1

Firefighter Lateral Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

911 Dispatcher

Edina, MN · On-site

$35.79 - $44.87/hr

November Lateral Applicants: Individuals with experience in public safety dispatching, specifically ... Dispatches patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulances, ACO/CSO, and other emergency ...

911 Dispatcher

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$35.79 - $44.87/hr

November Lateral Applicants: Individuals with experience in public safety dispatching, specifically ... Dispatches patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulances, ACO/CSO, and other emergency ...

Firefighter Lateral information

See Minnesota salary details

$27.9K

$58.4K

$97.9K

How much do firefighter lateral jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter lateral in Minnesota is $58,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter lateral?

A Firefighter Lateral job is a position for experienced firefighters who are transferring from another fire department. These positions allow qualified personnel to join a new department without starting at an entry-level rank. Lateral firefighters typically must meet specific experience, certification, and training requirements. This process helps departments bring in skilled professionals who can quickly integrate into operations.

What responsibilities will I have as a firefighter lateral?

As a Firefighter Lateral, you’ll typically be expected to perform the full range of duties similar to other experienced firefighters, including responding to fire and medical emergencies, participating in training exercises, and conducting equipment checks. You’ll collaborate closely with your new crew, adapting to department protocols and learning the specific procedures unique to your new station. Many lateral hires are given a brief orientation or onboarding process to familiarize them with local geography, equipment, and reporting structures. Your previous experience will be valued right away, but you may also be assessed for compatibility with the team’s operations during your initial shifts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a firefighter lateral?

To thrive as a Firefighter Lateral, you need proven firefighting experience, thorough knowledge of fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical response, typically supported by Firefighter I/II certification and EMT or Paramedic credentials. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, apparatus operations, and incident management systems like ICS is important. Outstanding teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure effective emergency response, safety for both the public and crew, and seamless integration into an existing fire department team.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Lateral jobs in Minnesota?

For Firefighter Lateral jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter Lateral jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Lateral jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Firefighter Lateral jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Firefighter Lateral job openings:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Lateral job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,379 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Paramedic/Firefighter - Lateral

City of Edina

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$93K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Description Are you ready to take on a rewarding career that makes a real difference in your community. Join our team as a Paramedic Firefighter. In this vital role, you'll be responsible for all aspects of fire protection, prevention, EMS, technical rescue, hazardous material response, and public education.

You'll also perform maintenance on fire equipment and station facilities, ensuring they remain in top condition. As a Paramedic Firefighter, you may be called upon to lead emergency situations, using your sound judgment and decisive actions to protect lives and property. Be a part of a dedicated team making an impact every day in your community.

Paramedic/firefighters may receive an additional up to $3,000 per year in incentives for education and special operations. Per the Local 1275 contract, upon hire after January 1, 2026, a lateral transfer may be credited with their years of full-time experience for the purpose of wage placement and vacation accrual, as determined by the Fire Chief. Lateral Transfer Credit: Eligible candidates may receive up to five (5) years of service credit based on qualifying continuous full-time experience in: Paramedic Firefighter roles providing both 911 ALS transport and fire suppression (year-for-year credit) ALS transport-only Paramedic roles (1 year credit for every 2 years served) Fire suppression-only firefighter roles (1 year credit for every 2 years served) A minimum of two (2) years of continuous service at each employer is required for eligibility.

Applicable certifications and licensure requirements must be met at or before hire. What the city of Edina offers: Comprehensive Health & Dental Coverage: 6 affordable Health Partners medical plans and 1 dental plan with employer covered individual plan and low-cost family plans. Vision: Optional supplemental vision plan for glasses and contacts.

Disability Insurance: Long-term disability at no cost and an optional short-term disability plan. Life Insurance: $50,000 basic life insurance at no cost with an optional buy-up. Retirement Plan: Participation in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) with City contributions, plus a 457 Deferred Compensation plan.

Paid Time Off: 12+ days of paid vacation per year which increases with length of time employed, 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave accrual per year. Paid Parental Leave: Six weeks of paid leave for birth of baby/adoption Note: The listed salary information reflects 2026 wages. Essential Functions Click HERE to view complete job description.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Paramedic certification by the date of hire. Firefighter certification on the date of hire.

Licensed as a firefighter by the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) within one year of hire. Valid Minnesota driver's license within 60 days of hire and maintained during employment as an Edina Fire employee. Desired Qualifications: Associate's in applied science degree in Fire Science or bachelor's degree in Fire Administration or a related field.

Previous experience as a paramedic/firefighter, emergency response preferred. Current licensure as a firefighter by the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE). Completion of Firefighter I/II curriculum as approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or an equivalent program conforming to NFPA 1001, certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and/or Pro Board.

Current paramedic certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Successful Job Performance: Knowledge of current Department rules, regulations, procedures and policies; Knowledge and ability to operate all fire control equipment, including specialized devices such as thread adapters, fittings and connectors not frequently used, as well as their locations on each vehicle; Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of department vehicles and equipment, and ability to anticipate conditions that may exceed limitations; Knowledge of City ordinances, local, State and Federal laws, regulations and codes relating to Department activities and services; High level of flexibility and adaptability, and the ability to respond quickly; The ability to maintain composure in stressful situations; The ability to perform strenuous duties in emergency and austere situations; The ability to respond as a leader in emergency situations requiring the use of sound judgment and decisive actions; Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences and to perform public speaking, and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read, understand and interpret varied work-related materials; Interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; Ability to prepare written reports on EMS patients using computer software. Ability to work and incorporate the perspectives of multiple communities, people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Physical Requirements: Employees are required to take appropriate safety precautions, wear protective clothing and equipment, observe and hear commands and see signals for help, climb ladders, balance, kneel, crouch, reach, walk and/or run on uneven surfaces, and drag up to, and in excess of, 150 pounds. This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, medical exams and drug testing.