2026-1 Firefighter Recruit

ENTRY-LEVEL &EXPERIENCED FIREFIGHTER

Firefighter Recruit Wage $67282

APPLICATION DUE 11/30/2025 midnight MST

Performs firefighting emergency medical and rescue work in emergencysituations. Provides basic life support care under standard protocols andstatutes. Maintains apparatus vehicles equipment and fire are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety offirefighting emergency medical and rescue techniques under direct andlimited supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have High School diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) by hire date of 4/3/2026.
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date of hire 4/3/2026.
• Valid FireTEAM test score through 11/24/2025.
• Valid CPAT certificate through application deadline of 11/30/2025.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado drivers license by 4/3/2026.
• Possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFRs Driving Records Policy.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check criminal history review physical fitness/wellness assessment medical evaluation drug screen and psychological exam as well as a second CPAT (this will be paid for by SMFR).

** PLEASE NOTE: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana including the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado. **

Candidates are required to have a CPAT certificate that is valid and available to upload with their application. This certificate must be valid through November 30 2025.

• Only a CPAT license by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) or the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) will be accepted. South Metro Fire Rescue does not host the CPAT test. It is the candidates responsibility to obtain the certification on their own.

Out of State Locations:

National Testing Network

Colorado Locations:

Denver Fire Department

Aims Community College

After applications are submitted and reviewed approximately 250 will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview with SMFR personnel.

After completion of phone interviews successful candidates will be invited to oral boards.

2026 COMPENSATION:

During academy Firefighter Recruit Wage: $67282

2026 Firefighter Wages:

• Firefighter IV $81543
• Firefighter III $94357
• Firefighter II $104841
• Firefighter I $116490

Additional Compensation

• SMFR strongly values education and in turn compensates employees who have a degree with an education differential from the date of hire as follows:
• Associates $1000 annually
• Bachelors $3000 annually
• Masters $5000 annually
• Ph.D. $6000 annually

Experienced Firefighters

• We value previous paid firefighter experience and are willing to compensate our new hires based on the paid experience they bring to SMFR.
• To qualify for experienced Firefighter pay upon completion of our academy applicants must have at least 3 years of paid experience as a firefighter (within the last 12 months) with a full-time fire service agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service plus a 400-hour approved academy determined by SMFR.

South Metro Fire Rescues compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. As such SMFRs compensation is more than base pay. All regular full-time SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including base wages leave accruals medical dental vision and life insurance employer-paid premiums Retiree Health Savings Death & Disability and employer-paid pension contributions as well as a positive work culture including a robust Fitness Wellness and Rehabilitation Program educational opportunities and support job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has different meanings to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. But SMFRs overall goal is to be a great place to work.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For all questions related to the Firefighter Hiring Process please email.

**South Metro Fire Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer**