Are there opening and closing dates for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue accepting applications?

Yes. We will open the application period when we have a business need to establish an eligible list. The eligible list may last up to 12 months, and we will fill any current and future vacancies within this time period from the eligible list.

When can I apply?

We announce an open period during which we accept applications to participate in the examination. When our plans for new recruitment develop, we notify individuals who have signed up for alerts for the City of Hillsboro on GovernmentJobs.com.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

What do I need to do to prepare for applying?

a)   Obtain your EMT or Paramedic license by the required due date.

b)   Maintain your physical conditioning.

What do I need to do to apply? 

The posting will include all relevant information and key dates. When the application period is open:

a)   Register for Hillsboro Fire & Rescue on the National Testing Network’s site. Take the FireTEAM test (or associate your previous test score to Hillsboro Fire & Rescue).

b)   Submit an online application through the GovernmentJobs.com website.

c)   Successfully complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and include the documentation with your application. See the CPAT section for information about the physical abilities test requirements. The dates accepted for the CPAT will be listed in the posting.

When can I take the FireTEAM test?

You can take the FireTEAM test at any time. However, you can only submit your score to Hillsboro Fire & Rescue when the application period is open. You are responsible for knowing when your FireTEAM score expires. 

Is there a testing fee?

Yes. NTN charges a base fee for the FireTEAM test and an additional fee for each department to which you indicate to send your scores. Please check the NTN website for the fee amounts.

Can I apply for a fee waiver for the FireTEAM test?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue does not currently provide fee waivers for the FireTEAM test.

When are tests offered?

Virtual or on-site testing is available. Virtual testing availability will be displayed when you select Hillsboro Fire & Rescue as your department and advance in the registration process. On-site testing date availability is different for each testing center location. Click here to view upcoming examinations by date, state, profession, and testing location.

Can I repeat the FireTEAM test?

Yes, three months or more after your previous test.

Do repeat testers typically improve their scores?

National Testing Network has consistently found that candidate scores do not change much with re-tests. The video-based tests access situational judgment rather than knowledge a candidate can study and prepare for.

If I repeat the test and score lower the second time, can I choose to use my first score instead? 

No, your most recent test scores will be your score.

What does the testing consist of?

To learn more about the FireTEAM test components, please visit the NTN website. Study guides or other test preparation materials relevant to the tests that will be administered are not available, but for more detailed information and 30+ practice items, visit the FireTEAM Practice Test website. 

What is the other component of the exam?

Applicants who pass all components of the FireTEAM test with the pass points indicated and who pass the CPAT within the indicated date window will be invited to participate in an additional exam component: a recorded video interview. A panel of subject matter experts consisting of firefighter personnel and administrative staff will score this interview.

What is CPAT?

CPAT stands for Candidate Physical Ability Test. More information about this test may be found on the National Testing Network.

When should I schedule to complete the CPAT?

Candidates must have completed the CPAT within the specific date range of the application period's close date. 

Where can I complete the CPAT? 

You can complete the test with any licensed provider of the official IAFF/IAFC CPAT. National Testing Network (NTN) offers this test at testing facilities in several states. Select “CPAT Testing” from the NTN home page for testing locations and schedule your test.

Is there a testing fee?

Yes, NTN charges a base fee for the CPAT exam. Please check the NTN website for the fee amounts.

I’ve already passed the CPAT with NTN. Will I need to repeat it?

It depends on when you successfully completed the CPAT. The date for which your CPAT will be accepted will be listed in the posting.

I passed the CPAT, but I think I can do it faster than I initially did. Does my time completing the CPAT impact my eligible list ranking?

No, the time you completed the CPAT—assuming you met the time standard to pass it—has no consequence.

What is an eligible list? How long is the eligible list active? 

An eligible list is a list of candidates who have passed all components of the job examination process, placed in rank order based on their overall score. The list is then used to fill position vacancies. Typically, entrance-eligible lists expire 12 months from the date they were established. 

How and when will my Veterans’ Preference points be added?

First, you must pass all test components. Veterans’ preference points are added to the examination score for an overall score. 

When does Hillsboro Fire & Rescue typically begin a selection process?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue typically holds a recruit academy every 6-12 months for new Firefighter EMTs and Firefighter Paramedics. The selection process typically starts about five to six months before the academy start date. However, many variables affect our hiring timing, and a decision to fill firefighter vacancies can occur at any time. 

How will I be notified if I am invited to participate in the selection process?

You will be notified by email. To avoid having time-sensitive emails sent to your junk mail or spam folders, you may wish to add “*@hillsboro-oregon.gov” to your safe sender list in your email client.

What is evaluated in the panel interviews?

The questions in the Chief’s interview typically focus on some of the most critical competencies associated with success as a Firefighter EMT or Firefighter Paramedic, including Hillsboro Fire & Rescue’s core competencies and responder competencies.

If I advance from the Chief’s interviews phase, will I receive an offer if my background is clear?

Not necessarily. We typically advance a greater number of candidates to our process's backgrounding and reference phase than we have vacancies to fill. That means that some who advance will not receive an offer.

What does that mean if I receive a contingent offer of employment?

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successfully completing the required background check and medical evaluation.

What does the post-offer physical examination entail?

The physical exam is conducted by a designated physician who understands Hillsboro Fire & Rescue’s standards in relation to physical/medical conditions that may disqualify individuals from employment as firefighters. These standards generally follow those outlined in National Fire Protection Association publication 1582. 

I have a medical condition or previous injury from which I have recovered. Will that condition/injury prohibit me from a career as a firefighter at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue?

NFPA 1582 describes many “category A” medical conditions that would likely disqualify you from a career at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue as a firefighter. The physician’s examination is designed to carefully evaluate each individual’s condition and determine fitness for duty. As each person’s circumstances differ, the post-offer physical examination determines whether a medical condition or previous injury will categorically disqualify someone.

If I am found to have a medical condition that disqualifies me from a career as a firefighter at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue as long as it exists, would my offer be rescinded?

Yes.

I currently have my EMS license from another state. Do I have to have an EMT or Paramedic license from the state of Oregon?

You may apply with a license from any state or National Registry certification. You will be required to have your Oregon license prior to employment. If your license is from another state, contact the Oregon Health Authority to understand the process and requirements to establish reciprocity.

Do you typically hire more EMTs or more Paramedics for each academy?

Typically, academies are comprised of a balance of EMTs and Paramedics based on the department’s needs. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue is constantly evaluating the capabilities of its workforce to have the right combination of skills while being responsible with operating costs.

I don’t have an Oregon driver’s license. Is that a requirement?

No, we don’t require an Oregon driver’s license; we require a license valid in Oregon. For example, if you live in Washington and have a valid Washington driver’s license, your Washington license is valid in Oregon. However, if you now live in Oregon but still have a Washington driver’s license because you did not get an Oregon license after moving here, then your license is not valid in Oregon. Refer to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles website for further information.

I have had some convictions and/or some traffic violations in my history. How do I know if those will disqualify me from consideration?

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue does not apply any blanket policy considering candidate conviction histories and driving records, but we review circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We consider the obligation to protect our community and what a conviction history and/or driving record indicates about a candidate’s judgment, respect for the law, maturity, and general character. Crimes against persons and property crimes are taken very seriously due to our firefighters' access to persons and homes when called to a scene. 

What if I was convicted of something, but it was expunged?

Be sure to report all arrests and convictions accurately, as requested on background investigation forms and in interviews. Note any dismissals of charges and/or expunging of convictions. 

I have some significant convictions in my past, but they do not represent the person I am today. How can I make sure those don’t pose an obstacle to being selected for a position?

You must make a compelling case for why the City of Hillsboro and Hillsboro Fire & rescue should consider you in light of your conviction history. You may do this on the application itself, or if you feel you can be more effective by attaching a separate statement, we encourage you to do so.

How can I stand out among the field of candidates?

The three interview components of our process (a one-way Spark Hire video interview, a virtual panel interview, and an on-site Chief’s panel interview) offer the best opportunities to differentiate yourself as a great candidate.

Our interviews aim to understand whether you possess the critical competencies for the role you're applying for. Examples of the competencies we look for in candidates include customer focus, teamwork, and ethical integrity. A complete list can be found in the job description. Spend time thinking about how you have demonstrated each competency at work or in your personal life.

We recommend using the STAR (Situation/Task/Action/Result) method when answering interview questions. This web article, called "How To Use the STAR Interview Response Technique", introduces this technique and offers suggestions on preparing for an interview.

How long is the recruit academy, and what is the schedule?

A typical firefighter training academy lasts 16 weeks. The academy schedule is usually four 10-hour days, 7 am—5 pm, four days per week.

What is the training like in the academy?

The paid academy includes classroom and hands-on fire and emergency medical services training. Recruits will also participate in daily workouts.

What happens after the academy?

After the end of the academy, recruits enter the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) phase. Each recruit is assigned to a station to begin shift work as a crew member at one of our fire stations. Each recruit is assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) on that shift to provide further guidance and instruction. For the remainder of the trial service period, the recruit may have one or more additional assignments working with a different crew and FTO. 

Do you have a volunteer firefighter program?

No, our department doesn’t have a program for volunteer firefighters or apprentices.

Do you offer ride-alongs in your department?

Generally, yes. Anyone from the community can request a 2-hour ride along with our department. An application and background check are required for all ride alongs. Processing can take 1-2 weeks, and scheduling depends on availability.

To be equitable to as many people as possible and to ensure fairness, a ride along is not granted to candidates involved in an active recruitment process.

What is the on-duty shift schedule, and when does the shift start?

Our Firefighter EMTs and Firefighter Paramedics work a 24/48 shift, meaning they work for 24 hours on duty and then are off for 48 hours until the next assigned shift. Generally, the shift starts and ends at 8 am.

Do you have any recommendations for EMT schools?

Applicants interested in earning their EMT and Paramedic licenses should contact their state Emergency Medical System (EMS) Licensing agency. They can provide you with a list of approved EMT programs.

How many candidates do you hire for each firefighter academy?

The number of candidates we hire for each academy depends on department needs. Firefighter academies can vary in size from 2 to 10 recruits.

During the firefighter academy, are there overnight accommodations for candidates?

We do not provide any overnight accommodations for candidates during the firefighter academy. 

Is there preference given to individuals who have earned their Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and other similar qualifications?

These qualifications are not given preference in the firefighter recruitment process. Preference is only given to veterans and those who demonstrate bilingual language skills.

Are there any opportunities for advanced training and participation on a specialty team like technical rescue, Hazmat, or airport rescue (ARFF) firefighting?

All firefighters receive training throughout the year on various topics, including technical rescue, hazmat, and aircraft emergency response. Once a recruit firefighter has completed their probationary period and recruitment is open, they may apply to our department’s Technical Rescue team as opportunities become available.

Do you offer any single paramedic roles?

Not currently. All our Firefighter EMT and Firefighter Paramedic positions are for two or four-person crew assignments. 

If I still have more questions, may I contact you?

Yes, please email us at Recruitment@hillsboro-oregon.gov if you have questions not answered above or in the job announcement.  

General Scholarship Information from the US Department of Education:

Emergency Medicine (EMT/Paramedic) Scholarships:

• Bound Tree Legacy Scholarship Program

Children of EMT/Firefighter/Paramedic are eligible.

• Michael J. Latta EMS Scholarship Foundation

Students seeking a Paramedic degree are eligible.

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

Students of color who do not hold an EMS certification are eligible.

• Nitro Scholarship

• Paramedic Network Scholarship

Scholarships from Local Schools in Oregon with Paramedic Programs:

• Chemeketa Community College Scholarships

• Clark Community College Scholarships

• Columbia Gorge Community College Scholarships

• Oregon Institute of Technology Scholarships

• Portland Community College Scholarships