Become a Salem Firefighter

firefighters in full gear fight fire and smoke with hoses during trainingIf you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the Fire Service, consider applying for the position of Firefighter-Medic with the City of Salem when openings are available.

The Salem Fire Department seeks self-motivated, professional Firefighter/Paramedics to join our team. We welcome both new Paramedics and experienced Firefighter/Paramedics; fire experience is not required. The posted pay rate includes an additional 10% EMT-P premium pay per hour.

When applications are being accepted, qualified applicants with complete applications will be invited to participate in the paramedic skills assessment and evaluation process. Virtual testing is available for candidates from out-of-state or outside the area.

You can visit our HR website for more information and to check for current openings.

View City of Salem job opportunities for more information on how to apply.

Benefits & Incentives

Specialized Team Incentives When Assigned

  • 1% ARFF
  • 4% Hazardous Materials Team
  • 1% Technical Rescue/USAR Team
  • 1% Water Rescue Team
  • 2.5% SWAT Medic

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must pass the pre-employment drug test (including marijuana).
  • 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. 
  • Current certification as an Oregon Paramedic, or National Registry certification as a Paramedic and the ability to qualify for State of Oregon reciprocity, or possession of EMT-P from another state and be able to qualify for State of Oregon reciprocity. Minimum licensure requirements for Oregon Paramedic can be found at Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.
  • For non-Oregon Certified Paramedics - the Oregon State Health Authority determines equivalencies; you can contact them at 971-673-1222 or visit their website at Oregon Reciprocity. Applicants are responsible to obtain forms or information from this agency. Please start this process as early as possible.
  • Must complete CPAT testing prior and attach scores to your application prior to the job posting's closing date. See the "How Can I Apply?" section for more details on how to complete this step.
  • Must already possess (lateral applicants) or have the ability to obtain the NFPA Firefighter I and II or equivalent.
  • Must already possess (lateral applicants) or have the ability to obtain the NFPA Operations Level Responder (HazMat Ops).
  • 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.

Additional Minimum Qualifications For Lateral Applicants Only

  • Must be currently employed as a full-time Firefighter-Medic with at least three (3) years of paid experience as a Firefighter-Medic.
  • No Written or CPAT Test will be required for all Lateral Applicants.
  • Lateral status to be determined after successful completion of academy.

Preferred Qualifications For All Candidates

  • NFPA Driver.
  • NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) or equivalent.
  • Bilingual skills.

Selection Plan Includes

  • FireTEAM written examination from NTN.
  • Review of job application and completeness of all documentation required in the announcement.
  • Interviews 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.

Where Can I Find Out More About the Position?

  • Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Firefighter-Medic or view by clicking here.
  •  For more information on benefits, specialty pays, paid time off etc., view the IAAF Contract: 2019-2022

How Can I Apply?

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, go to the job announcement page and 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.

FireTEAM Written Exam and CPAT Testing:
1)  Submit a City of Salem job application on City's website, attach your resume, 5 year-court certified driving record obtained from DMV, and current Paramedic certification by the close date.
2)  Complete the FireTEAM written examination administered by National Testing Network (NTN) 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.
3)  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.
4)  Completion of the FireTEAM written examination, CPAT, EMS Paramedic skills assessment and a panel interview.
5)  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.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for twelve months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

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.