Fire Motor Operator (AMENDED)

City of Minneapolis; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Minneapolis seeks a certified Firefighter Motor Operator to operate all Fire Department apparatus, transport personnel and equipment, and support EMS responses on site. This role requires knowledge of Minneapolis geography, safe operation of pumps and ladder systems, and adherence to SOPs.

Applicants must hold a Minnesota Firefighter license, EMT license, and a valid driver's license. The selection process includes a written knowledge exam, a practical driving/operating test, and a

Qualifications

• Must be a current, certified Firefighter with Minneapolis.
• Four years and six months in the rank of Firefighter with Minneapolis.
• Licenses: Driver's license, EMT, Minnesota Firefighter license.
• Preferred: Fire Motor Operator coursework.

Responsibilities

• Operate all Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, and watercraft safely.
• Position apparatus at emergency scenes for safe, expeditious access.
• Operate pumps, deck guns, water monitors, and water systems.
• Maintain and inspect equipment and record service activities.
• Provide training on apparatus, tools, and equipment.
• Deliver EMS care and assist victims and families.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Knowledge of city geography

Physical endurance

Communication

Education

Minnesota Firefighter License

EMT License

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Position Description

*AMENDED: The class of February 2022 and earlier are eligible to apply for this position.* The FMO, as an integral member of a fire company, provides for the safe response of all Fire Department apparatus to fire and emergency medical service (EMS) alarms. The FMO is responsible for safe and effective operation of pumper, aerial ladder, watercraft, and specialized support firefighting apparatus at emergencies and routine assignments. The operation of pumper, aerial ladders, watercraft, and specialized support firefighting apparatus requires constant awareness and observation to ensure proper operation and application in accordance with safe operating principles and apparatus design parameters.

This position is restricted to current Minneapolis Firefighters.

Work Location-- This position currently works on-site only.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate in a safe and knowledgeable manner all Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, and watercraft to transport personnel, patients, and equipment to and from fires, EMS emergencies, training, and routine assignments.
• Positions apparatus at emergency scenes in order to gain safe, expeditious access to the building.
• Operate all Fire Department apparatus pumps, deck guns, portable water monitors, and other water appliances.
• Continuously monitors and manages water resource logistical needs at emergency scenes.
• Operate all Fire Department aerial ladder hydraulic systems and related aerial equipment at all emergency scenes.
• Perform daily and weekly routine maintenance and cleaning of all assigned Fire Department apparatus, tools, and equipment.
• Perform daily and weekly operational inspection of intake and discharge gates, valves, drains, gauges, and connection fittings at the beginning of each shift, during and after emergency scenes.
• Perform daily and weekly service checks of all assigned Fire Department apparatus, tools, and equipment with water, fuel, oil, and fluids. Service as needed.
• Perform daily and weekly operational checks to ensure all equipment is operationally ready.
• Maintain the written and electronic record of service and inspection of all assigned Fire Department apparatus and report discrepancies to supervisors.
• Geographical knowledge of the City of Minneapolis, street names, and numbering system.
• General knowledge of the City of Minneapolis Water Distribution System and hydrants.
• Provide good customer service and treat others with respect.
• Deliver emergency medical care to injured and ill people.
• Provide aide and assistance to victims and family members at all emergency scenes.
• EMS equipment shall be kept in ready condition at all times; immediately report deficiencies, safety issues, and other problems to the captain
• Provide training and instruction on all assigned Fire Department apparatus, tools, and equipment.
• Attend and actively participate in all department training sessions.
• Maintain the fire station and surrounding grounds, all Fire Department apparatus, tools, and equipment.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to all hazards of firefighting, HazMat, technical rescues, water emergencies, and EMS calls.
• Exposure to all weather conditions.
• Works autonomously as needed.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Experience: Must be a current, certified Firefighter and have four years and 6 months in the rank of Firefighter with Minneapolis. Note: The class of February 2022 and earlier are eligible to apply for this position.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid State Driver's License
• Valid Emergency Medical Technician License
• Valid State of Minnesota Firefighter License

Preferred Qualification: Successful completion of Fire Motor Operator Coursework.

Selection Process and Testing Components:

Written Job Knowledge Exam (50%): The written test will be based on the MFD Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) accessible on the shared drive: M:\Fire\Fire Shared Documents\2015- MFD SOP FILES and content from the Jones and Bartlett Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: Pump, Aerial, Tiller, and Mobile Water Supply, Third Edition textbook. The textbook is available at the EOTF and shall be made available to applicants at the start of preparatory classes. Those who do not have a textbook should contact the Training Division (612-673-5005) to obtain the textbook. Failure to attain a minimum score of 70 percent on the Written Job Knowledge Exam will result in disqualification from moving forward in the promotional process.

Practical Examination (40%): The Practical Exam will include engine operations, aerial ladder operations, and practical driving course. This will require each candidate to be prepared to respond appropriately depending upon the situation. The exam will closely simulate actual response conditions. The Practical Exam will run each day scheduled, regardless of weather conditions. A "Fail" on the practical exam will result in not moving forward for final scoring.

Seniority (10%): Your seniority score is calculated based on your length of service in each rank.

You will receive detailed information on how your individual seniority is calculated as well as your score after the application period.

The Training Division is available for practice for the following dates at the EOTF. Please request to attend a practice session through your chain of command:

• September 16th - 18th

Minimum Passing Score Percentage: Minimum passing score is 70% combined score of the above exam components. Human Resources reserve the right to limit the number of candidates included in any phase of testing.

Exam Schedule: All exam components will take place at the Emergency Operations Training Facility (EOTF) September 21st - 23rd, 2026. Dates and times are subject to change depending on the number of applicants.

• Written Job Knowledge Exam: September 21st, 2026
• Practical Exam: September 22nd - 23rd, 2026

Veteran's Preference: For an eligible disabled (50% or more) veteran to receive 5 Veteran's Preference points for this promotional exam, the veteran must not have previously used promotional points and must submit all supporting documentation (DD214 and letter which designates the percentage of disability) with the online application as attachments and submit the completed application with documentation no later than the application deadline. Points will not be awarded without supporting documentation. Veteran's Preference Points will not be awarded if supporting documentation is submitted after the deadline.

Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Fire Fighters, Local #82 Union. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit our website.

Eligible List Statement: The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two years after it has been established.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of in the operation of all Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, and watercraft and
• Knowledge of the City of Minneapolis geography, street names, and numbering system.
• Knowledge of the City of Minneapolis Water Distribution system and hydrant system.
• Knowledge of the Minneapolis Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to safely operate all Fire Department apparatus, vehicles, and watercraft to transport personnel, patients, and equipment to and from emergencies, training, and routine assignments.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities.
• Ability to work in difficult environmental conditions including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures in a manner that affirms the worth and preserves the dignity of individuals, families, and communities.
• Proficiency in any of the following prominent languages in Minneapolis other than English is highly desired:
  1. Spanish
  2. Somali
  3. Hmong
  4. Laotian
  5. Amharic
  6. Oromo
  7. Vietnamese
  8. American Sign Language (ASL)

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.