Fire Department · Career
City Of Saint Paul Fire Department
Saint Paul, MN · Ramsey County
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Department careers page ↗The Saint Paul Fire Department is an all-hazards response agency serving Minnesota's capital city. Its ranks include firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, public educators, and support and maintenance personnel, all of whom deliver fire suppression alongside emergency medical services.
Operations run out of 16 fire stations spread across the city (Stations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, and 24). Beyond suppression and EMS, the department handles technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and water rescue, and maintains a regional training facility.
Every Saint Paul firefighter is cross-trained in emergency medicine, so the same crews that fight fires also provide EMT- and paramedic-level care. The department also invests heavily in prevention through public education, fire inspections, its Project Safe Haven alarm program, and a Fire Explorers program for youth.
MissionThe Saint Paul Fire Department protects the life and property of the people of Saint Paul.
Saint Paul hires firefighter/EMTs through the City's Human Resources job portal on GovernmentJobs.com during a defined application window, followed by a ten-step selection process: a written exam (pass score of 75+), written job-related responses, an interview, background investigation, a conditional offer, and medical, drug, and psychological screening before a final offer. Candidates who are not selected remain on the eligible list for up to three years.
Applicants must hold or be working toward National Registry and Minnesota EMT or Paramedic certification; those without certification may apply in a conditional status but must certify before advancing to interview. Selected candidates complete an approximately 14-16 week academy and then rotate through city stations in a "pool" system for their first several years.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18 (maximum age 65)
- High school diploma or GED
- Current National Registry and State of Minnesota EMT or Paramedic certification (may apply without it in conditional status, but must certify before the interview stage)
- Valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License (must be maintained)
- Pass the written exam with a score of 75 or higher
- Pass background check, medical exam, drug screen, and psychological assessment
Hiring process
- Submit application during the open application window
- Attend orientation and practice sessions
- Pass the written exam with a score of 75 or higher
- Provide written responses to job-related questions
- Participate in an interview (if qualified)
- Undergo background check (criminal history, references, driving record, Phase 1 psychological)
- Receive a conditional offer based on background results
- Pass medical exam, drug screen, and Phase 2 psychological assessment for a final offer
- Complete the 14-16 week fire academy
- Candidates not selected remain on the eligible list for up to 3 years
Benefits
City benefits include health insurance (effective the first of the month after 30 days of employment), basic life insurance, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, and retirement contributions with a pension plan. EMT certification adds 8.25% to base salary and Paramedic certification adds 11.4%.
Approximately 14-16 week academy, Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week; covers NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II, technical rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, and driver/operator training, leading to Minnesota Firefighter licensure.
What certifications do I need to become a Saint Paul firefighter?
You must hold current National Registry and State of Minnesota EMT or Paramedic certification, plus a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License. You can apply without EMT certification, but you'll be placed in conditional status and must certify before advancing to the interview.
How much do Saint Paul firefighters earn?
The 2026 annual base salary is $70,266-$97,581 based on a 56-hour work week. EMT certification adds 8.25% and Paramedic certification adds 11.4% on top of base pay.
What is the work schedule?
Shifts are 24 hours long, averaging about a 56-hour work week, and a typical firefighter/EMT works 10-11 days per month. Holidays are worked when they fall on your shift, and new hires rotate through city stations in a 'pool' system for their first few years.
How do I apply and what is the current status?
Applications are submitted through the City's portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/stpaul during an open window. The most recent window ran February 2-27, and the next academy start date is October 5, 2026 - check the firefighter information page for the next window.
What does the hiring process involve?
It's a ten-step process: application, orientation and practice, a written exam (score 75+), written job-related responses, an interview, a background investigation, a conditional offer, medical/drug/psychological screening for a final offer, and then the academy. Candidates not selected stay on the eligible list for up to three years.
How long is the fire academy?
The academy runs approximately 14-16 weeks, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II, technical rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical procedures, and driver/operator training. Graduates are licensed as Minnesota Firefighters.