Firefighter Employment

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Position Information

Bismarck’s firefighters perform challenging and rewarding work in preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires, responding to EMS incidents, training, operating, and maintaining equipment. The work involves protecting life and property through the performance of firefighting and rescue activities. Firefighters are also required to train and participate in the operation of equipment and apparatus on a very routine basis.  Firefighters perform hazardous tasks under emergency conditions. These tasks may require strenuous exertion under conditions as fire, heat, smoke, and cramped and hazardous surroundings.

View Firefighter Full Job Description (PDF) 

Application Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old, a high school graduate or have a GED, and possess a valid driver’s license to apply. If you are team and goal-oriented and are interested in a challenging and rewarding career with the Bismarck Fire Department, submit a completed City of Bismarck application online.  You will need to upload your resume and supporting credentials, including college transcripts,  licenses, certifications, training summaries, and any other supporting documentation.

Selection Process

Approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date, applications from qualified candidates will be reviewed. After the applications are reviewed, we will invite the top applicants to participate in the written test. Candidates with the highest aggregate score on the written test and qualification points will advance to the interview. 

A list of qualified candidates established by the department based on a matrix of all testing components will be placed on a certification list. Candidates will remain on the certification list for approximately one calendar year or until the list is closed by the Director of Human Resources.

When a vacancy is to be filled, the three highest ranked candidates on the certification list will be evaluated. The department may make a conditional offer of employment to any one of the three candidates. The candidate would then need successful completion of a medical examination, drug test, and background check before a final offer of employment is made.

Physical Ability Testing

The Bismarck Fire Department requires that candidates complete the physical ability test. Failure of the test will disqualify a candidate from the process. Once employed, all firefighters must participate in a fitness program and successfully complete the test annually. Applicants should participate in a regular fitness program to prepare themselves for the test. It is recommended that applicants receive a medical examination from their personal physician before beginning any fitness program or participating in the test. The test will be held either in conjunction with the interviews or at the time of a contingent job offer. Candidates invited to participate in the written test will be informed when the physical ability test will be held.