Fire Recruitment

The Fridley Fire Division consists of full-time staff, part-time and paid-on-call firefighters. We are now hiring paid, on-call firefighters. Join the men and women in one of the most rewarding opportunities of a lifetime!

Hiring Timeline(PDF, 85KB)


Training & Onboarding

After hiring, your first year will be dedicated to training. You’ll maintain contact with an administrator at the department and given the opportunity to attend certain trainings, meetings, and events.

Training completed during the first 12 months (if not done prior to employment) will include:

  • Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician (140 hours)
    • 2 nights/week traditionally for 5 months or can be completed through a local college or third-party.
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II (120 hours)
    • 2 nights/week traditionally for 4 months completed through the Anoka County Fire Academy or a local college.
  • NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Operations (40 hours)
    • 2 nights/week traditionally for 1 month integrated with the Anoka County Fire Academy

Upon completion of the above training, you will be activated as a recruit firefighter. At which point, you will meet the requirements of continued employment and be acting as an extra responder when on-duty at the station.

Over the next three trimesters (12 months), you will complete a proficiency and competency manual while working as a “recruit” during daytime (8:00am-5:00pm) or evening (5:00pm-10:00pm) shifts under the supervision of a Battalion Chief or Lieutenant.

During the probationary period of 12 months and there forward, the requirements for continued employment include:

  • Attendance at 70 percent of weekly trainings (measured on a trimester basis):
    • Monday evenings 6:30pm-9:30pm, OR;
    • Tuesday morning 8:00am-11:00am
  • Attendance at 30 percent of station alarms/call backs (measured on a trimester basis):
    • Average of 10-15 per month at each station.
  • 20 Hours of on-duty shifts per month
    • Bidding occurs on a rotating basis at the start of each trimester.
  • Complete annual proficiencies and training modules
    • Can be completed while on-duty and through attendance at weekly trainings

Community Outreach and Risk Reduction Events

Staff are encouraged and compensated to participate in school presentations, partner events, tours, demonstrations, education, and community programing.


Compensation & Benefits

  • Paid-on-call recruit firefighters receive starting pay of $17.12/hour per the 2024 compensation plan. Pay increases to $17.47/hour after completion of the probationary period and up to $20.00/hour upon completion of advanced training.
  • Payroll is bi-weekly and includes on-duty shifts, training, callbacks, and outreach activities.
  • Employees will also become members of the Fridley Firefighters Relief Association. Members serving over 5 years are eligible for a lump-sum pension payment.
  • Pension is paid at 40 percent after 5 years of service, increasing annually to 100 percent after 10 years of service. The Relief Association manages a Defined-Contribution pension plan with an annul allotment divided equally amongst qualifying members

Requirements

  • Must have permanent residence within five miles from either Fridley Fire Station.
  • Must posses a valid MN Driver’s License with reliable transportation
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Be and remain physically fit to meet the standards set by NFPA and OSHA

Apply Online


FAQs

Are firefighters paid?

Yes! See the above “What to Expect” section about the compensation and benefits. From your time in initial training, to call responses, and into retirement, the job comes with excellent pay and pension.

What’s the Difference Between a Volunteer and a Paid-On-Call Firefighter?

Today those terms are often used interchangeably but vary by department. Fridley uses the term paid-on-call because members are compensated an hourly wage for their time responding to emergencies, in training, and participating in community events. Some departments do still employ volunteer firefighters with no compensation, especially in rural areas.

Can I serve as a Firefighter even though I have a full-time job?

Absolutely! Nearly all of our members work in a full-time job or several other part-time jobs while still serving as a paid-on-call firefighter. In fact, that is what makes the family so special is that we come from a myriad of backgrounds and bring diverse skills and knowledge to the betterment of Fridley.

What can I expect the time commitment to be?

Minimum requirements will consist of approximately 8 hours per week, however some members work considerably more. The advantage at Fridley is that most of your requirements are scheduled either as the weekly drill or through shift bids which you are able to choose. Callbacks are still an expectation but considerably lower than similar size departments. All of members have commitments outside of this work including full-time jobs, families, religious organizations, recreation activities, youth sports, etc. and a balance can be achieved to fit into your lifestyle.

Do I need any specific education or experience?

No, these are not requirement for hire beyond a high school diploma. Those with NREMT, IFSAC or ProBoard certifications, or previous firefighting experience may be given preference but are by far the minority of our candidates. We will provide all of the training and education required at no cost to you.

Are there full-time opportunities at Fridley?

Not currently. Fridley consists of a combination model fire division with minimal opportunities for full-time employment. However, several of our members use the model for considerable working hours and experience at a busy department. Many of our firefighters are full-time/career at other metro fire departments, a job you can typically do while still being involved here at Fridley. Full-time opportunities are on the rise amongst metro fire departments. Most of which are looking for experience as a paid-on-call firefighter and advanced training in areas such as inspections, public education, instruction, leadership, or hazardous materials – all of which can be pursued and is encouraged while working as a Fridley paid-on-call firefighter.

I am not sure if Firefighting is right for me, how can I learn more?

If you are a Fridley resident or interest applicant, we encourage you to participate in our ride-along program to learn more. This offers great firsthand experience working with our firefighters and potentially seeing a variety of call types. Contact our offices for the ride-along application form.

If firefighting is not the right fit, we have another program that may be of interest called Fire Corps.

What types of convictions are allowed through the criminal background check?

Each candidate is evaluated independently for a comprehensive background check. Typically, felony convictions especially those of domestic, sexual, or drug nature will be disqualifications for hire. Certain gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors will also be grounds for dismissal from the hiring process. Moving violations involving substance abuse, intention, or neglect, especially those in recent past may also be reasons for disqualifications.