Firefighter Information

If you wish to claim veteran’s preference points, please submit a member 4 copy of your DD214 or a letter from the Veteran’s Administration stating that you have a service connected disability. Veteran preference points may be requested and given any time during the length of the eligible list, but in order to ensure your preference is received for the first round of interviews, please submit this information as soon as possible. 

You may submit your documentation to jobs@stpaul.gov.

The ideal candidate for the position of Firefighter/EMT possesses the following characteristics and abilities:

•     Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and respect   
•     Displays and practices integrity   
•     Communicates well with others and demonstrates empathy and compassion   
•     Demonstrates self-control during intense and chaotic situations   
•     Supports the safety of one another in a team   
•     Solves problems and makes decisions both as an individual and as a team   
•     Maintains physical fitness   
•     Understands the diverse communities of Saint Paul and has a connection to its neighborhoods

Firefighters respond to various calls for assistance, including medical emergencies, accident scenes, and fires. They will 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.

The annual base salary is $67,849 - $94,232 based on a 56-hour work week. Firefighters receive an additional 8.25% EMT premium or a 11.4% Paramedic premium added to their base salary. During the 4-month training academy, Firefighters receive a wage of $24.93 per hour.

The City of Saint Paul offers an excellent benefits package including health insurance, basic life insurance, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, retirement contributions and pension plan.

The background check includes, but is not limited to, criminal history, employment history, education, state and national certifications, and driving history.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) provides a full range of high quality legal services to low income persons and eligible client groups in civil matters. For expungement assistance, contact SMRLS St. Paul Telephone Intake line at 651-222-4731 or at the following link here.

The minimum age is 18 and the maximum age is 65. There are no minimum or maximum height or weight restrictions that disqualify candidates from the position. When a job offer is made, it is contingent upon passing a full medical examination. See Firefighter Preplacement Vision and Hearing Standards.

Following the academy, Firefighter/EMT work schedules are organized around a three-shift system where each shift is 24 hours. The average work-week during a segment is 56 hours. The typical Firefighter/EMT works 10-11 days per month and are required to work holidays that fall during their shift.

During the Fire Department Recruit Academy, Firefighter/EMTs receive classroom and practical instruction on firefighting, technical rescue, and emergency medical care procedures. They participate in a physical conditioning program aimed at National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) fitness standards. They gain certifications in NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and Firefighter II training and will be trained in SPFD emergency medical protocols. They will also complete Hazardous Materials Operations Level training, Driver/Operator training, and other specialty training disciplines and will become licensed MN Firefighters upon successful completion of the academy. 

The academy lasts approximately 16 weeks, Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Firefighter/EMT's in the academy make an hourly rate of $23.14 per hour.

New Firefighter/EMTs are eligible for employer-contributed health insurance beginning the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Please check out more information about our excellent benefits package.

Firefighter/EMT's work in a "pool" for at least three years. They fill in for regularly-assigned personnel who are unavailable for work at stations throughout the City. They are placed at a variety of locations to get to know the City and personnel.

There are many lifelong career development and promotional opportunities including: Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Captain, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Fire District Chief, Fire Training Assistant, and Fire Investigator. Appointed positions include Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief.

Additionally, Firefighters can train to work on specialized teams including rope rescue, water rescue, confined space rescue, hazardous material response, Minnesota Air Rescue Team, and the SWAT Medic team.