Fire Department · Career
Rapid City Fire Department
Rapid City, SD · Pennington County
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Department careers page ↗Rapid City Fire Department protects the city of Rapid City, South Dakota from a Main Station headquarters at 10 Main Street, dispatching apparatus from eight strategically located stations across downtown, west, southeast, southwest, south, and north Rapid City, as well as a dedicated station at Rapid City Regional Airport.
As the largest fire department in Western South Dakota, RCFD operates as an all-risk agency, combining structural and wildland fire suppression with advanced life support ambulance transport, a technical rescue team (including swift water and high-angle rescue), a regional hazardous materials response team, motor vehicle extrication, and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) coverage for the regional airport. The department also runs an emergency management function and a Mobile Medic community paramedicine program.
Beyond emergency response, the department invests heavily in prevention and public education, including CPR/AED/first aid training, elementary fire and injury prevention programs, a fall-and-fire prevention program for older adults, a home fire sprinkler installation program, arson detection and fire investigation, and code enforcement. In 2024 the department responded to 22,119 calls for service, a volume the department notes continues to grow.
MissionPrepare, Prevent, Protect
Rapid City Fire Department hires Firefighter EMT, Firefighter AEMT, Firefighter Paramedic, and EMS-only EMT positions through the City of Rapid City Human Resources online application system. Applicants do not need to already hold EMT certification to apply as a firefighter, but must obtain it within their first year of hire. The department describes itself as the largest fire department in Western South Dakota, offering the unique opportunity to work as an 'All Risk' agency across fire protection, national wildland fire, heavy and light rescue, water rescue, hazmat, and ARFF at the airport.
Requirements
- Firefighter EMT/Paramedic applicants do not need to already be EMT-certified but must obtain certification within the first year of hire
- EMS-only applicants must show proof of current EMT certification
- Must pass a physical fitness test (body composition, running or rowing, bench press, push-ups, plank, sit & reach), scored by gender and age group — minimum 50 points for Firefighter positions, minimum 40 points for EMS-only
- Must pass a background check, psychological exam, and medical exam
Hiring process
- Fill out the online application for employment with City Human Resources
- Complete a written test and recorded online interview (EMS-only applicants instead go straight to interview)
- Qualified candidates complete a physical fitness test, panel interview, background check, and medical exam
- Top candidates receive job offers and move on to a background check, psychological exam, and medical exam
Benefits
Health insurance provided to the employee at no cost, with the City paying a portion of family coverage premiums; sick leave; paid leave; dental, life, and vision insurance; retirement through the South Dakota Retirement System with City matching of pre-tax wages; a supplemental retirement plan; and flexible spending plans for health and dependent care.
Do I need to be an EMT already to apply as a firefighter?
No. You do not need to be an EMT to apply, but you must be able to obtain EMT certification within your first year of hire.
How many calls does Rapid City Fire Department run?
In 2024, the department responded to 22,119 calls for service.
What specialty services does the department provide beyond structural firefighting?
RCFD operates as an all-risk agency providing wildland fire suppression, heavy and light rescue, water rescue (including swift water and high-angle rescue), regional hazardous materials response, and aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) at Rapid City Regional Airport.
Does the department have a program for high schoolers interested in the fire service?
Yes. The Rapid City Fire Department Cadet Program is geared toward young adults in their junior or senior year of high school.