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Fire Department

Become a Firefighter

As Oregon’s fourth-largest city, working at the Gresham Fire Department is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding. Gresham Fire is committed to providing a high level of life-safety services to improve quality of life and maintain the safety of our community.

We recognize that our employees are a critical resource in this commitment. We strive to ensure that our firefighters are highly trained, ethically sound professionals focused on serving the community's needs.

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Why Gresham Fire?

Gresham Fire offers many opportunities for career-focused individuals who want to serve and make a difference in a diverse community. The work environment is collaborative and team-driven, with ongoing training and career development opportunities. 

Department highlights
  • High call volume distributed between seven fire stations.
  • All fire apparatuses have Advanced Life Support (ALS) and are staffed with a minimum three-person engine crew or two-person rescue crew.
  • Diverse response area with a wide variety of service calls.
  • Multiple specialty unit opportunities, including technical rescue; water rescue; hazardous materials response; urban search and rescue; and wildland firefighting.
  • Modern fleet, including a new tractor drawn aerial, three new fire engines and a brush rig on order.
  • No routine ambulance/medic transport.
Equity and inclusivity

The City seeks candidates who will support our values by incorporating equity in their daily work, and contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives.

We believe in: 

  • Employing a diverse workforce.
  • Fostering an inclusive environment.
  • Ensuring policies and systems result in equitable outcomes.
Department structure

Gresham Fire is led by a fire chief, an assistant chief and five battalion chiefs, one of which is the fire marshal. The department also employs a variety of fire support staff. 

Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Gresham firefighter wages are very competitive compared to other juristictions.
  • Up to 15 shifts of paid time off per year.
  • Balanced on-and-off-duty schedules.
  • One 24-hour shift off for every tenth consecutive shift
  • Multiple specialty team opportunities.
  • Additional specialty assignment pay.
  • Longevity pay.
  • International Association of Firefighters union representation.
  • No-cost-premium medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • City-funded pension program.
  • Employer contributions to medical savings plans.
  • Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
  • And more...

Compensation and benefits

How to apply

  • Qualifications
  • Entry-Level Applicant
  • Lateral Applicant
Qualifications

To become a Gresham firefighter you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Minimum of 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or GED; college course work in fire science preferred.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Emergency Medical Technician: Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic Certification.
  • Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certification.
  • Applicant is responsible for verifying any out-of-state or Department of Defence (DOD) certification reciprocity with the State of Oregon.
  • Preference may be given to candidates with Paramedic Certification and/or applied career experience.
Entry-Level Applicant

An entry-level applicant is one who has never been a certified firefighter in any state.

Recruitment and selection
  • Submit an application to the position of interest.
  • Schedule your Fire Team test.
  • Schedule your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). 
  • Complete your Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
  • The City will review applications, minimum qualifications and test scores to develop a list of qualified candidates.
  • Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an interview.
Lateral Applicant

A lateral applicant is one who:  

  • Is a current, full-time firefighter with no less than 18 months of continuous full-time experience.
  • Has a high school diploma or GED; college course work in fire science preferred.
  • Has a valid driver's license.
  • Is certified and working as a paramedic.
  • Has a valid CPAT certification earned within the last 12 months.
  • Is a NFPA Firefighter 1 or equivalent.

Lateral hire credit

Credit will be given for fully completed months of service. A full month is defined as the first of the month through the end of the same month.

  • Up to 48 months of credit allotted for pay range and paid time off (PTO) accrual placement.
  • Up to 96 hours of vacation credit.
  • Up to 96 hours of sick leave credit, plus additional sick leave accrual begins on day one.
  • Eligible for trade time at six months of employment upon Battalion Chief approval.
  • Abbreviated Fire Academy.
  • Oregon PERS will transfer seamlessly if you are currently employed in the state of Oregon.
Recruitment and selection
  • Submit an application to the position of interest.
  • Schedule your Fire Team test.
  • Schedule your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). 
  • Complete your Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
  • The City will review applications, minimum qualifications and test scores to develop a list of qualified candidates.
  • Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources to schedule an interview.

Contact

For more information about starting a career with Gresham Fire Department, contact us.