How to Become a Firefighter
What does it take to be a City of Lake Oswego Firefighter/Paramedic?
If a Fire Department position is open, it will appear on the City's list of current job openings.
The City of Lake Oswego recruits highly trained and motivated people with exceptional customer service skills who are interested in becoming Firefighter/Paramedics. The Firefighter/Paramedic position is responsible for the protection of life and property through the suppression and prevention of fires, and response to medical and other emergency calls.
Candidates must meet several requirements to apply for a position within the fire department. At minimum, candidates must be 18 years old, EMT Paramedic with firefighting experience and have a valid state driver’s license. In addition to the minimum requirements the most desirable candidates would have the following abilities:
• Ability to learn firefighting tactics and EMS techniques
• Ability to operate and maintain firefighting equipment
• Ability to deal with injured patients, including fatalities
• Ability to understand and follow oral & written communications
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, citizens and other customers
• Ability to read, write and use a computer for basic functions
• Ability to make public presentations
• Ability to keep records & make reports
• Ability to recognize fire code violations
• Ability to do strenuous physical activity for extended periods of time
• Ability to act calmly & effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships with others in a group-living environment
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process. This may include any or all of the following: a physical agility assessment, general knowledge written test, skills evaluation, and oral interview.
The top scoring candidates will move on to a Chiefs interview. This is where the Fire Chief will make a hiring decision after personally interviewing each top scoring candidate.
The job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and medical evaluations which will include drug and psychological testing.
The City is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities, women and qualified individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. If you wish modification of the selection process in order to accommodate a disability, please make your request in writing and submit it with your required application materials before the application deadline.
For more information on becoming a firefighter go to:
How to Become a Firefighter in 6 Steps: https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/how-to-become/firefighter/
Guide to Online Degrees in Fire Science: https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/online-degrees/fire-science-programs/