Firefighter Recruit

About This Role

The Minneapolis Fire Department is recruiting Firefighter Recruits to serve Minnesota's largest city. MFD operates in an environment shaped by cold-weather structural fire behavior, dense urban housing, and waterway proximity — conditions that build technical firefighting skills not found in warmer-climate departments.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Firefighter Recruit
• Company: Minneapolis Fire Department
• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $20–$29/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

MFD recruits complete a 16-week training academy with attention to cold-climate considerations. All MFD firefighters earn Minnesota EMT certification during the academy. The department operates 19 fire stations. Ice rescue on Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes is a department-specific skill set that sets MFD recruits apart.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress structural fires in Minneapolis's mix of century-old housing and modern construction
• Respond to cold-weather emergency incidents including hypothermia and ice rescue calls
• Provide BLS emergency medical services as a Minnesota-certified EMT
• Conduct ice and open-water rescue operations on Minneapolis's urban lakes
• Perform vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations
• Support haz-mat response at industrial and transportation incidents

Requirements & Skills

• Minnesota residency; must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED required
• Pass Minneapolis Civil Service written exam and physical ability test
• CPAT certification required
• Valid Minnesota driver's license
• Pass background investigation, medical evaluation, and psychological screen

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $20–$29/hr under IAFF Local 82 agreement
• Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) — Police and Fire Plan pension
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 24-on/48-off shift schedule
• Cold-weather and ice rescue specialty certifications supported by the department

Who Should Apply

Minnesota residents who want to serve in a technically demanding cold-climate urban fire department. Minneapolis Fire builds skills — cold-weather suppression, ice rescue, and dense urban structure fires — that transfer to virtually any fire department in the country and mark recruits as well-rounded, adaptable firefighters throughout their careers.

About the Company

Minneapolis Fire Department operates 19 fire stations with approximately 450 uniformed personnel serving Minneapolis's 58 square miles. The department's unique operational environment — dense urban housing, 22 urban lakes, and extreme winter temperatures — produces exceptionally versatile firefighters.

How to Apply

Apply through the Minneapolis Civil Service Commission at minneapolismn.gov/fire/careers. The hiring process includes a written exam, physical ability test, CPAT, oral board, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.