EMT Firefighter

South Metro Fire Department•West Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

South Metro Fire Department is creating an eligibility list for its Spring 2027 Recruit Academy. This is a full-time, non-exempt position serving the communities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul. Firefighters provide medical care and transportation for sick and injured people; protect life and property from fires, disasters, and other emergencies; perform life-safety inspections; and provide public safety education. Candidates with previous full-time firefighter experience may be eligible for pay and benefits commensurate with their years of experience. The 2026 annual pay range is $92,092–$109,633. The application deadline is Sunday, November 15, 2026. Applicants submit an application, cover letter, resume, and requested documents. Selected candidates complete a video interview consisting of four questions, with three minutes to respond to each. Candidates who pass may proceed to an in-person interview; interviews are conducted with top candidates. Firefighters respond to medical, rescue, fire, and other emergency calls; provide patient care and BLS ambulance transports; operate department vehicles and equipment; and perform maintenance, inspection, prevention, pre-fire planning, and public education duties. The work can involve considerable personal danger, physical exertion, exposure to hazardous conditions, and emergency callbacks when off duty. Firefighters work under a superior officer’s direction, exercise independent discretion when needed, and contribute to a respectful, collaborative team.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Have a valid and current driver’s license.
Have current NREMT certification or Minnesota EMT certification; candidates with only Minnesota certification must obtain NREMT certification within one year of hire.
Have current MFSCB, IFSAC, or ProBoard Accredited Firefighter II certification.
Have excellent driving skills.
Be able to reach and extend hands and arms in any direction.
Be able to ascend and descend stairs and ladders while carrying heavy loads.
Be able to balance and steady oneself on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces while walking, standing, crouching, or crawling.
Be able to climb onto and balance on top of a fire truck.
Be able to lift or carry equipment from floor to overhead, and walk or crawl while carrying or lifting.
Be able to push and pull objects using whole-body movements and walk long distances.
Have sufficient grip strength while wearing gloves to handle tools requiring torqueing, pounding, and jerky hand motions.
Be able to move with weighted gear and equipment or while carrying an injured person.
Have general mechanical ability or knowledge of engines.
Have visual acuity to read gauges, auditory and comprehension skills to follow directions, verbal skills to relay information, and quick reflexes.
Not be claustrophobic or have a fear of heights.
Be able to work under stress and pressure and assist with carrying and lifting a stretcher with a patient.
Be cardiovascularly fit for rapid stair climbing and other situational needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with BLS/ALS transport service.
Experience as a full-time or part-time firefighter.
NFPA 1072 certification.
Current Paramedic certification.
Bilingual Spanish-speaking ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency medical and rescue calls, assess illness and injury, provide appropriate patient care, and conduct BLS ambulance transports.
Respond to fire and emergency calls as directed.
Wear appropriate protective gear and equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and use hoses, nozzles, hand fire extinguishers, and related equipment.
Raise, lower, and climb ladders; operate pumpers, ladder trucks, and other equipment.
Evacuate or remove occupants from fires and other hazardous environments and provide first aid as necessary.
Respond to emergency callbacks and requests to maintain minimum staffing levels while off duty.
Maintain department vehicles and equipment and keep appropriate maintenance records.
Maintain facilities and perform housekeeping duties as directed.
Participate in inspections, fire prevention, and pre-fire planning of buildings.
Participate in public education programs, demonstrations, and presentations.
Work under the direction and supervision of a superior officer, exercise independent discretion when needed, and perform duties using sound judgment and accepted firefighting practices.
Work and live for extended periods with people of diverse backgrounds in a way that supports teamwork, acceptance, and dignity.
Maintain appropriate work habits, personal manners, and appearance, and carry out department policies and goals.

Benefits

120–288 hours of vacation leave accrued annually, depending on years of service.
Twelve 24-hour shifts of holiday leave accrued annually.
144 hours of sick leave accrued annually.
Health and dental coverage.
Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, and additional cancer coverage, subject to applicable waiting periods.
Enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan.

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