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1. Are there currently any job openings?

All job openings are listed on the City of Portage Career Portal..

2. How can I apply for a job?

We have several ways for you to apply: 

You may apply online through our Career Portal.   

An employment application (PDF) can be downloaded, completed and mailed to the Human Resources Department at:

Human Resources

City Hall
City of Portage
7900 S Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI  49002

Or an application may also be completed in person at the Human Resources Department located in City Hall.

3. Can you tell me about the On-Call Firefighter program?

The City recruits qualified individuals for On-Call Firefighter positions on a year round basis. In order to be considered, an applicant must possess Firefighter I, Firefighter II. Hazardous Materials (Operations level) and a MFR license. To become a City of Portage On-Call Firefighter, candidates must pass a written test, a physical agility test and a background investigation process. Some residency requirements apply.  On-call firefighters are assigned to a station and shift and respond to calls that occur while their shift is on-duty. On-Call Firefighters are not expected to respond while they are working at other employment or while in class. The On-Call Firefighter position is an excellent way for an individual to serve the community while also being paid.

The City also periodically has opportunities for untrained candidates to partner with us to earn their Medical First Responder's license and Firefighter I & II certifications.  Applicants must be able to commit to attending all scheduled training sessions, pass a written test, physical agility test, background investigation and post-offer physical examination.  Some residency requirements apply.  To find out when the next opportunity is available, please contact the Human Resource Department.

Call 269-329-4533 for more information.

4. Can I work for the city if I have a felony conviction?

A person is not prohibited from working for the city if they have a felony conviction. However, there are certain positions where individuals convicted of a felony cannot be employed.  For other positions the relationship between the type of felony conviction and position are considered, as is the number and nature of felony convictions, the amount of time since the felony conviction, and the potential risk the applicant would pose to the city or public.  

Call 269-329-4533 for more information.

5. How old do I have to be to work in these positions?

For most positions an applicant must be at least 18 years old.

6. Do I have to come in to City Hall to apply for a job?

No, applicants are welcome to apply online.

7. Can I check on an application I submitted?

Each applicant receives an email acknowledging that their application has been received. An email is sent to each applicant after their application is carefully reviewed, updating of their status.  Applicants may call the Human Resources Department at 269-329-4533 to check on an application, but there is very little information that can be given over the telephone.

8. How often and when does the city test for Police and Firefighter positions?

The City tests approximately twice a year for Firefighter positions and on an as needed basis for Police Office positions to create a candidate pool for upcoming openings. Applications are always accepted.  The City will email all candidates that have applied since the most recent test date to notify them of upcoming testing opportunities.  Candidates will receive instructions on how to register for the test in the email.