Firefighter Recruitment

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental benefits for employee and family
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Plan
• Education Assistance
• State Retirement System Pension Plan
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Uniforms provided
• Paid military leave
• Sports Medicine tactical and strength training as well as access to Dietician consultations
• Collective Bargaining Employment Contract through IAFF Local 520 
• Premier Training Academy
• Promotional opportunities 
• Five Modern Fire Stations
• Six Engine Companies
• Quality Equipment
• Opportunities to participate in other areas of interest within department teams:
  • Public Relations
  • EMS
  • Minnesota Task Force 1 Structural Collapse team
  • Minnesota State Hazardous Materials Response Team
  • Apparatus Group
  • and more

Once offered a position, all candidates must successfully complete our in-house, paid recruit training program. Upon successful completion of recruit school, firefighter recruits are assigned to an Operations Division company to complete their probationary term. Upon satisfactory completion of their first six months, new employees complete their probation and earn their appointment as Rochester Firefighters.

In addition to comprehensive classroom instruction, the program includes training in firefighting techniques and equipment use. The Rochester Fire Recruit Academy is known as a hands-on, drill-intensive training program. Recruits are evaluated daily and must successfully complete all training elements in order to graduate.

During the 8-12 week Academy, recruits will:

• Be prepared to respond to the wide array of emergency services the fire department responds to.
• Complete daily physical fitness training.
• Utilize real-time exercises to assure skill retention and preparedness prior to academy graduation.
• Be exposed to specialized training components, such as:
  • Rope rescue
  • Confined space
  • Hazardous Materials Technician

At the Time of Application:

• Have a genuine interest in becoming a Rochester Firefighter

At the Time of the Conditional Officer:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent general education degree (GED)
• Have valid driving privileges in Minnesota (this may be a valid driver’s license from another state)
• Have current Firefighter II certification from the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board or equivalent certification accredited through IFSAC or NFPA Pro Board
• Have current certification at the level of Emergency Medical Technician or higher with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
• Have passed an in-depth background check

In Order to Complete Probation:

• Become a Licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota
• Obtain Certification from the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board
• Certification from the Minnesota Emergency Medical Service Regulatory Board

As Conditions of Continued Employment:

• Maintain all licenses and certifications throughout employment
• Establish and maintain residence within 50 minutes of Fire Station 1,  521 South Broadway, within one year of probation completion
• Meet or exceed established standards

Additional Resources:

• Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Hiring Timeline:

• Applications Accepted: October 24 - November 16, 2025
• Oral Interviews: December 1-4, 2025
• Certification of Eligibility List: December 16, 2025

Applicants who have successfully completed the entrance examination process shall be placed on the Firefighter eligibility register/roster in rank order by examination score which includes the addition of any Veteran’s Preference points as applicable. The register is certified by the Fire Civil Service Commission.

As vacancies occur and in accordance with training academy schedules, candidates will be selected from the eligibility register and notified of the next steps in the Pre-Employment Screening.

Fire Leadership Interview:

Candidates may be scheduled to meet with Rochester Fire Leadership. Conditional offers are subsequently extended based on anticipated/budgeted openings.

Psychological Examinations:

Following a conditional offer, a psychological examination is conducted by a licensed, professional provider. Results from the examination will include a recommendation regarding whether the candidate is qualified to perform the duties of the position.

Physical Ability Test:

Physical testing using job-related assessments and pre-defined pass/fail criteria is then conducted. Invitation to physical testing will occur for those recommended for employment following the psychological assessment.

Medical Examination

Following passing the physical testing, the candidate is asked to undergo a medical examination conducted by a licensed, professional provider. Results from the examination will include a recommendation regarding whether the candidate is qualified to perform the duties of the position.

A formal offer will be extended to candidates passing all pre-employment steps.