Join Moorhead Fire

The minimum requirements for a Firefighter position are:

• 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma/GED
• IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter II certification
• A valid personal driver’s license

Other Requirements:

• There is no maximum age restriction.
• There are no residency or report-to-work drive-time requirements.
• Employees hired after September 3rd, 2010 may not use tobacco products while at work.

Applicants may receive additional credit for prior work experience (full-time/part-time/volunteer), formal job-related education, applicable fire & rescue certifications and licenses (EMT, Driver-Operator, etc), other relevant life experiences, and veterans' preference points.

All applications are submitted online. All written communications will occur via e-mail. 

Top applicants based on application/resume scores will be invited to participate in a structured oral panel interview.

Based on the combined application/resume and oral interview scores, conditional offers of employment are made to fill openings. Before beginning work for the City of Moorhead, applicants must pass a criminal background check, a job-related medical examination, and a psychological exam.

If a formal offer of employment is extended, applicants are typically allowed to give their current employer two weeks' notice before beginning employment with the City.

Probationary Firefighters must complete a 17-week metro fire recruit training academy operated cooperatively by the cities of Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo. During this training, firefighters will be trained in standard metro operating practices in firefighting, technical rescue operations, and delivery of emergency medical services.

This training follows a Monday-Friday 8-hour workday format and includes experiential learning with allied agencies (clinicals). Students must successfully pass the National Registry of EMTs EMT Basic test if not already certified and become licensed to practice as an EMT in the State of Minnesota.

The probationary period continues through the first year of employment and includes periodic performance evaluations.

Physical fitness training is a daily component of the recruit academy. Probationary firefighters are allowed three opportunities during the academy to pass a job-related pass/fail physical agility test. 

This test is based upon a job and task analysis for the position of Firefighter with a consortium of cities in Minnesota and North Dakota, conducted by a third-party testing agency.

Firefighters must be prepared to respond to a variety of incidents. We highly value training and education. During their first three years, Firefighters will complete additional training and certification as Fire Engine and Aerial ladder Operators, Haz-Mat Technician, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, and various technical rescue training. Firefighters also have the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest and prepare for advancement within the Department.