EMT/Firefighter - 2026

South Metro accepts applications continuously. Get your application in by May 8th, 2026, to be considered for our fall 2026 academy.

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

2026 Pay Range $92,092 - $109,633 Per Year

This Application Process Does Not Close. Interested Applicants May Apply at any Time.

Application Process:

• The first step in the process is to submit an application online.
• After applications are verified, South Metro will request copies of the applicant's EMT and Firefighter II certifications.
• South Metro will send applicants whose certifications were verified a video interview link. The video interview consists of four questions. Applicants will have three minutes to respond to each question.
• Applicants who pass the video interview will remain in our hiring pipeline.
• In-person interviews will be conducted throughout the year when South Metro has an open position. Candidates who passed the video interview are eligible for the in-person interview.

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:

• Minimum of one year of EMS experience with BLS/ALS transport service
• Experience as a full-time or paid-on-call 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:

• 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

Health, Dental, and Life Insurance.

Salary : $92,092 - $109,633