Fire Department · Career
Fargo Fire Department
Fargo, ND · Cass County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Fire protection in Fargo dates to April 12, 1875, when the city's first fire wardens were appointed; the department transitioned to a paid, professional force in 1903 under its first chief, James Sutherland. Today the department is organized into four divisions - Operations, Prevention, Training, and Emergency Management - and operates eight fire stations housing seven numbered engine companies, two truck companies, two battalion chiefs, dedicated technical rescue equipment, and a hazardous materials unit.
The department holds the highest possible ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification and has been accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) since 2010, placing it among a small number of agencies worldwide holding both distinctions. Beyond city response, Fargo Fire provides regional mutual aid, including hazardous materials response across southeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota and technical rescue response across southeast North Dakota.
All department members are trained to at least the EMT level and must reach Firefighter II certification before completing their probationary year, with ongoing training in EMS, fire response, auto extrication, technical rescue, and hazardous materials. The department also runs community programs such as the Fargo Fire Explorers Post 2259, HeartSafe Fargo, and Save a Life Saturday, and partners with IAFF Local 642, the Fargo Police Department, and FM Ambulance.
MissionTo reduce the rate of emergencies through public education and code enforcement; protect lives and property from fire and other emergencies; and respond to emergencies in a professional and courteous manner.
Fargo Fire hires firefighters through the City of Fargo's application system on governmentjobs.com, with application windows that open periodically (for example, March 2 - April 3, 2026) rather than continuously; candidates are encouraged to subscribe for job alerts so they know when the Fire & EMS posting reopens. The full process, from application to academy start, typically takes 6-12 months.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or GED
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Completed City of Fargo application
Hiring process
- Written examination
- Oral interview (for top-scoring candidates)
- Conditional job offer
- Background investigation
- Drug screening
- Psychological evaluation
- Polygraph test
- Medical examination
- SCBA fit test
- Physical agility assessment
New hires complete an 18-week recruit academy; two sessions run each year, one from January to May and one from August to December.
When can I apply to become a Fargo firefighter?
Applications are only accepted during specific open periods. Interested candidates should subscribe to job alerts through the City of Fargo careers page (governmentjobs.com) to be notified when the Fire & EMS position reopens.
How long does the hiring process take?
At minimum, the hiring process takes around 3 months but can extend up to a year depending on the number of applicants and the number of academy openings for the year.
How can applicants prepare for the physical agility test?
The Fargo Fire Department offers practice physical agility testing opportunities to help candidates strengthen specific fitness areas before the official evaluation.
Are recreational fires permitted in residential yards?
Yes, bonfire activities are allowed on private property, though residents must follow the city's recreational fire regulations.
Why is my smoke detector beeping if there's no fire?
It may be full of dust or lint, or triggered by aerosol products or shower steam. Battery depletion or age (detectors typically last 7-10 years) could also be the cause.