Bend Fire & Rescue (BF&R) is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. Positions are regular, full-time, and are represented by the Bend Firefighters Association (BFA). Bend Fire & Rescue is actively recruiting for eight(8) positions and establishing an eligibility list. The eligibility list may be canceled at any time, at the discretion of the City.
Bend Fire & Rescue is the largest fire department in Central Oregon. The Department protects approximately 164 square miles in the fire service area and more than 1,450 in the ambulance service area. In 2024, the total calls for service were 13,939. BF&R has 106-line personnel who provide coverage from 6 fire stations. The International Association of Firefighters Local Union 227 represents all uniformed employees within the department and the position is FLSA non-exempt.
BF&R takes great pride in our Emergency Medical Service (EMS) delivery, utilizing both Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances. BF&R is proud to be an American Heart Association "Gold" award recipient for our cardiac survival numbers, which are among the best in the nation. In addition to progressive EMS service delivery, BF&R also provides outstanding service in structural and wildland fire suppression, fire prevention and investigation, public education, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
As a member of the Bend Fire & Rescue, you will have the opportunity to: Work for and giving back to the community
Benefit from excellent training opportunities
Have a rewarding career working in team environment
Promotional opportunities with excellent pay and benefits
Effective July 1,2024, the annual base salary will be $78,048-$99,688. Effective July 1, 2024, the annual salary with the 10% Paramedic Incentive will be $85,852-$109,656. Prior experience with an agency primarily responsible for fire protection and emergency services will be considered when determining compensation.
The 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement is currently undergoing ratification. Until the new contract is adopted, please refer to the 2022-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
More information about NTN FireTEAM, Public Safety Serf Assessment (PSSA), and CPAT testing components are below.
Applicants who are veterans must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here.
Submission deadline is Friday, August 15, 2025 @ 12:00pm (PDT). Incomplete application packets will not be considered.
More information about FireTEAM, Public Safety Self-Assessment and CPAT testing components: The National Testing Network (NTN) accepts applications and appointments from interested/eligible candidates who are not currently in NTN's database. Bend Fire & Rescue will only accept FireTEAM Video Test results and Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) that are administered and certified by NTN. Valid test results are required for the August 15 closing date.
The department requires the candidate to complete the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA). You can access the questionnaire through your NTN candidate account. NTN suggests completing the PSSA as soon as possible so there is not a delay in your process. Please contact the National Testing Networkto find a testing facility in your area or to schedule a virtual test.
Candidates are also required to have a valid CPAT card issued in the last year. CPAT testing sites and dates may be limited, therefore candidates are encouraged to schedule their CPAT test as soon as possible CPAT.
Applicants must have either: A valid CPAT card issued on or after September 26, 2024.
Results of a CPAT test must be submitted by September 26, 2025 @12pm PST.
Application Important Dates and Testing Schedule: August 15, 2025: Submission deadline for Neogov application, NTN FireTeam, and PSSA
September 22-26: Onsite testing process
September 26, 2025: Last Date to submit CPAT card
Paramedic License: October 1, 2025
Middle of December: Final Job Offers Made
February 2,2026: Firefighter Academy start date.
Upon completion of each hiring process phase, applicants will be notified of their status via email. For information regarding the testing process, please contact:
The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and Oregon Pay Equity.
Functions, Duties and Responsibilities
Supports the City's and Fire Department's mission statement.
Supports the Fire Department's risk statement.
Embraces the Fire Department's organizational values and expectations.
Embraces Crew Resource Management.
Follows policies, procedures and instructions (PPI), standard operating guidelines (SOG) and safety rules outlined in Department, City, local, state, and/or federal documents.
Practices and maintains personal safety. Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices; safely operates a variety of vehicles and equipment.
Responds to inquiries and public information requests, investigates and resolves problems, and provides customer service.
In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
Participates in voluntary and mandatory on-roster staffing callbacks, voluntary off-roster staffing callbacks, and mandatory training.
Performs fire suppression, life safety, and property conservation efforts using hoses, nozzles, pumps, extinguishers, ropes, ladders, saws, axes, shovels, salvage equipment, lights, fans, generators, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Responds to requests for emergency medical aid.
Performs complex, and life-saving medical procedures consistent with the scope of practice outlined by the Oregon State Health Division, Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.
Operates under the direction of a Medical Advisor, in accordance with protocols adopted by the Medical Advisor and the Fire Department.
Transports the sick and injured to medical facilities.
Responds to incidents involving hazardous materials and performs the necessary mitigation tasks in accordance with PPI's, SOG's, and safety rules outlined in Department, City, local, state, and/or federal regulations for such activities.
Is responsible for equipment, station, and grounds maintenance, as well as re-storing and reloading equipment, apparatus and supplies. Cleans, maintains, repairs, and tests an array of apparatus and equipment. Maintains emergency apparatus and equipment in response-ready condition at all times.
Participates in fire safety education and fire prevention, including station tours, classroom presentations and greeting public visitors at the station. Assists with community-related projects. Answers questions from the community and the media regarding Fire Department and emergency operations in a courteous and respectful manner.
Participates in drills, classes and training sessions covering all aspects of Fire Department operations and fire service topics. Takes part in area familiarization, pre-emergency surveys and planning sessions. May assist in training instruction as required and qualified. Keeps abreast of advanced techniques relating to the position and continually upgrades knowledge in areas of responsibility.
Assists with station clerical, record keeping, telephone, computer operation, and radio communication activities as required.
Safely and legally drive Fire Department vehicles.
Participates in special projects.
Under the direction of the Company Officer and/or Training Chief, assists with volunteer training, student training, and professional development.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.
Provides assistance and support to the public as needed and directed.
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of: Required training and certifications as established by the Department, City, local, state, and/or federal agencies. PPI's, SOG's, and safety rules outlined in Department, City, local, state, and/or federal regulations for such activities. Medical, fire suppression, prevention activities, procedures, techniques and practices. Emergency medical response protocols. Reporting criteria, including but not limited to incident reports, medical reports, and accident reports.
Skill in: Driving and operating emergency apparatus and equipment in a safe manner during all hours, inclement weather conditions, and situations. Learning and maintaining proficiency in emergency medical, fire suppression, and fire prevention procedures, techniques and practices. Maintaining composure, thinking clearly, and interpreting orders and directions during emergencies and daily operations. Facilitating informational and educational classes for the school system and general public. Responding to alarms and other emergency situations at all times, day or night that require execution of full physical force and mental activity. Working cooperatively and effectively in high pressure and crisis situations and withstanding the effects of repeated exposure to traumatic and otherwise disagreeable situations. Using computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and interactive computer programs; operating common office equipment. Oral and written communication sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Interpersonal skills, as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. Working closely with others for 48-hour shifts and occupying the same living, eating, exercise and sleeping quarters in a coed facility. Listening and orally responding to calls for assistance, radio communications, and all other calls as needed in all conditions, which may include substantial background noise as experienced in emergency operations. Working in both open/confined and ground level/elevated workspaces, as well as in adverse environmental conditions, for extended periods of time, with little or no rest. Performing routine maintenance and cleaning of apparatus, facilities, and equipment, and other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:
Required at time of application: Possess a High School diploma or General Educational Development equivalency (GED). Be at least 18 years of age. Oregon State Health Division Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic license. Ability to legally apply for, possess, and/or receive fire certification(s) from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Meets minimum health and physical qualifications as established by the Fire Department, Civil Service Regulations, NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments, and other local, state, or federal agencies. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position in a station/office environment or in the field, in emergency and non-emergency situations, where there are significant health and safety hazards. Current, valid driver's license, having been licensed for a minimum of two years, and insurable by the City's insurer.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.