Fire Department · Career
Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau
Portland, OR · Multnomah County
largest fire department in Oregon
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Portland Fire & Rescue has served the city of Portland since 1883, growing into a full-service metropolitan department that responds to fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other all-hazard incidents. It employs roughly 756 people, including about 699 sworn firefighters.
The department covers approximately 150 square miles and protects more than 580,000 citizens from 31 fire stations. Its fleet includes 30 engine companies, 9 truck companies, a heavy rescue company, a HazMat company, and two fireboats on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.
Beyond traditional firefighting, PF&R staffs specialty teams around the clock for water rescue, trench and confined-space rescue, high-angle rope rescue, hazardous materials, marine operations, and CBRNE response. Community-facing programs such as the Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) team extend the bureau's work into public health.
MissionWe keep all communities protected through a combination of prevention, community health programs, and all-hazard response to fire, medical, natural disaster, and other emergencies.
Portland Fire & Rescue hires firefighters in periodic recruitment cycles rather than continuously. Candidates apply during an open application window, then successful applicants move onto an eligible hire list from which recruits are selected for upcoming fire academies. The recruit academy runs approximately 20 weeks.
Applications are currently closed; candidates being considered for the upcoming 2026 academies have already been contacted. Prospective firefighters can sign up for notifications to be alerted when the next application period opens, and the bureau highlights recruitment initiatives such as #SheFightsFires and the Portland Metro Fire Camp.
Hiring process
- Apply during an open firefighter recruitment period
- Placement on the eligible hire list
- Selection for an upcoming fire academy
- Complete the approximately 20-week firefighter recruit academy
Firefighter recruit academy is approximately 20 weeks.
Is Portland Fire & Rescue currently accepting firefighter applications?
Not at this time. Applications are closed and candidates for the upcoming 2026 academies have already been contacted. You can sign up for notifications on the bureau's Join page to be alerted when the next application period opens.
How does the firefighter hiring process work?
You apply during an open recruitment window, then successful applicants are placed on an eligible hire list. Recruits are selected from that list for upcoming fire academies.
How long is the recruit academy?
The firefighter recruit academy is approximately 20 weeks.
Who can I contact with recruitment questions?
Stephanie Adams is the Portland Fire & Rescue recruiter. She can be reached at firerecruiter@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-3700, or by mail at Portland Fire & Rescue Recruiter, 55 SW Ash, Portland, OR 97204.
How do I stay informed about future openings?
Sign up for notifications on the bureau's Join page. Portland Fire & Rescue also runs outreach efforts like the #SheFightsFires initiative and the Portland Metro Fire Camp to encourage prospective firefighters.