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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 = $12.55/hour
- 2nd Year: Apprentice Firefighter = $15.60/hour
- 3rd Year: Firefighter = $18.36/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 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 10 years of service.
- Firefighters who retire after 20 years of service receive a 100 percent service pension.
- Firefighters who choose to leave the fire department after 10 years of service will receive 60 percent of their pension. Firefighters who stay longer than 10 years but leave before 20 years receive a pension that is pro-rated per year, up to 20 years of service (example: 11 years=64 percent, 12 years=68 percent, 13 years=72 percent, etc).
- 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: Thu, Aug 10, 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.