South Metro Fire Department is creating an eligibility list for the Spring 2027 Recruit Academy. Applications are due by Sunday, November 15, 2026.

*CANDIDATES WITH PREVIOUS FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER EXPERIENCE ARE ELIGIBLE TO EARN PAY AND BENEFITS COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The 2026 pay range is $92,092 - $109,633 annually.

Application Process:

• Submit an application with a cover letter, resume, and requested documents by Sunday, November 15, 2026.
• South Metro staff will review all documents. Selected candidates will receive a link for a video interview. The video interview consists of four questions. Applicants will have three minutes to respond to each question.
• Candidates who pass the video interview are eligible for the in-person interview.
• In-person interviews will be conducted with the top candidates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A valid and current driver’s license
• Current NREMT certification or MN EMT certification; if you are only MN certified, you must obtain NREMT certification within one year from the date of hire.
• Current MFSCB, IFSAC, or ProBoard Accredited Firefighter II certification

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with BLS/ALS transport service
• Experience as a full-time or part-time Firefighter
• NFPA 1072 certification
• Current Paramedic certification
• Bilingual, Spanish-speaking preferred

Primary Objective of Position:

Firefighters are responsible for a variety of functions within the communities of South St. Paul and West St. Paul. These responsibilities may include the provision of medical care and transportation for the sick and injured; protection of life and property from the hazards of fire, disasters, and other emergencies; performance of life safety fire inspections; and providing public safety education.

Essential Functions and Duties:

1. Respond to emergency medical and rescue calls to assess the nature and extent of illness and injury and to provide appropriate patient care, including BLS ambulance transports.
2. Respond to fire and emergency calls as directed. Wearing of appropriate protective gear and equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The firefighter must possess the ability to enter buildings with hose and operate nozzles, hand fire extinguishers, and related equipment. Raise, lower, and climb ladders, as necessary. Operate pumpers, ladder trucks, and other equipment. Evacuate/remove occupants from fire conditions or other hazardous environments and render first aid, as necessary.
3. Respond to emergency callbacks and requests to maintain minimum staffing levels when off duty.
4. Perform general maintenance on department vehicles and equipment and maintain appropriate maintenance records.
5. Maintain facilities and perform housekeeping duties as directed.
6. Participate in inspection and prevention work and pre-fire planning of buildings. Participate in public education programs, demonstrations, and presentations.
7. Work under the direction and supervision of a superior officer. In emergency situations the work may involve considerable personal danger. Must act without continuous supervision and exercise independent discretion. Perform duties in a skillful manner, using sound judgment, based on accepted firefighting practices.
8. Work and live for extended periods of time with people of diverse backgrounds in a manner that fosters teamwork, acceptance, and dignity of fellow employees. Maintain work habits, personal manners, and personal appearance.
9. Effectively carry out the policies and goals of the South Metro Fire Department.

Requirements

• Need to 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 possess the ability to steady oneself and keep from falling when walking, standing, crouching, crawling on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces
• Be able to climb up and on the top of the fire truck and balance self
• Be able to lift or carry equipment from floor to overhead
• Be able to walk and crawl while carrying or lifting
• Be able to push/pull objects using total body movements
• Be able to walk long distances
• Need good grip strength with gloves to handle tools requiring torqueing, pounding, and jerky motions with hands
• Be able to move around with weighted gear and a variety of weighted equipment or an injured person
• Have general mechanical ability/knowledge of engines
• Need good visual acuity to read gauges
• Need good auditory and comprehension skills to follow directions
• Need good verbal skills to relay information
• Need quick reflexes
• Not be claustrophobic or have a fear of heights
• Be able to work under stress/pressure
• Be able to assist in carrying and lifting a stretcher with a patient
• Be cardio vascularly fit for rapid stair climbing and other situational needs

Working Conditions:

• Infectious diseases, needles, body fluids, blood borne pathogens
• Lung/skin irritants
• Confined spaces
• In and around burning and smoke-filled structures
• Varied outside/inside temperatures
• Unprotected heights
• Around mechanical, chemical, and electrical hazards
• High noise environment
• Around moving objects and people
• Vibration
• Wet, damp, and slippery surfaces
• Uneven surfaces

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 benefits such as life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and long-term care, and additional cancer coverage subject to applicable waiting periods.
• Enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan.