Fire cadets will be immersed in hands-on training for fire and emergency services. Over the course of the program, fire cadets will obtain skills and education to meet the minimum requirements of a career (full-time) firefighter position and will be eligible to apply for externally posted vacancies. 

Training includes learning fire suppression, responding to emergency medical calls, managing hazardous materials incidents, and learning technical rescue such as auto extrication and rope rescue.

Applicant requirements include, but aren’t limited to:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• 18 years of age on appointment date (June 2026)
• Ability to successfully complete physical ability test, physical examination, background check, drug screen, pulmonary function test and psychological evaluation
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license with a good driving record
• Ability to meet required participation in Fire Department activities and training sessions
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other department members and the general public
• Demonstrated conduct/performance that supports and advances the City of Plymouth's mission and guiding values, as well as the City Council's strategic themes
• Must not possess all of the following certifications: 
  • IFSAC or ProBoard Accredited (NFPA 1001) Firefighter II Certification or equivalent as determined by the Fire Department
  • IFSAC or ProBoard Accredited (NFPA 472 or 1072) Hazardous Materials Operations Certification
  • Current National Registry Certification as an EMT

 2026 Hiring Process

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
  Fire Cadet Information Meeting at Plymouth Fire Station 2 (12000 Old Rockford Road)
• 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2
  Applications due, posting closes
• Monday, Feb. 9
  Video interviews due
• Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Wednesday, Feb. 25
  First-round interviews
• Tuesday, March 3
  Second-round interviews
• Tuesday, March 10
  Physical ability test
• Tuesday, March 19
  Background meeting

Cadets will work full time with the Fire Department in paid positions for up to two years with benefits, paid time off and more. The Plymouth Fire Departments benefits from the program by developing qualified personnel with potential to build public safety careers.

Successful candidates will obtain the following certifications:

• IFSAC and ProBoard Accredited Firefighter II Certification (NFPA 1001)
• IFSAC and ProBoard Accredited Hazardous Materials Operations Certification (NFPA 1072) 
• IFSAC and ProBoard Accredited Fire Apparatus Operator (NFPA 1002)
• Blue Card Certification
• Current National Registry Certification as an EMT