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COLUMBIA RIVER FIRE AND RESCUE 270 COLUMBIA BLVD SAINT HELENS, OREGON 97051 503-397-2990 http://www.crfr.com
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Updated: May 05, 2025
Position Title
Entry Level Firefighter/Paramedic
The Civil Service Commission for Columbia River Fire & Rescue is hiring for immediate openings and establishing a list for current vacancies.
About Columbia River Fire and Rescue
Columbia River Fire and Rescue is a combination career/volunteer department located in Columbia County Oregon and provides fire protection and ALS transport service for the district. The county borders the Columbia River and Clatsop, Washington and Multnomah counties. The area has unlimited water recreation possibilities (i.e. wind surfing, fishing, water skiing, boating and sailing) and is near the Portland metro area. The Pacific Ocean is approximately an hour to the west and the Mt. Hood recreation area is approximately two hours to the east. Columbia County is rural and heavily wooded for good hiking, camping and hunting or just enjoying the great outdoors. Columbia County is an exceptional place to live and raise a family. Columbia River Fire & Rescue covers 200 sq miles with 7 fire stations. Shift staffing consists of 30 Firefighters and 8 EMS Single Role personnel. Administrative staffing consists of the Fire Chief, 2 Battalion Chiefs and 20 volunteers.
Website: crfr.com
Position Summary
Columbia River Fire & Rescue is seeking dedicated and skilled Firefighter/Paramedics to join our team in delivering exceptional emergency services to our growing and diverse community. This dual-role position requires individuals who are highly motivated, team-oriented, and committed to protecting life, property, and the environment. As a Firefighter/Paramedic, you will be responsible for performing a wide range of emergency response activities, including advanced life support (ALS) patient care, fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and community risk reduction. You will work under the direction of company officers and medical direction protocols while demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and compassion in all aspects of service. This is an opportunity to serve with pride, grow your skills, and make a meaningful difference within a progressive, community-focused fire district.
Key Responsibilities
· Respond to emergency calls involving fire, medical, rescue, and hazardous situations as part of a team.
· Provide high-quality patient care at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level under established protocols and direction.
· Participate in fire suppression activities including deploying hose lines, operating equipment, conducting searches, and performing salvage and overhaul tasks.
· Assist with the inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of fire apparatus, ambulances, tools, equipment, and facilities.
· Engage in regular training to build skills in firefighting, EMS, rescue operations, and department procedures.
· Complete accurate and timely reports related to patient care and emergency responses.
· Support fire prevention, public education, and community outreach programs as assigned.
· Uphold department values and represent Columbia River Fire & Rescue with professionalism and integrity.
· Maintain physical fitness and readiness to perform all essential job functions.
· Work under the supervision of company officers while learning and developing within the department.
Minimum Qualifications
· High School Diploma or GED
· Minimum age of 18 years at time of appointment
· Valid Oregon driver’s license (or ability to obtain by date of hire); must maintain an acceptable driving record
· Current Oregon Paramedic license or National Registry Paramedic with ability to obtain Oregon licensure by date of hire
· Must pass the FireTEAM written examination established by the National Testing Network (www.nationaltestingnetwork.com).
· Current valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) certification - valid within 12 months
· U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States
· Upon conditional job offer, pass a comprehensive background investigation, psychological evaluation, medical exam and drug screen.
Optional / Preferred Qualifications:
· NFPA Firefighter I certification
· NFPA Firefighter II certification
· Hazardous Materials Awareness certification
· NFPA Instructor I certification
· Associate degree or higher in Fire Science or EMS
· NFPA Apparatus Driver/Operator certification
· Bilingual skills
· Prior experience in a fire/EMS agency (volunteer, resident, or paid)
Work Schedule
· 48/96 shift schedule
· Overtime available after 6 months of employment
Salary & Benefits
· Monthly Salary: $7,221.10
· Annual Salary: $86,653.15(Based on current collective bargaining agreement; subject to periodic increases per contract terms.)
Columbia River Fire & Rescue offers a competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical and dental insurance
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement
- Paid vacation, floating holidays, and sick leave
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Deferred Compensation Program
- Uniforms and equipment provided
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Strong labor-management collaboration and support for career growth
Testing/Interview Scoring Process
· Successful FireTEAM score with passing scores in each category (50% of overall score)
· Panel interview (50% of overall score)
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Columbia River Fire & Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We value equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply
Contact Information
Doug Kirchhofer
Firefighter/Paramedic
Candidate Coordinator
kirchhoferd@crfr.com
503-396-9847
