Becoming a Firefighter
Competition is fierce!
Medford Fire Department typically receives more than 100 applications for open positions. Here are steps you can take to make your application more competitive.
- High School: Consider doing your senior project on a fire related subject. Contact our office at 541-774-2300 for more information.
- Participate in a strength, flexibility, and endurance fitness programs.
- Make the fitness program part of your normal routine.
- Become a Volunteer Firefighter (At 18 years old.)
- Contact Jackson County Fire District #3 or #5 if you live in the Medford area.
- Become an Accredited Firefighter through DPSST.
- Earn your Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Hazardous Materials Operations, Wildland Interface FF, Fire Apparatus Driver, Mobile Water Supply Operator, and Wildland Fire Operator.
- Earn your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificates.
- EMT - Basic, Intermediate, Paramedic.
- Work in a related field. Examples:
- Ambulance company as a transport medic.
- Oregon Department of Forestry as a firefighter.
- Airport Fire Department as a firefighter.
- Earn a college degree in Fire Science and/or Para-Medicine.
- Rogue Community College, Chemeketa Community College have Fire and EMS programs.
- Test for positions.
- Contact Fire Departments where you want to work to find out their requirements.
- Keep taking classes and acquiring certificates.
Medford Fire Hiring Process
- A physical agility test and a written test are given to initial applicants who meet minimum requirements.
- Assessment center includes:
- Interview, background evaluation, and a technical skills assessment (Fire and EMS.)
- Top scorers interview with Fire Chief.
- Background investigations are performed on finalists.
- Job offers are made, contingent on successful completion of a medical physical, drug screen, and psychological exam.
- START WORK – recruit training; one year probation.