Firefighter/EMT

Full Job Description

The Saint Paul Fire Department (SPFD) is accepting applications for our next Firefighter/EMT selection process. Keep up to date on current information and events for this hiring process at www.stpaul.gov/firefighter.

Firefighters protect the people of Saint Paul through public education, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. They partner with the community to mitigate risks, and respond to all calls for service with skill, dedication, and compassion.

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 and mental health
• Understands the diverse communities of Saint Paul and has a connection to its neighborhoods
• For more information and essential functions, see our Firefighter job description

FIREFIGHTER/EMT INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Join us for an optional information session to learn more about Saint Paul Fire, a career in the fire service, and the hiring process. The Saint Paul Fire Department will be holding information sessions where you will have an opportunity to ask Firefighter/EMTs questions to help you determine if a career in Firefighting/EMS is for you. You will also learn about the general hiring process and view the Physical Performance Test video.

The same information will be shared at each session, so you don’t need to attend multiple sessions. Plan for a one-hour presentation, and up to one additional hour for a station visit or workout.

SAVE THE DATES:
Links are provided for those who are unable to attend in person and would like to join virtually (no registration is needed). You are strongly encouraged, but not required, to attend one of these sessions.

Date	Time	Location
Thursday, February 5, 2026 Information Session and Station 1 Visit	6:00pm	In Person: 645 Randolph Ave. Saint Paul, MN Virtual Option: Click here to join
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Information Session	9:00am	Virtual Only: Click here to join
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Information Session and Station 7 Visit	6:00pm	In Person: 1035 Ross Ave. Saint Paul, MN Virtual Option: Click here to join
Saturday, February 14, 2026 Information Session and Optional Workout	10:00am	In Person: 1683 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN Virtual Option: Click here to join
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Female Information Session Hosted by: Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness (TCF3) and Optional Workout	6:00pm	In Person: 1683 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN Virtual Option: Click here to join
Saturday, February 21, 2026 Open House at Station 8	12:00pm - 2:00pm	In Person: 65 10th St E. Saint Paul, MN
Monday, February 23, 2026 Information Session and Station 1 Visit	12:00pm	In Person: 645 Randolph Ave. Saint Paul, MN Virtual Option: Click here to join

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

Firefighters receive an additional 8.25% EMT premium or 11.4% Paramedic premium, based on your certification level, added to the base salary after academy graduation.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of SaintPaul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of SaintPaul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

Requirements

• High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) Diploma.
• Must be at least eighteen (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.

Verification will be conducted through the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians to confirm candidates have a current State of Minnesota and National Registry EMT-Basic, or higher, certification. Candidates are responsible to ensure the OEMS and National Registry has up to date and accurate information. Please check the OEMS website (https://mn.gov/oems/) and the NREMT website (www.nremt.org) or call them if you have questions regarding your status.

Obtaining EMT Certification: Information on where to obtain your EMT Certification is available on our website or through the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services website.

Continued employment is contingent upon:

• Successfully passing the one-year probationary period.
• Successfully completing the journey level apprenticeship program by the 36th month of employment. Completion of apprenticeship coursework and testing in order to advance to the 12th month, 24th month, and 36th month journey level status.
• Maintaining a current National Registry and State of Minnesota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.
• Maintaining a current Firefighter license as required by the State of Minnesota.
• Yearly passing of an annual respirator certification, or other certifications, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Qualifications

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application, including answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

Upload or submit the following document(s) via the online application system, mail, in person, email, or fax. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted.

Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.) A legible copy of your State of Minnesota and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification OR include your certification number(s) and expiration date(s) in Certifications Section of online application

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Additional Information

Exam Subject: Assessment Process
A multiple component examination designed to evaluate your ability to perform duties of the position. The exam components include a Qualifications Rating and Physical Performance Test.

Qualifications Rating:

The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire.

Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.

Physical Performance Test:
The Physical Performance Test includes the following components: climbing stairs while carrying a hose bundle, dragging a charged hoseline, dragging a 175 lb. rescue mannequin, carrying a fan, and performing an exercise which simulates ventilation or chopping through a roof. In order to receive a passing score, you must complete the above tasks within seven (7) minutes. Your score will be based on the length of time it takes to complete the five tasks. The more quickly you complete the test, the better score you will receive. To view a video of the Physical Performance Test, please visit the following link here.

Final Assessment Process Score = (Physical Performance Test x .50) + (Qualifications Rating x .50)

You must pass each exam with a 75% or higher to pass the assessment process. Your overall score is calculated by adding veteran's preference points to your final passing score, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of their final results via email.

Physical Test Preparation:
In addition to the video linked above in the Physical Performance Test section, please review the following links to help you better prepare for the test:

• Physical Performance Test Standards
• Preparation for the Physical Test
• Physical Performance Test Video

Physical Test Practice Sessions:
Practice sessions will begin in March 2026 and run through May 2026. Candidates will be offered at least 2 practice sessions. An orientation to the test and equipment will be provided prior to the first practice session. More information regarding the practice sessions will be communicated to qualified applicants via email after the application deadline with instructions on how to sign up for the practice sessions.

Physical Test Time and Location:

• The physical performance test will take place at the Saint Paul Fire Training Facility, located at 1683 Energy Park Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55108.
• The estimated dates for the tests are June 1, 2026, through June 6, 2026.
• No make-up exams will be given.
• Candidates will receive a link to self-schedule their exam no later than May 11, 2026.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Those who pass the assessment will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months, up to three years. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered.

Final Selection Process: You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which will include written responses to job-related questions and an interview. Candidates will also be required to complete a background check, driver's license check, and psychological assessment. Successful completion of the background check is required before an applicant is considered for employment. Criminal convictions are not an eliminating factor; therefore, we encourage individuals to apply for this position regardless of criminal history.

Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment are required to pass a comprehensive medical examination including drug testing, and a psychological assessment before appointment.

Fire Department Recruit Academy: Successful candidates will complete a 14-16 week Fire Academy. All employees in the Saint Paul Fire Academy will work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.

Human Resources Contact Information:
For questions about your application status or the testing process contact Chrissy Hauge at 651-266-6512
E-mail: christine.hauge@stpaul.gov

For questions about the position and the Saint Paul Fire Department contact Liz Staberg at 651-228-6211
Email: Liz.Staberg@stpaul.gov

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.