule.
View full posting and apply: Shift Captain, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue (opens in a new tab) North Lincoln Fire & Rescue in the directory
Source: Daily Dispatch, a copy of the department's posting (official posting not found) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter EMT/Paramedic
Rogue River Fire District (Jackson County Fire District 1) · Gold Hill, ORFull-time, entry-level, 48/96 shifts Pay $68,854 to $84,777 a year Closes November 16, 2026 (applications open October 19)Filling immediate openings and building a two-year hiring list. The physical ability test, oral interview and firefighter and EMT skills tests are December 5, 2026.
Requirements in the posting:
- FireTEAM written test
- Physical ability test
View full posting and apply: Firefighter EMT/Paramedic, Rogue River Fire District (Jackson County Fire District 1) (opens in a new tab) Rogue River Fire District (Jackson County Fire District 1) in the directory
Source: Daily Dispatch, a copy of the department's posting (official posting not found) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Fire Chief
Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District · Clatskanie, ORFull-time, fire chief Pay $145,000 to $170,000 a year Closes November 16, 2026The district's chief executive, leading a combination career and volunteer department that covers more than 135 square miles of Columbia County.
View full posting and apply: Fire Chief, Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District (opens in a new tab) Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District in the directory
Source: Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District website (home page notice dated October 1, 2026) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Forestry Technician I, Wildland Crewmember
Clackamas Fire District No. 1 · Boring, ORFull-time seasonal Pay $20.00 to $21.63 an hour Closes November 30, 2026 (applications open November 1)Seasonal wildland crewmember on Clackamas Fire's wildland crew, based at 28655 SE Highway 212 in Boring.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older at appointment
- NWCG S-130, S-190, L-180 and ICS-100/700 by appointment
- Work Capacity Test at the arduous level
- Driver's license at hire
View full posting and apply: Forestry Technician I, Wildland Crewmember, Clackamas Fire District No. 1 (opens in a new tab) Clackamas Fire District No. 1 in the directory
Source: Clackamas Fire District careers (GovernmentJobs) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Forestry Technician II, Wildland Senior Crewmember
Clackamas Fire District No. 1 · Boring, ORFull-time seasonal Pay $23.00 to $24.72 an hour Closes November 30, 2026 (applications open November 1)Seasonal senior crewmember on Clackamas Fire's wildland crew, for firefighters with at least three years of wildland experience.
Requirements in the posting:
- 3 years of wildland firefighting as FFT2
- FFT1 requirements and S-290 completed
- Work Capacity Test at the arduous level
- Driver's license at hire
View full posting and apply: Forestry Technician II, Wildland Senior Crewmember, Clackamas Fire District No. 1 (opens in a new tab) Clackamas Fire District No. 1 in the directory
Source: Clackamas Fire District careers (GovernmentJobs) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Clackamas Fire District No. 1 · Milwaukie, ORFull-time, entry-level shifts Pay $73,474 to $113,335 a year Closes December 13, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)Clackamas Fire is hiring firefighters with an EMT or paramedic license. Candidates who meet the minimums are invited to a recorded panel interview the week of December 21, 2026.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's license and acceptable driving record
- EMT-Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic license (state or NREMT) at application
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Clackamas Fire District No. 1 (opens in a new tab) Clackamas Fire District No. 1 in the directory
Source: Clackamas Fire District careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 15, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Keizer Fire District · Keizer, ORFull-time, entry-level Pay $82,550 to $102,775 a year Closes Continuous (open list)Keizer keeps an open civil service list for firefighter/paramedics and interviews as openings come up. Applicants take a written test and answer a supplemental questionnaire.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or GED
- Oregon paramedic license
- CPAT card
- NFPA Firefighter I
- NFPA Driver/EVOC or equivalent
- NFPA Instructor I within 12 months of hire
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Keizer Fire District (opens in a new tab) Keizer Fire District in the directory
Source: Keizer Fire District careers page · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
Firefighting jobs in Washington
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Burlington Fire Department · Burlington, WAFull-time, entry-level or lateral, 48/96 shifts Pay See posting Closes October 30, 2026The city's 30-member department works 48/96 shifts from one central station and answers about 4,600 calls a year.
Requirements in the posting:
- Entry-level: Firefighter I within 12 months of hire
- Entry-level: National Registry Paramedic by hire
- Lateral: 24 months full-time in the last 36
- Lateral: Firefighter I and National Registry Paramedic
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Burlington Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: Western Fire Chiefs Association job board, a copy of the city's posting (official posting not found) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Hoquiam Fire Department · Hoquiam, WAFull-time, entry-level and lateral Pay $7,029 to $8,809 a month Closes October 31, 2026Entry-level applicants test through the testing services named in the posting; lateral applicants use the City of Hoquiam application.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- CPAT
- Paramedic or enrolled in paramedic school
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Hoquiam Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: Western Fire Chiefs Association job board, a copy of the city's posting (official posting not found) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Assistant Chief of Operations
Whatcom County Fire District #1 · Everson, WAFull-time, chief officer Pay See posting Closes November 2, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Oversees personnel, coordinates emergency response and helps the fire chief with strategic planning.
Source: Whatcom County Fire District #1 website (the posting and APPLY HERE link are on the home page) · Checked October 13, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Bremerton Fire Department · Bremerton, WAFull-time, lateral Pay $91,936.08 to $152,561.28 a year Closes November 10, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Bremerton is hiring lateral firefighter/paramedics with at least a year of career experience. Applicants who meet the minimums may be invited to an oral board interview.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- National Registry or Washington paramedic
- 1 year as a paid career firefighter/paramedic and completed probation
- IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter I and Hazmat Ops
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Bremerton Fire Department (opens in a new tab) Bremerton Fire Department in the directory
Source: City of Bremerton careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 26, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Lewis County Fire District #6 · Chehalis, WAFull-time, entry-level or lateral, hiring list for early 2027 Pay See posting Closes November 12, 2026Creating a hiring list for a possible opening in early 2027. Interviews are planned for the week after the deadline.
Requirements in the posting:
- Cover letter
- resume and certificates
- CPAT before hire
Source: Western Fire Chiefs Association job board, a copy of the district's posting (official posting not found) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Tacoma Fire Department · Tacoma, WAFull-time, entry-level Pay $36.19 to $50.14 an hour Closes November 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Building an eligible list. The in-person written exam is planned for December 15 or 16, 2026, with no alternate dates.
Requirements in the posting:
- EMT
- CPAT within 6 months before hire
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Tobacco-free for two years
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Tacoma Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: City of Tacoma careers (GovernmentJobs), job 4001-26 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/EMT
Seattle Fire Department · Seattle, WAFull-time, entry-level Pay $43.22 to $53.52 an hour Closes November 17, 2026 (written test scores due November 24)Seattle's once-a-year entry-level application window. Top candidates are invited to oral boards January 20 to 30, 2027, for a recruit class planned for February 2027.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older at hire
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's license
- FireTEAM and PSSA written tests
- EMT by hire
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/EMT, Seattle Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: City of Seattle careers (GovernmentJobs), Firefighter - 2026/2027 Civil Service Exam · Posted October 6, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Aberdeen Fire Department · Aberdeen, WAFull-time, lateral, 24-48-24-96 schedule Pay $8,277 to $9,492 a month Closes December 31, 2026 (10:00 a.m.)Aberdeen is hiring experienced firefighter/paramedics. Qualified applicants are invited to an oral board when the city sets up its lateral eligibility list; no CPAT is required.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Washington or National Registry paramedic
- 12 months as a full-time career firefighter/paramedic
- Washington driver's license (or by hire)
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Aberdeen Fire Department (opens in a new tab) Aberdeen Fire Department in the directory
Source: City of Aberdeen careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 1, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Tumwater Fire Department · Tumwater, WAFull-time, entry-level Pay $86,652 to $123,792 a year Closes January 31, 2027 (5:00 p.m.)Tumwater is hiring entry-level firefighters. Applicants need a Public Safety Testing score above 80% sent to the city; new hires complete a recruit academy and earn their Washington EMT certification within a year.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or GED
- 21 or older at appointment
- Washington driver's license
- Public Safety Testing score above 80%
- CPAT before appointment
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Tumwater Fire Department (opens in a new tab) Tumwater Fire Department in the directory
Source: City of Tumwater careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 1, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Kennewick Fire Department · Kennewick, WAFull-time, entry-level Pay $88,656 to $116,664 a year Closes Test scores accepted continuouslyKennewick accepts Public Safety Testing scores continuously for one firefighter vacancy.
The pay shown is from the City of Kennewick firefighter recruitment page (2026 steps).
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's license
- Written test score of 70% or higher
- CPAT
- Washington EMT within one year of appointment
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Kennewick Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: Public Safety Testing · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic
Longview Fire Department · Longview, WAFull-time, entry-level Pay Firefighter/EMT $71,914 to $110,637 a year; Firefighter/Paramedic $82,055 to $121,701 a year Closes ContinuousLongview keeps entry-level eligibility lists for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics, with applications open continuously and assessment centers and interviews as needed. Candidates first pass Public Safety Testing's written exam and CPAT.
Requirements in the posting:
- Driver's license
- Public Safety Testing written exam
- CPAT within 12 months
- EMT (Washington or National Registry), with an associate degree or paramedic certification
- Paramedic track: paramedic with ACLS, PALS and PHTLS
Source: City of Longview careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted September 9, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Kirkland Fire Department · Kirkland, WAFull-time, entry-level, multiple openings, continuous posting Pay $99,047.99 to $133,848.63 a year Closes Continuous (Public Safety Testing scores by February 1, 2027)Kirkland takes entry-level firefighter test scores through Public Safety Testing all year and reviews them once a year in February; the next hiring process begins February 2027. Recruits complete a paid 14-week academy followed by a 5-week EMT class.
Requirements in the posting:
- 19 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Legally able to work in the U.S.
- Driver's license
- Public Safety Testing written test and CPAT
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Kirkland Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: City of Kirkland careers (GovernmentJobs), Entry Level Firefighter (Multiple Vacancies) · Posted January 15, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction, Inspections, and Investigations
Spokane County Fire District 9 · Mead, WAChief officer, weekly administrative duty chief rotation Pay $183,712 to $198,856 a year, depending on qualifications Closes Open until filled (first review October 4, 2026)Leads the district's community risk reduction programs: fire prevention and inspections, development and fire plans review, and fire investigation, including origin and cause. Takes a weekly turn as the administrative chief on duty.
Requirements in the posting:
- Associate's degree in fire or public administration preferred (bachelor's degree highly competitive); equivalent education and experience considered
- Progressively responsible fire service experience, with significant fire prevention, risk reduction, investigation or code enforcement experience
- Experience with origin-and-cause investigations and fire plans review
Source: Prothman, the district's recruiting firm (Spokane County Fire District 9 recruitment) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Assistant Fire Chief
Paine Field Airport · Everett, WAChief officer, second in command Pay $121,758 to $155,398 a year, depending on qualifications Closes Open until filled (first review October 1, 2026)Second in command of the airport's fire department, covering aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) and structural fire protection, and acting for the chief when delegated or in the chief's absence.
Requirements in the posting:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Fire Officer III
- 2 years as a chief officer in an ARFF and structural department
- Job-related testing
View full posting and apply: Assistant Fire Chief, Paine Field Airport (opens in a new tab)
Source: Snohomish County careers (GovernmentJobs) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
Firefighting jobs in Idaho
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Madison Fire Department · Rexburg, IDFull-time shifts, 2 positions, senior firefighter/paramedics first Pay $53,668 to $93,446 a year Closes November 1, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Experienced firefighter/paramedics get priority; firefighter/paramedics and firefighter/EMTs are also considered. Serves Madison County, including Rexburg and Sugar City.
View full posting and apply: Firefighter/Paramedic, Madison Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: Madison Fire Department employment page · Checked October 13, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Teton County Fire Protection District · Driggs, IDFull-time, 48/96 shifts, 2 to 3 positions Pay Probationary firefighter/paramedic $71,194 a year; firefighter/paramedic $77,541; senior firefighter/paramedic $80,984 (probationary firefighter/EMT $63,832) Closes November 30, 2026 (positions may be filled sooner)Teton County Fire & Rescue is a combination department with three stations, answering about 1,200 calls a year. Applicants test through Public Safety Testing.
Requirements in the posting:
- EMT (paramedic preferred)
- Public Safety Testing exam
Source: Teton County Fire Protection District website (Join the Crew page) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
Firefighting jobs in Nevada
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Firefighter/Paramedic
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District · Reno, NVFull-time, entry-level Pay $27.14 to $35.31 an hour Closes November 11, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)Truckee Meadows Fire is hiring entry-level firefighter/paramedics. New hires complete the district's fire academy and earn Firefighter I and II.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Driver's license
- CPAT
- NTN written exam
- Nevada or National Registry paramedic before the EMS skills evaluation
Source: Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 21, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter and Firefighter/Paramedic
Carson City Fire Department · Carson City, NVFull-time, entry-level Pay Firefighter $70,304.50 to $87,801.02 a year; Firefighter/Paramedic $79,542.74 to $99,338.11 a year Closes November 30, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Carson City is building an eligibility list for entry-level firefighters and firefighter/paramedics. Testing is the National Testing Network written exam and a CPAT, each within the last 12 months.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or GED
- Driver's license at application
- EMT-B or AEMT (Nevada or National Registry); paramedic track: NREMT-P or Nevada paramedic with ACLS, PALS and PHTLS
- NTN written exam
- CPAT
Source: Carson City careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 5, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter
Reno Fire Department · Reno, NVFull-time, entry-level Pay $67,558.40 to $91,611.52 a year Closes ContinuousReno takes applications continuously and is hiring for an academy expected in early 2027; for that round, applications and updated supporting documents are due November 11, 2026. Applicants take the National Testing Network fire exam, then apply at Reno.gov/jobs.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Driver's license
- EMT
- CPAT
- NTN fire exam
View full posting and apply: Firefighter, Reno Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: City of Reno careers (GovernmentJobs) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter Recruit
Sparks Fire Department · Sparks, NVFull-time, entry-level Pay $83,574.40 a year Closes Continuous (NTN testing by November 5, 2026 for the January/February 2027 academy)Sparks takes firefighter recruit applications year-round. Candidates who finish National Testing Network testing by November 5, 2026 are considered for the January/February 2027 academy; the next round is for fall 2027.
Requirements in the posting:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- CPAT within 12 months
- EMT (Nevada or National Registry) and CPR at application
- Nevada driver's license at hire
- Nevada Firefighter I within one year
View full posting and apply: Firefighter Recruit, Sparks Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: City of Sparks careers (GovernmentJobs) · Posted October 22, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
Firefighting jobs in California
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H-2 Firefighter
San Francisco Fire Department · San Francisco, CAFull-time, entry-level recruit academy Pay $100,464 to $154,960 a year Closes November 6, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Applicants by the deadline are considered for recruit classes 139 and 140, with one interview cycle for both.
The pay shown is from the City of San Francisco H002 Firefighter pay plan, effective July 1, 2026.
Requirements in the posting:
- 20 or older at hire
- High school diploma or GED
- California driver's license
- EMT
- FCTC statewide eligibility list (written test and CPAT)
View full posting and apply: H-2 Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Department (opens in a new tab)
Source: San Francisco Fire Department · Checked October 13, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter Recruit-EMT
Alameda County Fire Department · Dublin, CAFull-time, entry-level recruit Pay $42.74 an hour ($88,899 a year) Closes November 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)Entry-level EMT firefighter recruits, who complete the department's training.
Requirements in the posting:
- 18 or older
- California driver's license
- CPAT within 12 months
- FCTC written test and eligibility list
Source: County of Alameda job board (JobAps, the county's application system) · Posted September 28, 2026 · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
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Firefighter Recruit-Paramedic
Alameda County Fire Department · Dublin, CAFull-time, entry-level recruit Pay $42.74 an hour ($88,899 a year) Closes November 13, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)The paramedic track of Alameda County Fire's recruit hiring, with the same deadline as the EMT track.
Source: County of Alameda job board (JobAps, the county's application system) · Checked October 26, 2026. The posting has the full details and the final word.
No current openings to show. Check back soon. Meanwhile, volunteering builds the experience the next opening will ask for.
EMT and paramedic jobs outside firefighting, such as on an ambulance, are on the EMS jobs page, and inspectors, dispatchers, mechanics and office staff on the support jobs page.
Departments and agencies to watch
No opening is listed for these right now. Check their pages for the next recruitment.
- Portland Fire & Rescue: hiring from its 2025 entry-level and lateral lists, with no application window open. Starting pay was $83,929 to $111,538 a year as of July 2025. Its site says it will be updated when the next recruitment opens. (directory listing)
- Hillsboro Fire & Rescue: its January 2026 entry firefighter recruitment closed March 1, for an academy that started in August 2026. The department usually holds a recruit academy every 6 to 12 months; the next window is not announced. (directory listing)
- Salem Fire Department: hires firefighter-medics (paramedics) when it has openings. (directory listing)
- Corvallis Fire Department: its 2026 Firefighter/EMT recruitment closed April 26. The city posts the next one on its employment page. (directory listing)
- Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority: its firefighter/paramedic and single-role paramedic hiring list closed to applications September 30, 2026. (directory listing)
- Pendleton Fire & Ambulance: its firefighter/paramedic eligibility list posting asked for applications by 9:00 a.m. August 24, 2026 for the first review. Voters decide a five-year levy on November 3, 2026 that would fund six more firefighter/paramedics. (directory listing)
- Jackson County Fire Districts 3, 4 and 5: one joint application for entry-level and experienced firefighters, with a hiring list for each district. The 2026 application closed September 27. (directory listing)
- Bend Fire & Rescue: hires firefighter/paramedics in cycles, most recently closing April 17, 2026. Its careers page takes interest cards for notice of the next test. (directory listing)
- Albany Fire Department: its 2026 entry-level and lateral Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic recruitment was open until filled. See the city's job status page for whether it is still taking applications. (directory listing)
- US Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (wildland fire): the permanent wildland fire hire for the 2027 season closed September 22, 2026. Temporary seasonal fire jobs are posted on USAJOBS; search for "Forestry Technician (Fire)" in Oregon.
- Oregon Department of Forestry (wildland fire): seasonal firefighter recruitment begins in late winter through early spring, through the Oregon State Jobs portal.
How to get hired: what fire departments look for
Most firefighter jobs require Firefighter I certification (or completing a fire academy), an EMT or paramedic license, a physical ability test such as the CPAT, a valid driver's license, and a competitive hiring process. Every department runs its own process, and the posting is the final word. Most follow these steps:
- Meet the basic requirements. Usually at least 18, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license and a clean background.
- Earn the certifications. Entry-level jobs usually ask for Firefighter I, or completion of a fire academy, and an EMT license. Many openings, and higher pay, go to paramedics. Each state has its own certifying agencies: in Oregon, firefighter certifications come from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), and EMT and paramedic licenses from the Oregon Health Authority. Many fire departments train their volunteers to the EMT level; see volunteering as an EMT.
- Pass the physical ability test. Many departments ask for a current CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) card; others run their own test.
- Test and interview. Expect a written test, an oral board and often a chief's interview, then a background check, a medical exam and sometimes a psychological evaluation.
- Get on the eligibility list. Departments rank the candidates who pass and hire from that list as positions open.
What makes a candidate stand out
Hiring panels look for real emergency experience, a record of training, community service and references from fire officers who have seen you show up and work. Volunteering at a local fire department builds all of these, and many departments provide the training and protective gear at no cost. Learn about volunteering or find departments recruiting volunteers.
Listings are compiled from public sources and may change. Always confirm details and deadlines on the official posting. Last updated: October 26, 2026.