How To Become a Salem Firefighter

We are not currently accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedics. 
For information on other City of Salem employment opportunities visit the
City of Salem Job Opportunities Page

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and be a US citizen.
• Must be a High School Graduate or have completed a GED.
• Must possess current Oregon EMT Paramedic Certification. A provisional paramedic certification issued by the State of Oregon can be used (if hired) for up to 1 year (for non-Oregon paramedics).
• Candidates with National Registry Paramedic certification and Paramedic students who are graduating and waiting to take the next Oregon State test, may apply and be tested, but must attain Oregon certification during trial service period.
• The State of Oregon requires an Associate’s degree in “Paramedicine or the equivalent” if Paramedic certification was obtained after July 1, 1999. Equivalencies will be determined by the Oregon State Health Division (telephone 971-673-0533 or web site www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ems). Applicants are responsible to obtain forms or information from this agency. 
• Lateral applicants must demonstrate on the application current employment (in a full time capacity) by a Fire Department for a minimum of one full year in a paid, career status firefighter position and have certification by DPSST as Firefighter 1, in addition to current Oregon Paramedic certification. Applications with certification outside Oregon must possess certification equivalent to NFPA Firefighter 1.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Participate in competitive testing including, but not limited to, reading and writing, physical fitness testing, physical, vision, and hearing tests, and be able to pass a strict Background Investigation.

Entrance Examinations

Paramedics interested in entry level or lateral Firefighter/paramedic positions can contact the City of Salem Human Resources Department .  The current entrance examination consists of a written exam, oral interview, skills evaluation and a Physical Ability Test (PAT), ending with a Chief’s interview.  

Reciprocity

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) relocating to the State of Oregon may be eligible for certification. The Oregon Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Services has information on their web site about reciprocity

For more information please click on the link below to visit the Oregon Health Division's Emergency Medical Services and Systems, Reciprocity (also known as Certification by Endorsement) Web page.

Oregon Health Division Reciprocity Information Link