FIREFIGHTER/EMT
Fire Department
The City of Portland has the largest professional fire and emergency medical services department in the State of Maine. 220+ sworn members work around the clock to protect the City’s nearly 70,000 citizens.
In addition to fire protection and EMS, the Portland Fire Department fully staffs the Air Rescue Station at the Portland International Jetport; boasts the only Heavy Rescue Company that provides technical rescue capabilities regionally; and has one of the few Marine Firefighting Divisions in Maine.
A career with the PFD provides more variety and opportunities for advancement than any other firefighter position in the state. The PFD is seeking ambitious, talented firefighter/EMTs who have a passion for serving their community while continuously improving their skills.
The current hiring cycle will likely see onboarding in the April to May 2027 timeframe, potentially offering both the delivery of a streamlined onboarding for candidates certified with Firefighter I and II and a current EMT-B or higher EMS license or a full fire academy option for non-certified applicants.
Lateral Transfers: The PFD accommodates lateral applicants with at least three years of full time experience by providing a streamlined onboarding process with additional initial pay at the step level in the Local 740 contract equivalent to outside experience up to a maximum of 12 years.
Requirements for hire:
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Reached the age of twenty-one (21), or have reached the age of twenty (20) with two years of post-high school education.
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Must hold and maintain a valid Maine EMT-Basic or higher EMS license before work start date, with EMT-A or higher preferred.
- EMT-Basics will be required to obtain certification as an EMT-Advanced within one year of employment, with support from the department.
- Applicants must successfully pass a background check.
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Must complete the Portland Fire Department Physical Ability Test or provide a valid IAFF/IAFC Candidate Physical Ability Test card.
- Complete a job suitability assessment; and pass a medical exam.
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Candidates with FF I and II certification are desired, but non-certified candidates can be certified through a 9-week new hire training academy.
Salary & Benefits:
Starting base salary range for non-lateral candidates:
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EMT-B $25.42/hr. or $1067.64/wk., AEMT $26.50/hr. or $1113.00/wk. or EMT-P $28.12/hr. or $1181.04/wk., not including available stipends.
- We offer considerable additional compensation through incentives and stipends including ambulance assignment (up to $2.86/hr. or $120/wk. for Paramedics).
Further details for all available pay levels and stipends can be found in the current Local 740 contract.
Military GI Bill® Benefits: The Portland Fire Department is an On-The-Job-Training approved program offering flexible training plans up to 2 years.
City benefits include:
- Thirteen paid holidays
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Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
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Sick, vacation, and personal leave
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Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
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Choice of retirement plans, including MainePERS Special Retirement Plan 3C (25 years, 2/3rds)
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Use of City recreation facilities
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Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College
Applications will be accepted until 10/31/2026.
For more information call Peg Mitschele at 207-874-8407 OR [email protected].
The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email [email protected].
Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL
Group : FIRE FIGHT
Job Family : FIRE
Posting Start : 06/12/2026
Posting End : 10/31/2026
Details : Job Description
