EMT & Firefighter

EMT/Firefighter – 2025 – South Metro Fire Department (West Saint Paul, MN)

South Metro accepts applications continuously. For those applying after June 1, 2025 the next opportunity will be for our Spring 2026 academy.

Candidates with previous full‑time firefighter experience are eligible to earn pay and benefits commensurate with their years of experience.

Pay Range: $86,067 – $102,461 per year.

Application Process

This application process does not close. Interested applicants may apply at any time.

• Submit an application online.
• After verification, South Metro will request copies of the applicant’s EMT and Firefighter II certifications.
• Applicants with verified certifications will receive a video interview link. The interview consists of four questions; applicants have three minutes to respond to each.
• Applicants who pass the video interview remain in the hiring pipeline.
• In‑person interviews are conducted throughout the year when vacancies arise. Candidates who passed the video interview are eligible for the in‑person interview.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High‑school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid and current driver’s license.
• Current NREMT certification or MN EMT certification. If only MN certified, must obtain NREMT within one year of hire.
• Current MFSCB, IFSAC, or ProBoard Accredited Firefighter II certification.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum one year EMS experience with BLS/ALS transport service.
• Experience as a full‑time or paid on‑call firefighter.
• NFPA 1072 certification.
• Current paramedic certification.
• Bi‑lingual, 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. Responsibilities include providing medical care and transportation of the sick and injured; protecting life and property from fires, disasters, and other emergencies; performing life‑safety fire inspections; and providing public‑safety education.

Essential Functions and Duties

• 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.
• Respond to fire and emergency calls as directed. Wear appropriate protective gear, including SCBA. Operate hoses, nozzles, hand extinguishers, and related equipment. Raise, lower, and climb ladders as necessary. Operate pumpers, ladder trucks, and other equipment. Evacuate or remove occupants from hazardous environments and render first aid as necessary.
• Respond to emergency callbacks and requests to maintain minimum staffing levels when off duty.
• Perform general maintenance on department vehicles and equipment and maintain appropriate records.
• Maintain facilities and perform housekeeping duties as directed.
• Participate in inspection, prevention work, and pre‑fire planning of buildings. Participate in public‑education programs, demonstrations, and presentations.
• Work under the direction and supervision of a superior officer. In emergency situations work may involve considerable personal danger. Must act without continuous supervision and exercise independent discretion. Perform duties skillfully, using sound judgment, based on accepted firefighting practices.
• Work and live for extended periods with people of diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork, acceptance, and dignity of fellow employees. Maintain work habits, personal manners, and appearance.
• Effectively carry out the policies and goals of the South Metro Fire Department.

Requirements

• Excellent driving skills.
• Ability to reach and extend hands and arms in any direction.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders while carrying heavy loads.
• Ability to balance and hold self without falling on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces.
• Ability to climb up and on the top of the fire truck and balance self.
• Ability to lift or carry equipment from floor to overhead.
• Ability to walk and crawl while carrying or lifting.
• Ability to push/pull objects using total body movements.
• Ability to walk long distances.
• Good grip strength with gloves to handle tools requiring torque, pounding, and jerky motions.
• Can move around with weighted gear and a variety of weighted equipment or an injured person.
• General mechanical ability and knowledge of engines.
• Good visual acuity to read gauges.
• Good auditory and comprehension skills to follow directions.
• Good verbal skills to relay information.
• Quick reflexes.
• Not claustrophobic or afraid of heights.
• Can work under stress and pressure.
• Able to assist in carrying and lifting a stretcher with a patient.
• Cardiovascularly fit for rapid stair climbing and other situational needs.

Working Conditions

• Infectious diseases, needles, body fluids, bloodborne pathogens.
• Lung/skin irritants.
• Confined spaces.
• In and around burning…