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Fire Captain Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Otsego

Fire Captain

Otsego, MN · On-site

This application is for a full time Fire Captain. Learn more about the City of Otsego Fire Department! Learn about the City of Otsego Fire Department Positions! MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Must be at ...

City of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Paid On-Call Firefighter

MN · On-site

$15.45 - $17/hr

... fire and rescue operations. * Work is performed under the general direction of a captain or lieutenant and under the overall supervision of the Chief's Staff. In the absence of an officer the senior ...

Mystic Lake

Paramedic/Firefighter

Prior Lake, MN · On-site

Other assignments include fire suppression preplanning within the community and community disaster response. Additional duties are assisting the shift captain in maintaining a high level of ...

St Olaf College

Public Safety Officer

Northfield, MN · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Respond to and investigate all intrusion or fire alarms reported. * Patrol and monitor campus ... Reports to the Corporal, Captain, Associate Director of Public Safety, Director of Public Safety

St. Olaf College

Public Safety Officer

Northfield, MN · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

Respond to and investigate all intrusion or fire alarms reported. * Patrol and monitor campus ... Reports to the Corporal, Captain, Associate Director of Public Safety, Director of Public Safety

All JobsFire Captain JobsFire Captain Jobs in Minnesota

Fire Captain information

See Minnesota salary details

$37.7K

$76.4K

$131.7K

How much do fire captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire captain in Minnesota is $76,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire captain?

Fire Captains are experienced firefighters who supervise and manage a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at a fire station. They are responsible for directing firefighting tactics, ensuring safety protocols are followed, training personnel, and maintaining equipment. In addition to emergency response, Fire Captains handle administrative duties, coordinate with other emergency services, and serve as a key leadership figure within the fire department.

What does a fire captain do?

A fire captain’s duties and responsibilities are to oversee the daily operations of a fire station. Some captains have specialized responsibilities, such as leading emergency medical services (EMS) crews connected to the station. As the fire captain, you are the leader of the entire company, so you must gain significant experience at the lower ranks. You manage the training and supervision of new personnel and the administration of training exercises related to fire management, fire suppression, hazardous material response, and rescue operations. You are the primary commander at an emergency until the battalion chief arrives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Captain, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and usually certification from fire academies or training programs, often along with EMT or paramedic credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire suppression technologies, and emergency management software is important. Strong decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help a Fire Captain coordinate crews effectively and maintain safety under pressure. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient emergency response, safeguarding personnel, and protecting the public during critical incidents.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a fire captain, and how can they be effectively managed?

Fire Captains often encounter challenges related to leading diverse teams during high-pressure situations and ensuring clear communication in emergencies. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership at incident scenes can be demanding. To manage these challenges effectively, Fire Captains rely on strong interpersonal skills, continuous training, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability within their crew. Regular drills, open communication, and mentorship are key strategies for maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Fire Captain vs Fire Lieutenant?

AspectFire CaptainFire Lieutenant
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, some leadership training
Work EnvironmentOversees fireground operations, manages crews, strategic decision-makingAssists in fireground tasks, supervises firefighters, reports to captain
ResponsibilitiesCommand of fire scenes, personnel management, incident strategySupport role, direct firefighting teams, ensure safety protocols

Fire Captains hold higher leadership roles, overseeing entire operations and making strategic decisions. Fire Lieutenants assist captains, supervise firefighters, and handle tactical tasks. Both roles require firefighting experience and certifications, but captains have broader responsibilities and authority.

Is a fire captain a high rank?

A fire captain is a supervisory position within a fire department and is considered a higher rank than firefighters but below fire battalion chiefs or chiefs. Fire captains are responsible for managing fire crews, overseeing operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Advancement to this rank typically requires experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications such as fire officer training.

What does a fire captain do in a fire department?

A fire captain leads firefighting teams during emergency responses, oversees fireground operations, and ensures safety protocols are followed. They also coordinate training, inspect equipment, and manage personnel to effectively respond to fires and other emergencies.
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Fire Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Captain job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,384 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Fire Captain

Otsego

Otsego, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

This application is for a full time Fire Captain.


Learn more about the City of Otsego Fire Department!


Learn about the City of Otsego Fire Department Positions!


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be at least 18 years of age
  2. Have a valid Minnesota Driver's License or eligible to be licensed in the State of MN
  3. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  4. IFSAC MN Firefighter II certification
  5. Successfully completed a Hazardous Materials Operations NFPA 472 compliant class
  6. Must have a current and valid Emergency Medical Technician or higher certification from Minnesota EMSRB and National Registry of EMT's at the time of hire.
  7. IFSAC MN Fire Officer I certification
  8. IFSAC MN Fire Inspector I certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire date.
  9. IFSAC MN Fire Apparatus Operator certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire date.
  10. Current licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota or the ability to become a licensed Firefighter in the State of Minnesota at time of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Experience as an EMT or paramedic
  2. Post-secondary education in Fire Science or closely related field
  3. Incident command experience and training, including Blue Card Incident Command Certification
  4. Experience with fire and building codes

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