Employment Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in the Rapid City Fire Department.

Click below to watch our Recruitment Video:

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Click below to watch our latest Fire Academy Video:

5 5 2023 8 19 25 AM

Lateral Hiring Process: Click HERE for more information

Employment Opportunities

We are not currently hiring. We plan to open applications at the end of July 2024

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In 2023 we were called to 21,388 calls for service. As this number continues to grow, so too does the need for public education and community involvement. Our Fire Department has the following values: Reliability, Service, Professionalism, Pride, Integrity, and Loyalty - please be thinking about what those values mean to you for your interview.

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As the largest fire department in Western South Dakota, we have the unique opportunity to operate as 'All Risk.' This includes fire protection for our citizens, National Wildland fire, Heavy and Light rescue, Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), and Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) at our airport.

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Our employees are committed to delivering the highest level of community service and believe that creating a safe community adds to the overall quality of life for our citizens and visitors. The Fire Department focuses on preparing and preventing hazards to the citizens through community risk reduction, public information, and code enforcement programs as well as internal development and continuing education.

Click here for more information about Rapid City. 

Click here for our 2023 Annual Report. 

Wages & Benefits

Firefighter EMT:

  • Salary: $58,716.84
  • Shift: 24 hours on, 48 hours off

Firefighter Paramedic:

  • Salary: $64,735.32
  • Shift: 24 hours on, 48 hours off

EMS Only - EMT:

  • Salary: $58,716.84
  • Shift: 40 hours a week, schedule to be determined

All Positions:

Health insurance is provided for the employee at no cost and the City pays a portion of the premium for family coverage.

Sick leave

Paid leave 

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan provided thorugh the South Dakota Retirement System. The City matches a percentage of the employee's pre-tax wages. For more information click HERE.

Supplemental retirement plan available

Flexible spending plans for health and dependent care

Testing & Hiring Process for Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

Step 1: Fill out the online application for employment with City Human Resources. You DO NOT need to be an EMT to apply, but you must be able to obtain certification within your first year of hire. 

Step 2: Qualified candidates will be invited to test. After you fill out your application, you will receive further information about testing dates. 

Step 3: Tests will include:

  • Written test
  • Physical fitness test. This is scored by gender and age group. This consists of body composition, running or rowing, bench press, push-ups, plank, and sit & reach. Click below for a scoring sheet that applies to you. You must score a minimum of 50 points to pass. 

Female 18-20   Female 20-29   Female 30-39   Female 40-49   Female 50-59   Female 60+

Male 18-20       Male 20-29        Male 30-39       Male 40-49       Male 50-59       Males 60+

  • Interview

Step 4: A number of top candidates will be contacted and receive offers of employment and move on to a background check, psychological exam, and medical exam.

We will stay in touch with you through the hiring process. 

Testing & Hiring Process for EMS only

Step 1: Fill out the online application for employment with City Human Resources. You must show proof of certification.

Step 2: Qualified candidates will be invited to interview. 

Step 3: Successful candidates will schedule their physical fitness test, background check and medical exam.

  • Physical fitness test. This is scored by gender and age group. This consists of body composition, running or rowing, bench press, push-ups, plank, and sit & reach. Click below for a scoring sheet that applies to you. You must score a minimum of 40 points to pass. 

Female 18-20   Female 20-29   Female 30-39   Female 40-49   Female 50-59   Female 60+

Male 18-20       Male 20-29        Male 30-39       Male 40-49       Male 50-59       Males 60+

Step 4: A number of top candidates will be contacted and receive offers of employment. An eligibility list will be kept for one year.

We will stay in touch with you through the hiring process. 

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