Firefighter

JOIN OUR TEAM We are seeking candidates to become firefighters for the City of Watertown. We are hiring residents of Watertown and surrounding communities to serve as paid on-call firefighters. Our minimum requirements are that you be 18 years old with a HS Diploma or equivalent, live within 10 minutes of the station, and have a valid Minnesota Driver's License. Non-resident applicants must have current firefighting credentials and experience. Most importantly, we need positive mindsets with strong work ethics who strive in a team environment. Firefighter applicants must be willing to learn new skills and desire to be part of a high-performing team environment. The Watertown Fire Department prides itself in having well-trained, competent staff, along with well-maintained equipment.

HIRING PROCESS
Informational Meeting with Chief Officer
2 Panel Interview(s) and Physical Agility Test
Conditional Job Offer – Background Check, DVS Check, Medical Evaluation, including Personality Profile
City Council Approval
Pending results of above checks and evaluation

INTRODUCTORY MEMBER REQUIREMENTS
During your first year as a probationary member of the department, you will be required to obtain certification in both firefighting and medical care. This training is provided to you free of charge, in partnership with the Carver County Fire Academy. The Department will do its best to work with your schedule and provide you with the tools and equipment required to attend. This training typically starts in August of each year and finishes by March of the next year. Once you complete these sessions (or if you already have these trainings), you will continue to hone your skills and with our internal training team. These sessions will get you familiar with our equipment and procedures.

ONGOING REQUIREMENTS and SCHEDULING
Most of our attendance requirements fall on Monday evenings. We hold business meetings on the first Monday of "odd" numbered months. Every month, we hold a worknight session to check our trucks and equipment on the second Monday. Ongoing training sessions are offered every month on the 3rd, and 4th Monday; these sessions are a combination of classroom learning and hands-on or skills-based education. Resident Firefighters are required to be on-call for 36 hours a month and respond from their home. Non-resident firefighters are required to work 4-12 hours shifts a month, typically running from 6pm – 6am. In both situations, firefighters are required to maintain less than a five-minute response time to the fire station.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Probationary FF Payrate: $11.00/Hr ($15.25/Hr after probation)
Training Pay: $15.25/Hr
Call Pay: $15.25/Hr ($26.00 Stn/Duty Crew for resident; $26.00/Hr for non-resident)
Signup Stipend: $52.00 (Fri & Sat Nights Only for resident; $52.00/shift every 12 hrs worked for non-resident)
Retirement Benefit (PERA): $3800/yr (resident only)
At the completion of your probationary period, you will be entitled to an incentive bonus of $500.00. Upon your second anniversary, you will be entitled to an additional retention bonus of $500.00.

Requirements: 18 years old, HS Diploma or equivalent, valid Minnesota Driver's License, live within 10 minutes of station (resident applicants); current firefighting credentials, FFI/II, HazMat Operations, EMR certifications (non-resident applicants)

Salary: $11.00/Hr ($15.25/Hr after probation)