Fire & Rescue Career Interest Form
If you're interested in joining our team, connect with Hillsboro Fire & Rescue through our Fire & Rescue Career Interest form. Complete the form with your name, email, and phone number and select the positions that interest you. You’ll be notified when the next recruitment period opens.
Note: The Fire & Rescue Career Interest form goes directly to the staff at Hillsboro Fire & Rescue. To be notified about citywide opportunities, complete the City of Hillsboro Job Interest Card. You must submit your information separately for each.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License/Certification
Completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training course with the appropriate license/certification is required. Proof of licensure must be submitted on or before October 21, 2024.
Visit Oregon Health Authority on the State of Oregon's website to find local resources where you can 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.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Most EMT 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.
FireTEAM Exam
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.
Visit the National Testing Network to learn more, take a practice test, and schedule your exam.
Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
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.
Hiring Process
The hiring process is a series of steps with important milestones the require planning and scheduling.
- Obtain EMT license/certification
- Complete a FireTEAM exam
- Complete a Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
- Apply Online
- Interviews
- Conditional Offer of Employment
- Pre-Employment Screening
- Formal Offer of Employment
Interview Panels
Candidates will have 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. This formal interview is the final interview.
Pre-employment Screening
Applicants will undergo a medical exam that includes a comprehensive medical history, 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 a 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 successfully pass the pre-employment screening will be issued formal offers of employment and be invited to join the firefighter training academy.
Firefighter Training Academy
Once offered a position, all candidates must successfully complete the 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 700 hours of training. Candidates who can meet the challenges of the training academy will earn NFPA Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Wildland Firefighter I certifications, as well as training in Operations Level Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and basic Emergency Vehicle Operation.
The program includes comprehensive classroom instruction in addition to training in firefighting 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 successful completion of the training academy, recruits become Probationary Firefighters and move to Phase 2 of their training. Probationary firefighters are assigned to a front-line company to continue their training with an 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 duty crew for continued training and evaluation.
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