Fire Department · Career
Eagan Fire Department
Saint Paul, MN · Dakota County
The Eagan Fire Department serves the city of Eagan, Minnesota, a Dakota County suburb south of the Twin Cities. It protects roughly 34 square miles and responds to about 6,000 calls a year from three fire stations.
Founded in 1963 as an all-volunteer force, the department spent decades as a volunteer/paid-per-call organization before a 2017 staffing study set it on the path to a career model. That transition completed on December 31, 2021, ending the volunteer era.
Today the department runs about 40 full-time firefighters across three shifts for 24-hour, year-round coverage. Every firefighter is a Minnesota-licensed firefighter, a certified EMT, and a certified fire inspector.
Administration operates from the Fire Safety Center at Station 2, staffed by four administrative chiefs and an administrative assistant.
Eagan hires full-time, union firefighters through the City of Eagan's online job portal on GovernmentJobs.com. Candidates must already hold Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations, and National Registry EMT certifications, and be a licensed Minnesota firefighter (or able to become one at hire). The department also accepts lateral transfers.
Selection begins with a pre-recorded video interview for all qualifying applicants, followed by in-person interviews and ride-alongs, then background, medical, physical, and psychological screening. Questions go to Human Resources at hrjobs@eaganmn.gov.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Current Minnesota / IFSAC-accredited Firefighter II certification
- Hazardous Materials - Operations Level certification
- Valid National Registry EMT certification
- Valid driver's license
- Licensed firefighter in Minnesota, or able to become licensed at time of hire
- Minnesota / IFSAC Fire Inspector certification prior to completing probation
- Pass criminal background check, physical/medical exam, and psychological exam
Hiring process
- Submit online application with proof of Firefighter II, Hazmat Operations, and EMT certifications
- Pre-recorded video interview for all qualifying applicants
- In-person interview and ride-along (as invited)
- Criminal background check, physical/medical exam, and psychological exam
Benefits
Full-time union position with medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement through MissionSquare / Minnesota State Retirement System; roughly three weeks of vacation accrual; sick/safe leave; and an Employee Assistance Program.
What certifications do I need to be hired as an Eagan firefighter?
You must hold Firefighter II (Minnesota/IFSAC-accredited), Hazardous Materials Operations Level, and a valid National Registry EMT certification, and be a licensed Minnesota firefighter or able to become one at hire. Fire Inspector certification is required before completing probation.
What does an Eagan firefighter earn?
The full-time firefighter salary range is $78,844 to $99,875 per year. It is a union, non-exempt position.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts with varying weekly hours. The career staff is divided into three shifts to provide 24-hour, 365-day coverage.
Does Eagan accept lateral transfers?
Yes. The department has advertised that it accepts lateral transfers for its firefighter openings.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the City of Eagan's job portal on GovernmentJobs.com and submit proof of your Firefighter II, Hazmat Operations, and EMT certifications. Questions can be directed to Human Resources at hrjobs@eaganmn.gov.
What is the hiring process?
All qualifying applicants complete a pre-recorded video interview, followed by possible in-person interviews and ride-alongs, then a criminal background check, physical/medical exam, and psychological exam.