Applications are Now Closed for Saint Paul Firefighter/EMT! 

A link to the power point provided at the information sessions is available here.

General Information

Firefighters respond to various calls for assistance, including medical emergencies, accident scenes, and fires. They work in difficult work environments including conditions of high heat, low visibility, in confined and claustrophobic spaces, on elevated ladders or apparatus, under stressful conditions, when fatigued, and in adverse weather conditions, wearing full personal protective equipment. Firefighter/EMTs are exposed to a variety of traumatic situations that may cause physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological distress. 

Requirements

  • High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma.
  • Must be at least (18) years of age.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
  • Must possess a current National Registry and State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification. *

*Candidates may apply for and complete the testing process without their EMT certification. Candidates who pass the testing process without an EMT certification will be placed in a conditional status until proof of certification is provided to Human Resources. Only candidates who have obtained their EMT certification will be eligible for interview and hiring consideration.  
 

Firefighter Hiring Timeline

  1. Application Window: February 2 – February 27
  2. Orientation Session for Physical Test: Mid-March
  3. Physical Test Practice Sessions: April and May
  4. Physical Ability Testing: Early June
  5. Eligible List Established: Early June
  6. Interview Phase: End of June
  7. Pre-Employment Process: Approximately 3 months
  8. Fire Academy Start Date: October 5, 2026

Hiring Process for Candidates

  1. Submit an application during the application window.
  2. Participate in the orientation and physical test practice sessions.
  3. Take and pass the exam process with a score of 75 or greater.
  4. Those who pass the exam process and have their EMT or Paramedic certification are eligible for an interview.
  5. Candidates will be asked to provide written responses to job related questions to assist with the interview selection process. 
  6. Participate in an interview, if invited.
  7. Selections made to move candidates forward to the background process including criminal history check, reference check, driver’s license check, and a Phase 1 psychological assessment.
  8. Based on the results from the background process and the number of vacancies, conditional offers are given to select finalists.
  9. Those that receive conditional offers must pass a medical exam, drug screen and Phase 2 psychological medical assessment in order to receive a final offer of employment.
  10. 14-16 week academy begins.

Candidates who are not selected for an interview, or not selected to move forward at any point in the hiring process will remain on the eligible list and available for future hiring opportunities during the length of the eligible list. The eligible list will be in effect for at least six months, and up to three years. 

Please review the Firefighter Job Description for more information about the position of Firefighter/EMT with the City of Saint Paul.

Preference Points

Preference points will be added to Firefighter/EMT candidates' passing final score.

What We're Looking For

Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Saint Paul is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.