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Becoming a Firefighter
The Mendota Heights Fire Department (MHFD) is a paid-on-call department made up of community residents that include business owners, teachers, bankers, engineers, medical professionals, salespeople, and more. Becoming a firefighter can be an extremely rewarding activity and provide a daily sense of accomplishment. There is tremendous satisfaction gained by serving the community you live in through becoming a member of the department and participation in the fire service.
Our department looks to hire responsible, respectful and compassionate individuals who value community service and are interested in a rewarding career as a paid-on-call firefighter. No prior experience is required to apply – our training staff will provide and coordinate the training needed to provide skilled fire suppression, emergency medical, and other rescue response services.
MHFD Mission Statement: To preserve and protect life and property from fire and other hazards through community education, emergency response and community service.
Mendota Heights Fire is a progressive department focused on delivering the core elements of our mission statement to the communities we serve. Providing effective community education, emergency response and community service is at the center of who we are and what we do. We continually evaluate, change, and evolve our programs and processes to provide the best service possible in a timely, professional, and economic manner.
Our department operates out of one station, centrally located in the city near the intersection of Hwy 62 and Dodd Road. We operate three frontline fire apparatus (two fire engines and one ladder truck), a water tanker, two chief vehicles, and other pieces of rescue equipment. Our staff consists of approximately thirty firefighters, five captains, and two chiefs.
The Mendota Heights Fire Department's training program for firefighter recruits is designed to give new members a full understanding of basic firefighting, rescue equipment, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Department procedures.
During the first two years, new firefighters receive training to complete certification as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operator, and Emergency Medical Responder; and they learn to operate all department fire vehicles, equipment and apparatus.
New firefighters must also attend regularly scheduled department training. Department training is offered multiple times each month on different days of the week with morning and evening options to offer the maximum flexibility to our members.
Beyond the initial training requirements of the first two years on the department, all firefighters participate in continuing education. Training opportunities are available at regional, state and national fire schools, as well as at local technical and community colleges. All members are required to maintain and improve knowledge and skill levels throughout their career.
Due to the initial training requirements, the time commitment as a first-year firefighter is considerable, requiring approximately 40-50 hours per month. This includes fire academy training sessions, department training sessions, call response and other department events. In year two, the time commitment level decreases somewhat, but there will be some extra training necessary. After completing the first two years, firefighters typically work between 25-35 hours per month responding to fire calls, attending training sessions, and participating in other department activities.
All firefighters are required to meet the minimum attendance requirements for responding to emergency calls, attending training, participating in public education and community relations events, and various other activities throughout the year.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be 18 years of age
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License
- Reside within seven (7) minute drive of the Mendota Heights Fire Station.
- Maintain schedule availability required to meet minimum incident response percentage and training requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be physically able and qualified to perform the duties of the position as determined by a medical examination and must be physically able to work in conditions and environments involving firefighting, emergency medical service, and other rescue activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
A firefighter responds to emergency calls 24 hours per day/365 day per year and will work in a wide variety conditions, both inside and outside, and in all weather conditions.
2025 Compensation
Paid-on-call firefighters are paid for all activities performed while responding to calls, attending training, and conducting fire department business.
- The current hourly wage for firefighters is $12.06 during the first year and $18.39 following completion of all initial certifications and the 12-month probation period.
Pension
- All members participate in the department’s defined-contribution pension plan. Vesting in the pension plan begins after 10 years of service and members are fully vested after 20 years of service.
Other Benefits
- Uniform allowance
- Physical fitness facility available
- Paid training
- Annual physical
- Serving others
- Learning life-long skills
- Building friendships within the fire service community
The hiring process for new firefighters is comprehensive and takes several months to complete. Applicants are screened, go through an interview process, and references are checked. For those that move forward once these steps are completed, a conditional offer will be extended, and the applicants go through a full medical and fitness for duty assessment, extensive background check, and psychological evaluation. Applicants who successfully pass all steps are then presented to the City Council for approval to hire.
Key dates and schedule for the 2025 hiring cycle include:
- February 5: Application Period Opens
- March 18, 6-8pm: Fire Department Hiring Information Session
- April 5, 9-11am (Saturday): Fire Department Hiring Information Session
- April 6 (Sunday): Applications Due / Position Closes
- April 16: Interviews Scheduled
- April 26 (Saturday): In-Person Interviews at Fire Station
- May & June: Medical & Psyche Evaluations completed; Background checks completed
- July: Required New Firefighter Commitment and Expectation Meeting with Fire Chief and Training Department
- August 5: New Hires Invited to Join Department Members for Night to Unite Community Event
- August 7: Training Begins
If you have interest in becoming a firefighter, please email FDRecruiting@MendotaHeightsMN.gov.