Become a firefighter

Firefighter information

Being a Maple Grove firefighter is a unique part-time job with both scheduled and unscheduled/on-call response hours that are not predictable. This is not a full-time job, and our firefighters work in other careers. Over 90% of fire departments in Minnesota and the Twin Cities operate this way. This job requires commitment, a desire to progress through the orientation and training process, and be self-motivated.

Maple Grove Fire Department (MGFD) recruits part-time/on-call firefighters annually. Applicants must currently reside in Maple Grove or live within a five-minute response to one of our five fire stations. The hiring process includes successfully passing an interview, reference and background checks, a physical ability test, a psychological evaluation, and a medical evaluation and drug screen.

Learn more about our physical ability test video and physical ability written description by following the quick links on the right sidebar. If you are a motivated individual, physically fit, and over the age of 18, this may be the opportunity for you to serve your community and gain lifesaving skills!

Station locations

Check out Maple Grove's fire station locations to learn which one of the five stations you live by or view the MGFD response map to see if you live within the five-minute response zone. However, MGFD will determine if the response time is acceptable.

Recruitment video

Watch the MGFD recruitment video to learn more about the department's firefighters.

Training

All training is provided. If you are an experienced firefighter with training under your belt, you can bypass some of the initial training.

There are two ways that a person could be hired as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Maple Grove Fire Department:

• Apprentice firefighter: If you do not possess the required training, MGFD will send you to all of the training necessary.
• Probationary firefighter: If you already possess the minimum certifications in fire and emergency medical response, including Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Operational (1072) and Emergency Medical Responder.

Training required for new firefighters includes:

• General department orientation and competency (ongoing)
• Incident command system (6 hours)
• Firefighter I and II (295 hours)
• Hazardous materials operational level - 1072 (40 hours)
• Emergency medical responder (40 hours)
• Fire apparatus operator (40 hours)

Pager / firefighter response

Firefighters carry a pager and respond from home when they are able to do so. Currently a firefighter is responsible to respond to 30% of all calls from their assigned fire station. Firefighters must also attend 66% of training drills. Maple Grove Fire also utilizes a duty crew from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Many calls are handled by the duty crew during that time period.

Compensation

Firefighters are paid an hourly wage for their time when responding to calls, on-duty, in training, and for other department activities. Firefighters also participate in the Fire Relief Association and are eligible for a pension after completing several years of service.

2023 application period 

The 2023 firefighter application period runs from May 1 through July 16. Learn more by attending one of the firefighter recruitment informational meetings.

• Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m., Fire Station 2, 13450 Maple Knoll Way
• Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m., Fire Station 2, 13450 Maple Knoll Way

Attendance at an informational meeting is required and will help you make an informed decision. You'll have the chance to chat with a firefighter about what to expect before and after being hired, such as training, time commitment, and much more. It is also an opportunity to check out the station, trucks, and gear. A significant other is encouraged to attend and learn more about the position as well.

More information

Call the firefighter recruitment voicemail at 763-494-6092 or email the deputy chief of operations.