EMT Paramedic Preference

EMT Paramedic preference will be applied in the process.

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. Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted with your application

to receive consideration.

Bilingual Incentive Pay is Available

Preference may be given to bilingual candidates in Spanish/English and American Sign Language (ASL).

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL), or any language spoken by over ten percent (10%) of City residents as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, at a proficiency level determined by a fluency test administered by the City will receive a monthly premium of five percent (5%) of their regular base pay.

Firefighter EMT and Firefighter Paramedic positions with Hillsboro Fire & Rescue require CPR certification.

Most EMT training programs have a prerequisite requiring a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification at the time of enrollment. You can learn more about CPR certifications by visiting the American Red Cross website or searching online for American Heart Association – BLS Provider courses.

An active Oregon Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic license is required. Proof of license must be provided by the required deadline during active recruitment.

Inquire with your state Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification and licensing agency to learn about approved education programs and testing authorities.

For Oregon residents, visit the Oregon Health Authority on the State of Oregon's website to find approved education programs and learn more about the steps required to obtain an EMT license in the state of Oregon. 

Applicants who have a valid EMT or Paramedic license/certification from another state may apply for reciprocity. Reciprocity information is available on the Oregon Health Authority website. 

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue utilizes the National Testing Network (NTN) Firefighter Testing System (FireTEAM) exam. The exam consists of four parts:

• Human Relations
• Mechanical aptitude
• Reading
• Math

The total test time for the exam is approximately 2 hours and can be taken in person or virtually. The exam must be scheduled in advance. Allow enough time for test results to be sent to the departments for which you are applying.

For candidates who have previously taken the FireTEAM exam, ensure that the test result is valid within the required testing timeframe for the recruitment that you are applying.

Visit the National Testing Network to learn more, take a practice test, and schedule your exam.

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a series of physical tests that simulate firefighting activities. During this test, you will need to demonstrate that you have the stamina, strength, and agility needed to accomplish the tasks of a firefighter/EMT. Visit the National Testing Network (NTN) website to learn more about the CPAT exam.

NTN provides the CPAT in accordance with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) standards. The exam must be scheduled in advance. Allow enough time for test results to be sent to the departments for which you are applying.

It is never too early to start training! Building strength and endurance is important to pass the test. We recommend you take your physical fitness seriously. This will not only help you to be a more prepared candidate, but to have a long, healthy career as a firefighter/EMT wherever you are employed. 

Please Note: National Testing Network (NTN) may require candidates to create a profile and submit an application, but NTN applications will NOT be forwarded to Hillsboro Fire & Rescue nor considered as an official job application.

One-Way Video Interview

The first interview that candidates will have is a one-way video interview using a web-based video interview platform. Candidates will be asked a series of questions - they can read each question or watch a pre-recorded video of each question being read out loud, then record their responses. Tip: Do not skip any questions. For more tips and information about one-way video interviews, click here. 

Completed one-way video interviews will be reviewed and scored by a panel of made up of various members, staff, and other community professionals. Interviews are scored on a numerical basis.

Interview Panels

Candidates will participate in a series of panel interviews. These may be virtual or in-person. Candidates must successfully pass each interview to move forward in the process.

Interview panels are made up of various members, staff, and other community professionals. Interviews are scored on a numerical basis.

Chief's Interview

As final interview step in the hiring process, eligible firefighter candidates will meet with the Fire Chief and may meet with other executive fire officers in a panel interview. This formal interview is the final interview.

Pre-employment Screening

Candidates will undergo a medical exam that includes a comprehensive medical history, blood and urine samples, body fat composition, hearing/vision testing, treadmill, physical condition assessment and other related medical tests. You will be asked to provide complete and accurate information in a medical questionnaire and during the medical examination with the physician.

A background check will be conducted that includes a careful review of criminal history and driving record.

Offer of Employment

Candidates who pass the interview process will be issued a conditional offer of employment pending successful completion of the pre-employment screening.

Candidates that pass the pre-employment screening will be issued formal offers of employment and be invited to join the firefighter training academy.

Firefighter Training Academy

All candidates must successfully complete a Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruit Training Academy. Previous experience and certification does not change this requirement.

This physically and mentally intense 16-week program consists of approximately 450 hours of training. Candidates who meet the challenges of the training academy and complete their 12-month probationary period will achieve their NFPA Firefighter I, NFPA Firefighter II, NFPA Driver / Operator, Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certifications, as well as training and certification in vehicle extrication, Hazardous Materials awareness / operations, EMS skills, and other required training.

The program includes comprehensive classroom instruction in addition to training in firefighting and EMS techniques and equipment use. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Recruit Training is a hands-on, drill-intensive training program. Recruits are evaluated daily and must successfully complete all training elements to complete the program.

Firefighter Probation

Upon completion of the training academy, recruits become Probationary Firefighters and transition to station-based training as a member of an on-duty firefighting company. During Phase 2 of their training, Probationary firefighters are assigned to a front-line company to continue their training with a on-duty crew. Each probationary firefighter is assigned to a Field Training Officer who will evaluate their performance and training. Phase 3, the final phase of training, will be an assignment with a different on-duty crew for continued training and evaluation.