Bend Fire & Rescue Careers and Volunteer Opportunities
Bend Fire & Rescue offers career and volunteer opportunities for those passionate about protecting the community, from firefighter/paramedic roles to public safety education programs.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time career or a way to give back, Bend Fire & Rescue has many opportunities that could be a good fit for you. Career paths include firefighter/paramedic positions, single role EMTs, and fire prevention officers, each requiring dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of service. For those who want to volunteer, there are meaningful ways to get involved, such as supporting fire and life safety education at community events, helping with prevention programs, and assisting with outreach efforts. Volunteering not only strengthens community safety but also offers a great introduction to the fire service for those considering a future career. With a culture built on integrity, compassion, and teamwork, Bend Fire & Rescue welcomes individuals ready to make a difference.
Mission, Vision and Values
Bend Fire & Rescue follows its mission, vision, and values. Everyone in our department helped create these ideas, and they guide everything we do. We are proud of the excellent service we provide to our community and always look for ways to improve. Our team works hard and values creativity, professionalism, great customer service, and inclusion.
Mission Statement
Protect and support our community with efficient response, continuous improvement, and excellence in service.
Vision
- Honorable in our conduct.
- Loyal to our mission.
- Trusted by our community.
Risk Statement
It is expected that we will risk our safety to save the life of a fellow human being with calculated safety precautions, we may risk our safety to protect savable property. We will not risk our safety for life or property that is clearly lost.
Core Values
These attributes make up our core values. We strive to live up to them.
- Resilience: We are determined to thrive despite challenges that emerge.
- Integrity: We are trustworthy and accountable under all circumstances.
- Compassion: We assume the best in others and are dedicated to helping those in need.
- Respect: We believe in the value of others.
- Optimism: We maintain a positive attitude and seek the best possible outcome.
- Humility: We appreciate the strengths of others and have a modest opinion of our own importance.
Fire & Rescue Careers: Roles and Requirements
Firefighters/paramedics are everyday heroes who help protect lives, property, and our community. In this role, you’ll respond to emergencies like fires, medical calls, and hazardous situations, working as part of a skilled team to keep people safe. Firefighters at Bend Fire & Rescue also help prevent emergencies through safety education, maintain equipment to stay ready at all times, and train regularly to handle any challenge. It’s a job that requires courage, teamwork, and a strong commitment to serving others.
Requirements to be a Firefighter/Paramedic:
- High School diploma or General Educational Development equivalency (GED)
- Age 18 years or older
- Completion of NTN FireTEAM Test
- Current and valid CPAT results
- Valid class C driver’s license
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Firefighter I
- Paramedic license from Oregon State Health Authority
Successful Firefighter/paramedics have:
- Strong customer service skills
- High level of professionalism
- Deep sense of compassion
- Excellent physical conditioning
- Sound judgment and decision making
Components of the Testing Process:
- NEOGOV application
- Resume
- CPAT physical
- FireTEAM written
- Oral interview
- Paramedic practical
- Background investigation
- Medical exam
- Psychological exam
CPAT Physical Test
The Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) will need to successfully be passed to apply to our firefighter/paramedic position. CPAT will be completed within 6 months from the close date of the firefighter/paramedic position.
Links to help you physically prepare:
FireTEAM test
When we are recruiting for firefighter/paramedic positions, candidates will need to fill out an application with NEOGOV and complete a FireTEAM test administered by the National Testing Network (NTN). To help you prepare and become more familiar with the NTN format try the online practice test.
Interested in testing to be a firefighter/paramedic?
First, complete our interest card. The interest card allows us to notify you when we are testing for a position within our department.
For Oregon reciprocity information visit www.oregon.gov. Out of state candidates are strongly encouraged to immediately begin Oregon reciprocity process.
The Single Role EMT position is a three-year job that responds to basic life support calls. Bend Fire & Rescue has two full-time Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances that operate 24 hours a day.
Single role EMTs can be full-time, part-time, or on-call. This program is an excellent opportunity for someone who is in paramedic school or wants to learn more about a career in the fire service.
Out of 50 former single role EMTs, 31 percent have been hired as full-time firefighters and paramedics at Bend Fire & Rescue, and 20 percent have been hired at other fire departments.
Interested candidates must have the following:
Minimum requirements:
- Age 18 or older
- High School graduation or GED
- Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license
- Valid State of Oregon Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate
- Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card
- Ability to commit to a minimum of 48 hours per month
Successful Single Role EMTs have:
- Strong customer service skills
- High level of professionalism
- Sound judgement and decision making
- Deep sense of compassion
- Good physical conditioning
Components of the selection process:
- NeoGov application
- Resume
- Written test
- Oral interview similar to that of a Firefighter
- Background investigation
- Medical exam
Interested in testing to be a Single-Role EMT?
First, complete our interest card. The interest card allows us to notify you when we are testing for a position within our department.
For Oregon reciprocity information visit www.oregon.gov. Out-of-state candidates are strongly encouraged to immediately begin Oregon reciprocity process.
At Bend Fire & Rescue, there are many career options besides being a firefighter or paramedic for life. A career in fire prevention is a great fit for people who enjoy working with the community and providing excellent customer service.
If you have experience as a firefighter and want to use that knowledge in a new way, becoming a fire inspector is a rewarding career. Fire inspectors help keep first responders and the community safe.
Interested Candidates must have the Following:
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum of three years of structural firefighting experience
- Age 18 or older
- High School graduation or GED
- Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license
- Three years of structural firefighting experience preferred
Successful Prevention Officers Have:
- Strong customer service skills
- High level of professionalism
- Sound judgement and decision making
Components of the Testing Process:
- NeoGov application
- Resume
- Oral interview
Interested in testing to be a Prevention Officer?
First, complete our interest card. The interest card allows us to notify you when we are testing for a position within our department.
Central Oregon Path to Becoming and Firefighter/Paramedic
Why should you become a firefighter?
- It’s a respected career that gives you the chance to help people in your community during emergencies.
- The job is exciting and always changing.
- It challenges you both physically and mentally.
- It offers a stable career with strong future demand.
- Firefighter jobs usually come with steady pay and a retirement plan.
How do you become a firefighter?
The word “firefighter” covers many different jobs in the fire service. The information below is for people who want a paid career as a firefighter/paramedic with a city, county, or fire district.
Multi-Step Process
Like many careers that people want, becoming a professional firefighter takes years of training, education, and experience. This guide shows a common path, but it’s not the only way to succeed. Each step builds on the last, giving you more skills and responsibility.
If you have questions, visit any Bend fire station.
Basic Common Position Requirements
(These may vary by department)
- 18 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or GED
- CPR certification (AHA Healthcare or BLS Provider Level)
- Physical Agility Requirements
- Background Check
- Vaccination Requirements
- Drug Screening Test Completion
- Oregon Driver License
- Great Attitude, Strong Work Ethic, Team Player
- Paramedic or EMT B
- Firefighter 1 Certification
- Complete a National Registry EMT Basic Course
- Oregon EMS Provider School
- Central Oregon Community College EMT Program
- Entrance Requirements
- Basic Life Support (BLS) EMT Job Experience
(required by many paramedic schools prior to entry)
- Central Oregon Community College EMT Program
- Paid BLS EMT Positions
- Volunteer Firefighter Experience (Unpaid)
- Reserve Firefighter (Paid)
- Sunriver Fire Department Reserve Firefighter/EMT
- Crook County Paid On-Call Firefighter/EMT
- Crooked River Ranch Firefighter/EMT (seasonal)
- NFPA Firefighter 1 Certification (completed anytime after obtaining an EMT certification)
Encompasses the basic skills required of a firefighter.
- Central Oregon Community College NFPA Firefighter 1 Academy
- NFPA Firefighter Task Book completed through a sponsored fire department
- Associate’s Degree or above (completed at anytime)
Oregon requires an associate’s degree to become a paramedic. Can occur in conjunction with paramedic school (step 5) or a fire science program (listed below). - Fire Science Degree Coursework
- Central Oregon Community College Fire Science Program
- Columbia Southern University – Fire Science (online)
- Fire Department Student Sponsorship Programs
- Oregon EMS Provider Schools
- Oregon EMS Provider School
- Become a Licensed Paramedic in the State of Oregon
- Obtain Paramedic Job Experience – highly encouraged. Competitive positions increase the demand for this step.
- CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) Good for 6 months – 1 year
- Fire Interview, Written Exam, Practical Skills Practice
- NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700
- NWCG S-130 Firefighter Training
- NWCG S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- Hazmat First Responder Awareness and Operations
- Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Experience
- Oregon Department of Forestry – Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist
- US Forest Service – Engine / Handcrew / Helitack / Hotshot
Firefighter Selection Process – Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Testing
Yes. We will open the application period when we have a need to establish an eligible list. The eligible list may last up to 24 months, and we will fill any current and future vacancies within this time period from the eligible list.
When the application period is open:
- Submit an online application through the City of Bend’s NEOGOV system.
- Send your FireTEAM scores to Bend Fire & Rescue via the National Testing Network.
- Complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test and include the documentation with your application. See the Candidate Physical Ability Test section below for information about the physical abilities test requirements.
- You must have your Firefighter 1 certification and Oregon paramedic license (or be applying for reciprocity) by the end of the application period.
You can take the FireTEAM test at any time. However, you will only be able to submit your score to Bend Fire & Rescue when the application period is open. You are responsible for knowing when your FireTEAM score expires.
Yes. The National Testing Network charges a base fee for the FireTEAM test and an additional fee for each department you indicate to send your scores. Please check the National Testing Network website for the fee amounts.
Testing date availability is different for each testing center location. Check at the bottom of the National Testing Network homepage under “Need Help,” and select “View Exam Dates.” In that section you will be able to view upcoming examinations by date, state, profession, and testing location.
Yes. You can test at any National Testing Network testing facility to complete the FireTEAM test.
Yes, complete an interest card and we will be able to notify you when we are testing.
Yes, three months or more after your previous test.
Data from the National Testing Network suggests those repeating the test typically do NOT improve their scores but rather decrease their scores.
No, your most recent test scores will be your score.
To learn more about the FireTEAM test components, please visit the National Testing Network website.
There are no study guides or other test preparation materials relevant to the tests that will be administered, but for more detailed information and 30+ practice items, visit the FireTEAM Practice Test website.
In order to be considered passing, you must meet (or exceed) the minimum scores as follows:
- Human Relations test score: pass point of 80%
- Mechanical test score: pass point of 60% (pass/fail)
- Reading test score: pass point of 80% (pass/fail)
- Math test score: pass point of 70% (pass/fail)
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a standardized physical test used to assess a candidate’s ability to perform firefighter-related tasks.
Candidates need to have completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test no more than six (6) months from the close date of the posted recruitment.
You can complete the test with any licensed provider of the official International Association of Fire Fighters / International Association of Fire Chiefs Candidate Physical Ability Test. The National Testing Network offers this test at testing facilities in several states. Click on “Candidate Physical Ability Test Testing” from the National Testing Network home page for testing locations and to schedule your test. At the bottom of the National Testing Network homepage under “Need Help,” select “View Exam Dates.” You will be able to view upcoming examinations by date, state, profession, and testing location.
It depends on when you completed the Candidate Physical Ability Test. The date accepted for your Candidate Physical Ability Test will be listed in the posting, which is typically six (6) months from the close of the posting.
An eligible list is used to fill position vacancies. Typically, entry eligible lists expire after 24 months from the date it was established. However, the list may be cancelled sooner if there are not enough candidates to consider based on the number of vacancies to fill.
FireTEAM test score – weight 50%
Video interview – weight 50%
First, you must pass all test components. Your FireTEAM test score is calculated based on the Human Relations score. Veterans’ preference points are then added to the FireTEAM score and the video interview score, for an overall civil service score. It is this civil service score that is used in determining your rank.
Candidates who rank high enough to be invited into the Bend Fire & Rescue selection process will be notified. The current selection process includes:
- Interview and emergency medical services skills test
- Reference and background check
- Post-offer physical examination
- Psychological evaluation
You will be notified by email.
Candidates will perform an emergency medical services scenario to demonstrate their technical paramedic knowledge.
The physical exam is conducted after a candidate accepts a conditional offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of this physical exam. The physical exam is conducted by designated physicians who have an understanding of Bend Fire & Rescue standards in relation to physical and medical conditions that may disqualify individuals from employment as firefighters. These standards generally follow those set forth in National Fire Protection Association publication 1582.
National Fire Protection Association publication 1582 describes many “category A” medical conditions which would likely disqualify you from a career at Bend Fire & Rescue as a firefighter. The physician’s examination is designed to carefully evaluate each individual’s condition and determine fitness for duty. As each person’s circumstances are different, determining whether a medical condition or previous injury will categorically disqualify someone is determined through the post-offer physical examination.
Yes.
The psychological evaluation is conducted after a candidate accepts a conditional offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of this psychological evaluation. The psychological evaluation is conducted by a designated psychologist who understands Bend Fire & Rescue standards in relation to psychological and behavioral health conditions.
Emergency Medical Services License
Yes. You will be required to establish reciprocity prior to employment. If your license is from another state, as soon as you are invited to participate in the selection process, you should contact the Oregon Health Authority for paperwork to establish reciprocity.
No, you must possess an Oregon Emergency Medical Services license. National Registry may be part of the Oregon requirements but is not sufficient by itself. You should contact the Oregon Health Authority for additional information. Again, as soon as you are invited to participate in the selection process, you should contact the Oregon Health Authority for paperwork to establish reciprocity.
Contact the Oregon Health Authority at (971) 673-0520 or on their website.
Yes, everyone who meets minimum qualifications can take the test and, if successful, be placed on the eligible list. However, you must have your Emergency Medical Services license on the first day of employment.
No, we don’t require an Oregon driver’s license; we require a license that is valid in the state of Oregon. For example, if you live in Washington and have a valid Washington driver’s license, then your Washington license is valid in Oregon. However, if you now live in Oregon but still have a Washington driver’s license because you did not get an Oregon license after moving here, then your license is not valid in Oregon. Refer to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles website for further information.
Bend Fire & Rescue does not apply any blanket policy in consideration of candidate conviction histories and driving records, but we review circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We take into consideration the obligation to our citizens to protect them as well as what a conviction history and/or driving record indicates about a candidate’s judgment, respect for the law, maturity, and general character. Crimes against persons as well as property crimes are taken very seriously due to the access our firefighters have to persons and homes when called to a scene.
Bend Fire & Rescue does not consider expunged convictions.
Yes, please call our administration office at (541) 322-6300.
Bend Fire & Rescue is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to attract a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve in order to deliver safe and professional service to our citizens.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bend Fire & Rescue Volunteers are a group of people with different skills who help the department in many ways. The main areas include:
Safety Outreach for Seniors (SOS) Program
This is a free safety program that looks for dangerous conditions in and around the home that could hurt someone, a guest, or even pets. Volunteers check for fire hazards and fall hazards and give tips on how to prevent them.
Special Events
Help out at events like visiting schools with Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey Bear, or bringing the Community Engine to the 4th of July in the Park, Cascade Children’s Festival, or WinterFest. Volunteers also teach at programs like Code Ready Smoke Alarm, Juvenile Firesetter Intervention, Fire Prevention Week, and Car Seat Safety Clinics, and help with public information campaigns.
Courier Service
Make sure mail is delivered between stations and the warehouse (and anywhere else needed) five days a week.
Administration
Help with office work like sorting, scanning, filing, and copying—anything that makes the job easier for the admin staff.
Camp Fire Axe
This camp introduces high school students (ages 15–19) to firefighter and paramedic work. Volunteers help with different activities during this 4-day camp at the Bend Fire Training Center in June.
Training and Other Tasks
Volunteers take part in many types of training, like CPR, fire safety, and home hazard awareness. Training usually happens at monthly meetings. Volunteers are ready to help wherever needed in the Bend Fire Department and the Bend community.
For more information about volunteering, contact:
- George Fox
Email: gfox@bendoregon.gov
Bend Fire Department Volunteer Liaison
Phone: 541-322-6300