Item 5.1.C. Full Time Firefighter Job Description
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Fire Fire Chief McCoy June 22, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Fire City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Assistant City Administrator/Human Resources Hille
5.1 (C) – Job Description
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
X Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
X Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council approve of a job description.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
City staff are requesting the City Council approve a job description for the full-time Firefighter position. This position
was first outlined in a presentation to the Public Safety Commission and City Council in March 2024. In April 2025, this
position was again outlined in a City Council presentation of the Fire Department Staffing Plan.
The 2026 General Fund Budget includes the hiring of six full-time Firefighters during 2026. The previous Emergency
Services Director’s staffing plan identified the hiring of these positions with start dates in November 2026, which was
accounted for in the budgeting process.
Interim Fire Chief Scott updated the City Council at a previous meeting on January 26, 2026, and provided a
recommendation to move the hiring timeline earlier in the year. This recommendation was supported by the peer
review consulting firm, Citygate Associates, in their memo to the City Council.
City staff have developed the job description with assistance and guidance from Chief McCoy and Interim Chief Scott
to reflect the duties, responsibilities, job functions, knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications of this position to
best serve the Otsego Department in providing services to the community.
The position was scored at Grade 7, which was further supported by comparison to wages for similar positions in
Minnesota cities with similar sized fire departments and community demographics. Staff is proposing the hire of a full-
time Firefighter to begin in lieu of a second Fire Captain.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Job Description – Full Time Firefighter (DRAFT)
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to approve the Full-time Firefighter Job Description.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
General Fund – Fire Department (42200)
N/A
Position Description
Position: Firefighter
Department: Fire
Position Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: 7
Date Approved: DRAFT
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Responds to fire, emergency medical, and other incidents. Performs
firefighting, rescue, and emergency response activities under stressful conditions and in hazardous
environments. Protect and save life and property through effective rescue and firefighting work.
Participates in department training, preparedness, equipment maintenance, and public safety education
efforts. After the initial training period, individuals in this position will work a designated number of
shifts or hours as specified by the department.
Immediate Supervisor: Fire Captain
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: None
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Emergency Response:
a. Responds on or off duty to fire calls and/or emergencies as directed.
b. Respond to fire and rescue emergencies – which involves getting to the scene with
proper equipment quickly and safely.
c. Operates firefighting and rescue equipment, including SCBA, ladders, and hose lines.
d. Performs fire suppression, rescue, ventilation, and salvage operations.
e. Respond to emergency medical calls and render aid to victim(s) as required in
accordance with department policy.
f. Rescue individuals from fires and other emergency situations. Evacuates occupants of
burning structures and assists them to safety.
g. Administers first aid to injured persons as required.
h. Extinguish fires, pull hoses and place ladders, operate pumps, directs streams of water,
uses other extinguishing agents as appropriate, ventilates structures by opening
windows or cutting holes, etc.
i. Operate aerial ladders, fire extinguishers, bars, axes, etc., as needed. Involves working
inside, outside, and on top of burning and smoke-filled structures.
j. Perform salvage operations to include placing tarps, removing excess water, shoveling
out debris, sometimes patching windows and holes, and performing clean-up as
directed.
k. Assists in hazardous materials incidents at the operations level.
l. Performs emergency medical care as trained and certified.
m. Functions effectively within a team in high-risk, time-sensitive environments.
n. Operates apparatus and vehicles when assigned and properly credentialed.
o. Supports emergency scene accountability and follows department SOPs.
p. Responsible for completing reports and other documents.
q. Shall maintain all related skill levels in accordance with the laws of the State of
Minnesota.
2. Training and Readiness:
a. Participates in all required training sessions, drills, and certifications.
b. Maintains operational knowledge of equipment and response procedures.
c. Participates in ongoing physical conditioning as required.
d. Maintains assigned PPE and department-issued equipment.
3. Station and Equipment Maintenance:
a. Assists in maintaining station cleanliness and equipment readiness.
b. Completes apparatus checks and reports deficiencies.
c. Performs minor equipment repairs and assists with vehicle upkeep.
d. Keeps workspaces orderly and compliant with safety policies.
4. Public Engagement and Prevention
a. Participates in department outreach events and public education programs.
b. Represents the department professionally when interacting with the public.
c. Assists in fire prevention and public education/outreach duties as assigned.
d. Assists with fire code and building safety inspections as assigned.
5. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Ability to operate effectively under stress in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of firefighting, EMS, and rescue operations.
• Ability to communicate clearly with the public and team members.
• Ability to learn and retain operational procedures and protocols.
• Physical ability to perform strenuous tasks in hazardous environments.
• Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision.
• Ability to maintain professional composure in challenging situations.
• Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology required for fire service.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work in adverse weather and low visibility conditions.
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. 18 years of age or older.
3. Valid driver’s license.
4. Ability to pass department criminal background, physical, psychological, and medical
evaluations.
5. Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification (recognized by IFSAC ProBoard).
6. Current and valid Emergency Medical Technician certification from the Minnesota EMSRB or
National Registry of EMT’s at the time of hire
7. Current licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota or ability to be licensed by time of hire
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience as an EMT or paramedic
2. Experience as a Firefighter
3. Post-secondary education in Fire Science or closely related field
4. Certified Minnesota Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO)
5. Successful completion of a Hazardous Materials Operations NFPA 472 compliant class
6. Certified Fire Inspector
7. Experience with fire and building code
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Part-time Firefighters perform work in a wide range of environments, including structure fires, outdoor
emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and training facilities. The position requires frequent bending,
climbing, lifting, kneeling, and prolonged physical exertion while wearing full protective gear, including
SCBA. Work may involve exposure to extreme heat, smoke, toxic substances, infectious agents, noise,
and hazardous terrain. Most non-emergency duties occur in a typical fire station setting.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): standing, walking, lifting light objects.
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): carrying, climbing, crawling, kneeling, handling.
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): pushing, pulling, stooping, crouching, and
grasping.
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): sitting, repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot
coordination under duress.
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations are offered
to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the
employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date