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.
The City of Saint Paul established the current eligible list for Firefighter on June 12, 2026. Candidates who passed the assessment process but were 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 for up to three years.
If you are on the eligible list but have newly received your National Registry and State of MN EMT certification, please contact Human Resources with copies of your certification cards to be eligible for the next interview process. Send the information to jobs@stpaul.gov and indicate you are on the Firefighter eligible list.
To be notified in the future when the City begins accepting applications for Firefighter, please complete this interest form.
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.
Hiring Process for Candidates after Eligible List Creation
- Those who pass the exam process and have their EMT or Paramedic certification are eligible for an interview.
- Participate in an interview, if invited.
- 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.
- Based on the results from the background process and the number of vacancies, conditional offers are given to select finalists.
- 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.
- 14-16 week academy begins.
Please review the Firefighter Job Description for more information about the position of Firefighter/EMT with the City of Saint Paul.
2026 Firefighter/EMT Salary and Benefits
Preference Points
Preference points will be added to Firefighter/EMT candidates' passing final score.
What We're Looking For
What is the fire academy training program?
Candidates that have received final offers of employment will enter a strenuous Saint Paul Fire Department Recruit Academy for approximately 16 weeks. The academy takes place Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.
Firefighters receive classroom and practical instruction on firefighting skills, 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 to become licensed MN Firefighters upon successful completion of the academy.
Apprenticeship Program
Every Firefighter that is hired with the City of Saint Paul is considered an apprentice during their first 3 years of employment, or until they’ve successfully completed the required coursework and exams to become a journey-level Firefighter. Successful completion of the apprenticeship program within 3 years is a condition of employment and is required to maintain employment as a Firefighter.
Firefighters that are training under this program of apprenticeship shall be covered by a written apprenticeship agreement conforming to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 178. The apprenticeship agreement is a binding contract between the City and the State of Minnesota.
After the Fire Academy, and during the remainder of the Firefighter apprenticeship program, Firefighters are required to successfully complete 8 classes on their days off, and three (3) written and practical examinations. The purpose of this program is to ensure apprentices learn, master, and maintain advanced skills, knowledge and physical fitness through their first years of employment.
Examples of classes include:
Building Construction for the Fire Service
Structural Firefighting Strategies and Tactics
Engine Company Operations
Truck Company Operations
Squad Company Operations
Fire Apparatus Operator
Advanced Auto Extrication
Anatomy and Physiology
Rope Technician
HazMat Technician
*Firefighters may be able to provide documentation of equivalent courses, completed prior to hire, for credit of course completion.