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Become a Firefighter
For 75 years, Golden Valley residents have relied on so-called ordinary people to protect our community. The Golden Valley Fire Department takes pride in its top-notch firefighters, facilities, equipment, and training. Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the GVFD includes two Assistant Chiefs, a Deputy Fire Marshal, two full-time Fire Inspectors and one part-time Fire Inspector, 50 Paid on-Call Firefighters, and an Administrative Assistant. We welcome applications from men and women from all walks of life to continue this tradition of service.
Under supervision of a lieutenant, firefighters ensure effective and equitable delivery of public safety services, fulfilling fire department objectives.
Primary Duties
- Respond to calls for service, including but not limited to fires, rescues, and EMS
- Assist with apparatus and equipment testing and maintenance, as well as building maintenance
- Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment as needed
- Act as community stewards, participating in fire prevention/educational activities and providing safety programs for commercial/industrial employees
- Gain valuable skills and confidence in firefighting techniques while participating in live burn demonstrations, drills, and trainings on a regular basis
To be a paid, on-call firefighter, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have a high school diploma or GED
- have a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license and clean driving record)
- have strong written and verbal communication skills
- be able to complete the requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodations
- complete and pass prescribed pre-employment exams
- live or work within nine minutes of a fire station
- have dependable transportation
Initial training lasts approximately two years and consists of:
- Firefighter I & II Fire Service Certification
- Hazardous Materials - Operational Level
- First Responder to Emergency Medical Incidents
- Fire Apparatus Operator
Salary
- 1st Year: Firefighter in Training = $12.93/hour
- 2nd Year: Apprentice Firefighter = $16.07/hour
- 3rd Year: Firefighter = $18.91/hour
Benefits
- Members of the Golden Valley Fire Department must also be members of the Golden Valley Fire Relief Association, which handles the pension plan for paid-on-call firefighters.
- When firefighters leave the fire department, the pension is payable as a lump sum at the minimum age of 50.
- Firefighters are vested after 5 years of service.
- Firefighters who retire after 10 years of service receive a 100 percent service pension.
- Firefighters who choose to leave the fire department after 5 years of service will receive 40 percent of their pension. Firefighters who stay longer than 5 years but leave before 10 years receive a pension that is pro-rated per year, up to 10 years of service (example: 6 years=52 percent, 7 years=64 percent, 8 years=76 percent, and 9 years=88 percent).
- Firefighters are also eligible for disability benefits.
Becoming a paid, on-call firefighter can be personally rewarding in many ways, including:
- increased self-confidence
- experience
- responsibility
- social connections and events
- fun and friends
- ability to be a positive community role model
2023 Recruitment Timeline
Events held at Fire Station 1, 7800 Golden Valley Rd.
- Recruitment Meeting: Thu, July 13, 9:30 am & 6:30 pm (attendance strongly recommended)
- Fire Recruitment Expo: Sat, Aug 5, 9 am - (attendance strongly recommended)
- Recruitment Meeting: Tue, Aug 8, 9:30 am & 6:30 pm (attendance strongly recommended)
- Application Deadline: Sun, Aug 13, 11:59 pm
- Online Written Exam: Mid-August
- Interviews: Late August
Post-Interview Process (Conditional Offers)
- Background Checks: September
- Physical Ability Exam, Medical Evaluation, and Psychological Exam: October–November
- Tentative Start Date: Mid-December, 2023
Candidates are notified of their status throughout the recruitment process via email or phone.
The recruitment timeline serves as a guide and is subject to change, based on the needs of the City.
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Fire Department
Physical Address
7800 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Phone: 763-593-8055Fax: 763-593-8098Emergency Phone: 911
TTY: 763-593-3968
Firefighter Recruitment Information: 763-593-3977
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 4:30 pm