Employment

Becoming a Firefighter

Thinking about becoming a firefighter? The IGH FD is always looking for men and women interested in becoming part-time firefighters. Please read the sections below for a basic overview of what our firefighters do, the types of skills and abilities we are looking for and the training you will receive.  

Applications are accepted year-round, but hiring typically takes place once per year.

Nature of Work 

  • This is a non-supervisory and non-administrative position. Work is performed in the field or in the fire station. 
  • The work involves performing firefighting and rescue techniques which are required in both life-threatening and non-emergency situations as required when requested by the public. Included in the work is the application of judgment based on training required for the position of firefighter and experience gained through fire and rescue operations. 
  • Work is performed under the general direction of a captain or lieutenant and under the overall supervision of the Chief Staff. In the absence of an officer the senior firefighter will be in command until relieved by an officer.

Minimum Requirements

  • Have a seven-minute response time from home to a fire station
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • No physical disabilities which would prevent performing fire and rescue procedures 
  • Successfully pass a department medical exam and drug screen
  • Successfully pass a department background check
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Minnesota Driver's license (Class D or better) 
  • Successfully pass a department physical ability test 
  • Successfully pass a department psychological evaluation
  • Maintain minimum training, shift work, and call response requirements as stipulated by fire department policy

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  1. Training You Will Receive
  2. Desirable Skills or Knowledge
  3. Examples of Work

No special training is required to apply. And you are paid to train. All recruits will be enrolled in the Northern Dakota Training Academy (NDTA) curriculum. The NDTA is a consortium, established in 2016, consisting of the Inver Grove Heights, Hastings, Eagan, Rosemount, and Mendota Heights Fire Departments. The NDTA provides initial firefighter training for all new-hire firefighters of the member departments. The NDTA curriculum consists of the following courses:

  • Firefighter I (120 hours) 
  • Firefighter II (40 hours) 
  • Hazardous Materials Operations (26 hours)

In addition, new hires will be trained and certified to a minimum of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level as specified by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

All recruits will also be trained and certified to a minimum of Fire Apparatus Operator III. The department pays for all required firefighter training and equipment.

Northern Dakota Training Academy Fire Recruits
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