Testing

Testing is typically held once per year.  Additional test dates may be scheduled during the year depending on the status of the certification list.  The certification list shall remain in force for one year unless depleted before that time.

Hiring Process

A civil service written exam is administered by Minot State University and a physical agility test is administered by the Minot Fire Department.  Candidates will be ranked and placed on a certification list.  The top 15 candidates are interviewed by an independent panel and the finalists are ranked by the Civil Service Commission.  The top 3 candidates are then interviewed by Fire Department personnel.

Firefighter Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must have:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug test
• Must pass a pre-employment background investigation

The selection process is comprised of three components designed to measure an applicant’s potential for filling the job duties of a firefighter.  The sequence and description of the selection process are as follows:

• Written Exam – 30%
• Physical Agility Test – 30%
• Oral Interview – 40%
• Veteran’s Preference – additional 5% (disabled Veterans – 10%)

     Must provide documentation prior to application deadline.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to obtain national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician within the probationary period on his/her own time and at his/her own expense.

Link to Physical Agility Exam

Link to Fire Fighter Job Description

Salary and Benefits

The 2019 firefighter annual salary range is $45,799 - $67,990.  The starting salary is $45,799.  Upon completion of the probationary period, firefighters receive a 5% increase in pay.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement Participation in NDPERS Defined Benefit Pension
• Annual leave, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Unemployment compensation
• Average work week:  56 hours
• FLSA work period:  204 hours in a 27-day work period
• Uniforms and equipment
• In-service training
• On duty fitness training
• Annual fitness evaluation
• Civil Service

Optional Benefits:

• NDPERS 457(b) plan as a retirement supplement
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Dependent life insurance
• Additional life insurance

 Firefighter Typical Day

Firefighters hired by the Minot Fire Department are scheduled for 3 weeks of orientation training and are then assigned to a crew.  The Minot Fire Department has 3 shifts which rotate through a 24-hour shift, beginning at 8:00 am.  A typical day for a firefighter begins with checking their personal protective gear and equipment.  The fire trucks and equipment are also checked to ensure everything is in proper working order.  Firefighters are responsible for keeping their stations clean and respectable.  Physical fitness is also a part of the daily routine.  After these routine duties are completed, the Company Officer provides the crew a schedule for the day’s activities, which typically includes training, building familiarization, special events and public education.  The firefighter’s priority is to respond to emergency calls, which includes fires, medical calls, hazmat, technical rescue, water rescue, auto extrications, and calls for public assistance.  Firefighters at the Minot Fire Department are also eligible to test for Dive Team, HazMat Team, Technical Rescue Team and the Minot Police Department SWAT Team.  The Minot Fire Department provides regional response in the areas of Hazmat and structural collapse.

 Training

Firefighters must train regularly in order to improve and maintain their firefighter skills.  Each day brings a firefighter new training, opportunities and challenges.  Firefighters regularly spend time training on firefighting, emergency medical treatment, hazardous materials, technical rescue, apparatus and equipment operations.