Fire Department · Career
Salem Fire Department
Salem, OR · Marion County
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Department careers page ↗The City of Salem Fire Department describes itself as a "progressive and innovative all-hazard response agency" serving Oregon's capital. It operates from 11 locations, with Station 1 at 370 Trade St. SE serving as headquarters and housing administration, and Station 6 hosting the Training and Emergency Medical Services divisions.
The department responds to over 20,000 calls annually, the large majority of them medical emergencies, across roughly 30 square miles of Salem and surrounding parts of Marion County.
Salem's fire service traces back to the volunteer era of the 1850s, when Alert Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was organized and a first station site was chosen in 1856. The city shifted to paid firefighters in 1893 and ended the horse-drawn era in 1919, evolving into today's career, paramedic-staffed department.
Salem hires firefighter/paramedics through the National Testing Network and the City's NeoGov/GovernmentJobs portal, welcoming both newly certified paramedics and experienced lateral firefighter/paramedics — prior fire experience is not required for entry-level candidates, but a current Paramedic certification is. Candidates complete the FireTEAM written exam, CPAT, an EMS paramedic skills assessment, and a panel interview.
To apply, submit a City of Salem application and attach your resume, NTN and CPAT results, and current Paramedic certification by the posting's closing date. New hires attend a training academy at the Salem Fire Department Training Center.
Requirements
- Current Paramedic certification (required by the posting's close date)
- Valid Oregon Class C Driver License or out-of-state equivalent, with a driving record meeting City of Salem standards
- Ability to obtain NFPA Firefighter I and II certification or equivalent
- Ability to obtain NFPA Operations Level Responder (HazMat Ops)
- Pass a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) and background check
- Prior fire experience not required for entry-level candidates
Hiring process
- Complete the FireTEAM written examination through the National Testing Network (NTN)
- Pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
- Submit a City of Salem application via NeoGov/GovernmentJobs with resume, NTN and CPAT results, and Paramedic certification
- Complete an EMS Paramedic skills assessment
- Pass a panel interview
- Clear the pre-employment drug test and background check
- Attend the training academy at the Salem Fire Department Training Center
Benefits
Firefighter/paramedic positions are covered by the IAFF Local 314 collective bargaining agreement. Entry-level pay includes an added 10% EMT-P premium; lateral/experienced firefighter-paramedics receive a paramedic premium. Salaries are based on a 56-hour work week.
New hires complete a training academy at the Salem Fire Department Training Center.
Do I need prior firefighting experience to be hired?
No. The department welcomes newly certified paramedics as well as experienced firefighter/paramedics; entry-level candidates do not need fire experience, but a current Paramedic certification is required.
What does the hiring process involve?
You complete the FireTEAM written exam through the National Testing Network (NTN), pass the CPAT, complete an EMS paramedic skills assessment, and pass a panel interview, followed by a training academy at the Salem Fire Department Training Center.
How much does an entry-level firefighter/paramedic earn?
The entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic monthly range is about $6,597 to $8,418 based on a 56-hour work week, plus an additional 10% EMT-P premium where applicable.
Are lateral or experienced firefighters accepted?
Yes. Salem posts Lateral Firefighter/Medic openings for experienced firefighter/paramedics, who receive a paramedic premium.
How do I apply?
Apply through the City of Salem's NeoGov/GovernmentJobs portal, attaching your resume, NTN and CPAT results, and current Paramedic certification by the posting's closing date.
What certifications will I need to obtain?
Candidates must be able to obtain NFPA Firefighter I and II (or equivalent) and NFPA Operations Level Responder (HazMat Ops), and must hold a valid Oregon Class C Driver License or equivalent.