About The Position

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.

DateTimeLocationThursday, February 5, 2026

Information Session and Station 1 Visit6:00pmIn Person: 645 Randolph Ave. Saint Paul, MN

Virtual Option: Click here to joinWednesday, February 11, 2026

Information Session9:00amVirtual Only: Click here to joinWednesday, February 11, 2026

Information Session and Station 7 Visit6:00pmIn Person: 1035 Ross Ave. Saint Paul, MN

Virtual Option: Click here to joinSaturday, February 14, 2026

Information Session and Optional Workout10:00amIn Person: 1683 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN

Virtual Option: Click here to joinTuesday, February 17, 2026

Female Information Session

Hosted by: Twin Cities Female Firefighter Fitness (TCF3) and Optional Workout6:00pmIn Person: 1683 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN

Virtual Option: Click here to joinSaturday, February 21, 2026

Open House at Station 812:00pm - 2:00pmIn Person: 65 10th St E. Saint Paul, MNMonday, February 23, 2026

Information Session and Station 1 Visit12:00pmIn 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.

Position 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).

How to Apply

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.

Learn more about our Hiring Process

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.

The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.

Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:

City Paid Benefits

Health Insurance
Vacation/Holidays
Sick Leave
Life Insurance
Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
Deferred Compensation
Retirement Program

Optional Benefits

Dental
Flexible Spending Accounts
Disability Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance

For a Detailed Overview, Visit General Benefits.

01

The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and assessment processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.

02

Please indicate your highest level of education.

High School Diploma or GED
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or higher
None of the above

03

Will you be at least 18 years old by February 27, 2026?

04

Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?

05

Which of the following certifications do you possess? Note: certifications are not required to apply for the position. Please check all that apply.

CPR/AHA/AED Certification
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification
National Registry Paramedic Certification
Firefighter I Certification
Firefighter II Certification
PCA, LPN, RN, or CNA Certification
None of the above

06

In which of the following areas do you have experience? Note: previous experience is not required to apply for the position. Please check all that apply.

Experience with patient care in a non-emergency setting
Experience with transporting patients
Experience with emergency patient care
None of the above

07

Do you have experience as a full-time, part-time, volunteer or military Firefighter? Note: previous experience as a Firefighter is not required to apply.

08

The following questions are not part of the Qualification Rating assessment but may be used by the hiring department to assist with the interview-selection process. Please do not write "See Resume or See Application" in response to these questions. I understand that my answers to the following questions will be viewed by the Hiring Manager.

09

Please describe your education that has prepared you for the position of Firefighter/EMT. Please include further details of any relevant classes, certifications and licenses you have obtained.

10

Please describe your experience that has prepared you for the position of Firefighter/EMT. Consider experience related to customer service, leadership, patient care, fire protection, public service etc.

11

Please indicate if you have participated in any of the following Firefighter/EMT pathway programs. (Select all that apply.)

EMS Academy
BLS EMT
Fire Explorers
Other
N/A

12

Check all languages you speak, read, or write fluently. Candidates may be tested on the language selected prior to hire. If you are not fluent in a language other than English, select "NA."

Amharic
Arabic
Cambodian
Hmong or Laotian
Oromo
Sign Language
Somali
Skaw, Pwo, or other Karen language
Spanish
Vietnamese
Other
NA

13

If you selected "Other non-English language" in the previous question, please indicate what language(s) you speak, read, or write fluently below.

14

RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)

City of Saint Paul website
City of Saint Paul employee
City of Saint Paul job interest card
City of Saint Paul walk-in
City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
Friend or family member
League of Minnesota Cities website
Governmentjobs.com website
LinkedIn
Facebook
X (formerly known as Twitter)
Indeed.com website
ZipRecruiter
Pollen website
MinnesotaWorks.net
College or University
Community organization
Job fair
Professional association
Saint Paul Elevate Session
People of Color Career Fair
Other

15

RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).

16

I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.

Yes
No
Required Question

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