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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a written exam as part of the hiring process? 
No. MFD does not hold a written exam as part of our hiring process.

2. Is there a physical test as part of the hiring process? 
No. Only once a conditional job offer is received, would a new hire need to take and pass a physical exam which is administered by the department physician. This includes a blood draw and stress test. 

3. Is there an age limit to apply?
No. There is no age limit to apply.

4. Does MFD hire women?
Yes!

Recruit Firefighter

  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Valid state-issued license;
  • Possession and maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification, OR, current National Registry (NR) EMT, NR Advanced EMT, or NR Paramedic Certification with the ability to become an Idaho State certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended;
  • CPR certification;
  • Paramedics must have valid American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS and PALS certifications;
  • Be able to meet physical fitness standards;

Lateral Firefighter

  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Valid state-issued license;
  • Possession and maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification, OR, current National Registry (NR) EMT, NR Advanced EMT, or NR Paramedic Certification with the ability to become an Idaho State certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended;
  • CPR certification;
  • Paramedics must have valid American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS and PALS certifications;
  • Two (2) years’ experience as a career full time paid Firefighter EMT/Paramedic with a Municipal Fire Department of District;
  • Prior Fire Academy completion or experience that meets a Firefighter I level of training or possess an IFSAC/Pro-Board accredited Firefighter I certification; 
  • Be able to meet physical fitness standards

1. Do I need an EMT license to apply?
Applicants must have an EMT license prior to interviews.

2. What if I have an EMT license from another state?
Any current, state-issued EMT license is acceptable. If hired you will have the ability to gain reciprocity once the academy starts.

3. Do I have to have a National Registry?
Current NR must be held by the time a conditional offer of employment is made. 

4. Do I need a state EMT license and National Registry? 
Applicants must posses either a state EMT license OR National Registry, with the ability to become a State of Idaho certified EMS provider before a conditional job offer of employment is extended. 

1. Do I need a valid Idaho State license to apply?
No. Any valid, state-issued license is acceptable to apply. 

1. How long is the academy?
Entry Level Academy is 16-18 weeks and our Lateral Academy is 5-6 weeks.

2. What is the work schedule during the academy?
40 hour work week, M-F.

3. How many Recruit/Lateral positions is MFD hiring for?
Number of positions being hired for depends on our departments needs at the time of recruitment. Past openings have been anywhere between 1 to 16.

4. Where is the academy held?
Our academy takes place at our Public Safety Training Center and Station 1.

1. What is the work schedule for MFD?
48/96 shift schedule. 48 hours on, 96 hours off. Recruits who successful pass the academy are assigned to A, B, or C shifts.

2. Does MFD have incentive pay programs?
Yes! We offer incentive pay in addition to base wages for educational degrees, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic certifications. Additional incentive pay is available once new hires pass probationary status. 

1. Does MFD offer ride-alongs?
Yes. You can apply for a ride along here. To be eligible for a ride-along participants must not have applied for the most current round of applications.  

2. Who do I address my cover letter to?
“To Meridian Fire Department.”

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