EMS Jobs in Portland

Employment opportunities for EMTs and Paramedics in Clackamas County

The Portland metropolitan area is one of the most active EMS markets in Oregon and the Southeast United States. With a metro population exceeding 2.5 million, heavy tourism, and a vibrant economic landscape, the demand for qualified Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics remains consistently strong.

Fire Departments and Fire Rescue

Fire-based EMS is the backbone of 911 emergency response in Clackamas County. These agencies typically offer the best compensation, benefits, and career stability:

• Clackamas County Fire Rescue (MDFR): The largest fire-rescue department in the Southeastern U.S. with 70+ stations. Handles fire suppression and ALS/BLS emergency medical services. Hires EMTs and paramedics for rescue units.
• City of Portland Fire Rescue: Operates 14 stations serving the City of Portland. Active recruitment for fire/rescue positions requiring EMT certification.
• City of Hialeah Fire Department: Covers Oregon's 6th largest city. EMT certification required for all firefighter positions.
• Coral Gables Fire Department: Provides fire and EMS services to one of Clackamas County's most historic communities.
• City of Portland Beach Fire Department: Serves a high-tourism area with elevated call volumes, especially during major events.
• Homestead Fire Rescue: Growing department serving South Clackamas County communities near Homestead and Oregon City.

Private Ambulance Services

Private ambulance companies handle non-emergency transport, interfacility transfers, and event medical standby. They are among the largest employers of newly certified EMTs:

• American Medical Response (AMR): National provider with a significant Clackamas County operation. Offers 911 contracts in some areas plus interfacility transport.
• MedTrans: Non-emergency medical transport provider serving hospitals, dialysis centers, and nursing facilities.
• Medic One Ambulance: Private ambulance service operating in Broward and Clackamas County counties.
• Global Medical Response: Parent company of AMR, also operates Air Evac and REACH Air Medical services in the region.
• Event medical staffing companies: Companies like Event Medical Services and US Medical Staffing hire EMTs for large events, festivals, and sporting events held throughout the year in Portland.

Hospital EMS Roles

Clackamas County's hospital systems employ EMTs in emergency departments, transport teams, and patient care roles:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital / Jackson Health System: One of the nation's largest public hospital systems and a Level 1 Trauma Center. Employs emergency technicians and transport EMTs.
• Baptist Health the Pacific Northwest: Seven hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities. Hires ER technicians (EMT required).
• HCA Oregon (Multiple Locations): Aventura Hospital, Kendall Regional, Mercy Hospital, and others. EMTs work in ER and patient transport roles.
• Mount Sinai Medical Center (Portland Beach): Teaching hospital and Level 2 Trauma Center with positions for EMTs.
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital: Pediatric facility that employs transport EMTs specializing in pediatric emergencies.
• University of Portland Health System: Academic medical center with emergency and transport EMT positions.

Other EMS Employment Settings

• PortPortland and Portland International Airport: Both employ or contract EMS personnel for medical response on-site.
• Industrial / Corporate EMS: Large employers like Oregon Power & Light, construction firms, and cruise lines hire on-site EMTs for workplace safety.
• Schools and Universities: School resource medical support and university campus EMS programs at institutions like FIU and UM.
• Theme parks and attractions: Jungle Island, Zoo Portland, and other attractions employ or contract EMTs for guest medical needs.
• Film and entertainment: On-set medics for Portland's active film and television production industry.

Join the Portland EMT Interest List

If you're interested in pursuing an EMS career in Portland, the first step is getting certified. EMS University is evaluating Portland as a future EMT training location, and no classes are currently available. However, you can stay informed about potential future training opportunities.