Entry Level Firefighter/Medic

Salary: 
Monthly: $6,597.15 – $8,418.31 (based on 56-hour work week)

(With 10% EMT-P $7,438.34 - $9,259.50 (if applicable)

The City of Salem is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. The Fire Academy is tentatively scheduled to begin in March of 2026, with at least 12 immediate openings. The Fire Academy is scheduled for 13 weeks and will be on a 4/10 schedule Monday – Thursday. Anyone with a desire to pursue a challenging and rewarding career in the Fire Service is encouraged to apply. 

The Salem Fire Department is seeking self-motivated, professional Firefighter/Paramedics to become a part of our organization. Fire experience is not required, new Paramedics as well as experienced Firefighter/Paramedics are encouraged to apply. 

Following an application review, qualified applicants with complete applications will be invited to the skills assessment and interview process.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• 24hr on duty – 72hrs off duty Work Schedule (with debit days)
• 6% City Paid PERS pick up (Including IAP deferral) 
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• The City offers an excellent compensation and benefits package which can be found by clicking here.
• Annual NFPA 1582 Firefighter Physicals
• 5% Bilingual Incentive (after 6 months, if qualified)
• Peer Team
• Health and Wellness Team
• Honor Guard
• Technical Rescue Team (Rope, Trench, Confined Space)
• Water Rescue Team with Rescue Boat Operations
• ARFF Personnel staffed at Fire Station #6 (Airport)
• SWAT Medics with Salem PD
• Regional State Hazardous Materials Team (Hazmat #13)

What are the minimum qualifications? 

• Must pass the pre-employment drug test (including marijuana).
• Possess and maintain a valid Oregon Class C Driver License or out-of-state equivalent and have a driving record that meets the City of Salem's standards.
• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must pass competitive testing process including physical fitness testing, oral, written, medical, and psychological assessments, and an extensive background investigation.
• Associate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning (refer to Oregon reciprocity rules for exceptions).
• Oregon's minimum standards for paramedic license requirements can be found in ORS 682 and OAR333-265.
• Oregon Paramedic or, National Registry certification as a Paramedic and the ability to qualify for State of Oregon reciprocity.
• Honorable discharge from military service, if applicable.
• Ability to obtain NFPA Firefighter I and II Certification or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain NFPA Operations Level Responder (HazMat Ops).

The Oregon State Health Authority determines equivalencies; you can contact them at (971) 673-1222. Minimum licensure requirements for Oregon Paramedic can be found at this link: Oregon Reciprocity Information. Applicants are responsible to obtain forms or information from this agency. Please start this process as early as possible.

How can I apply?

1. Complete the Fire TEAM written examination administered by National Testing Network (NTN) and achieve passing score. Test must be taken and completed by the time of submission of application. Register and take the test by clicking here.  The candidate must indicate Salem Fire Department as a point of application with NTN. Must achieve minimum passing score in the following:

1. Complete the CPAT administered by National Testing Network (NTN). This physical agility must be taken and completed by the time of submission of application. Register and take the CPAT by Clicking here.  The candidate must indicate Salem Fire Department as a point of application with NTN.
2. Submit a City of Salem job application on City's website through NeoGov. Attach your resume, NTN and CPAT results to the applications and current Paramedic certification by the close date. 
3. Successful completion of the Fire TEAM written examination, CPAT, EMS Paramedic skills assessment, and a panel interview will be required for employment.
4. Complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). You can access the questionnaire through your candidate account on NTN.  PHQ must be completed by the time of application.

Virtual testing available for out of State or area candidates

Selection plan includes:
•Fire TEAM written examination from NTN 
•Review of job application and completeness of all documentation required in the announcement 
•Interview Panel and Paramedic skills evaluation 
•CPAT Physical Agility Test offered by National Training Site
•Chief's interview 
•Finalists who successfully complete the selection process will, after a conditional job offer, go through an extensive background investigation, medical and psychological assessment, and drug testing. City of Salem is a drug free workplace, including marijuana. 

For more information on benefits, specialty pay, paid time off etc. Click the IAFF Local #314 Contract: 2023-2026

Where can I find out more about the position?

• Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Firefighter-Medic  
• Go to City of Salem Website or click the following link Become a Salem Firefighter | Salem, Oregon (cityofsalem.net)

About us:
Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

EEO/Women, veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application.  Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN IMPLIED CONTRACT AND MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE

Salary : $31 - $39