Hiring Process

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Application Process

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2024 HIRING TIMELINE:

Open for Applications: March 20 to April 15, 2024 11:59pm
Oral Interview/Assessment: April 29 - May 10, 2024 (approximate)
Certification of Eligibility List: May 21, 2024 (tentative)

When the firefighter application period opens, complete online application here. Please review the minimum qualifications. The timing of holding these qualifications has been changed. Helpful information on completing an online application can be found here.
Complete Application Supplemental Questions (phase 1) You must achieve a passing score to advance to the next phase.

PHONE INTERVIEW

Candidates moving to phase 2 will participate in a phone interview which may be facilitated by members of Fire Department Leadership and Human Resources personnel. A passing score must be achieved to move to phase 3.

ORAL INTERVIEW

Successful candidates moving to phase 3 will participate in an oral interview. A passing score must be achieved.

Firefighter Register

FIREFIGHTER REGISTER

Applicants who have successfully completed the entrance examination process shall be placed on the Firefighter eligibility register/roster in rank order by examination score which includes the addition of any Veteran’s Preference points as applicable. The register is certified by the Fire Civil Service Commission.

As vacancies occur and in accordance with training academy schedules, candidates will be selected from the eligibility register and notified of the next steps in the Pre-Employment Screening.

Pre-Employment Screening

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Fire Chief Interview / Medical and Psychological Examinations / Physical Ability Test (PAT)

Eligible candidates may meet with the Fire Chief for a formal business interview. Selected candidates will sign a conditional offer of employment.

Medical and psychological examinations shall be conducted by a licensed health care provider selected by the Commission. The provider(s) conducting the examinations shall supply the Commission with a pass/fail recommendation as to whether the candidate examined is qualified to perform the duties of the position. Physical ability testing (PAT) shall be conducted using job-related assessments and predefined pass/fail criteria. PAT may be administered internally or by an external agency, as appropriate.

A final hire offer will be extended barring a failed medical, psychological, physical ability test or background check.

Questions

Questions regarding the hiring process and a rewarding career of a Rochester Firefighter should be directed to the Rochester Fire Department Recruitment Team via email to RFDrecruitment@rochestermn.gov.

We have put together some Frequently Asked Questionsto help.

Try to express your personal qualities and life experience throughout the process, not just your job experience and education. Show that you have leadership abilities and can communicate well.
Advice from 2019 Recruit, 10/17/2019
The two biggest things I would pass on to any new applicant, through the entire process and after you are hired, is to be yourself and have attention to detail.
Marshall Ruhoff, 2020 New Recruit, 12/16/2020