Fire Department · Career
Minneapolis Fire Department
Minneapolis, MN · Hennepin County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Minneapolis Fire Department serves the largest city in Minnesota, operating out of 19 fire stations spread across the community. Beyond structural firefighting, the department carries a broad emergency mission covering rescues on ice and water, urban search and rescue, hazardous materials, and response to structural collapses and terrorism incidents.
The department anchors Minnesota Task Force 1 (MN-TF1), a state urban search and rescue resource that draws personnel from Minneapolis Fire alongside Dakota County Special Operations and the Edina and Rochester fire departments.
Minneapolis Fire has invested in community-focused programs, including Safe Stations at Stations 7 and 14 that connect people to substance-use support, fire investigations and arson work, and youth and student pathways into the fire service. Recent leadership has emphasized expanded staffing, departmental diversity, and paid entry programs like the EMS Pathways internship.
MissionWe protect lives, property, and the environment of our community and the region we serve.
Minneapolis hires firefighters as cadets through the City of Minneapolis jobs portal; the department warns that "our process to become a firefighter takes some time." The core requirements are modest: be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver's license, and be authorized to work in the U.S. EMT/paramedic certification, a college degree, prior emergency-services experience, and fluency in a second language spoken by residents are all viewed as helpful but not required.
After applying, candidates pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) to become certified-eligible cadets, complete a behavioral oral exam, then clear background checks and pre-employment tests on a conditional offer. Selected cadets attend the paid three-to-four-month Minneapolis Fire Cadet Academy before graduating as City firefighters. Candidates can sign up for firefighter job alerts and reach the city recruiter at mplsrecruiter@minneapolismn.gov.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Pass pre-employment tests and exams (including CPAT)
Hiring process
- Attend an information session (optional)
- Apply for a firefighter job when positions are posted
- Application review and CPAT testing to become a certified-eligible fire cadet (valid 2 years)
- Oral exam (behavioral-based interview)
- Background checks and pre-employment tests after a conditional job offer
- Complete the paid three-to-four-month Minneapolis Fire Cadet Academy
Benefits
Cadets are paid during the three-to-four-month academy and receive on-the-job training. Specific salary and benefit figures are not stated on the department's site.
Selected cadets attend the Minneapolis Fire Cadet Academy, a paid program lasting three to four months, and become City firefighters on graduation.
What are the basic requirements to become a Minneapolis firefighter?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license, be authorized to work in the United States, and pass the pre-employment tests and exams.
Do I need to be an EMT or paramedic to apply?
No. EMT or paramedic certification is listed as a helpful qualification, not a requirement. A college degree, prior emergency-services experience, and second-language fluency are also considered advantageous.
What does the hiring process look like?
After an optional information session, you apply when jobs are posted, pass the CPAT to become a certified-eligible cadet, complete a behavioral oral exam, then clear background checks and pre-employment tests on a conditional offer before entering the cadet academy.
Is the fire academy paid, and how long is it?
Yes. The Minneapolis Fire Cadet Academy lasts three to four months, and cadets are paid during training. You become a City of Minneapolis firefighter upon graduation.
How do I apply or find out when positions open?
Firefighter jobs are posted on the City of Minneapolis jobs website. You can sign up to receive firefighter job alerts and contact the city recruiter at mplsrecruiter@minneapolismn.gov.
Are there programs to help me prepare for a firefighting career?
Yes. The department offers the paid EMS Pathways Academy internship (which trains you toward EMT certification) and the Fire Explorers program for those aged 14 to 20.