2026-2 Firefighter Recruit

ENTRY-LEVEL & EXPERIENCED FIREFIGHTER

Firefighter Recruit Wage $67,282

APPLICATION DUE 4/5/2026 11:59 p.m. MST

Performs firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations. Provides basic life support care under standard protocols and statutes. Maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations. Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have High School diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) by hire date of 8/14/2026.
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date of hire 8/14/2026.
• Valid FireTEAM test score through 3/31/2026.
• Valid CPAT certificate through application deadline of 4/5/2026.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license by 8/14/2026.
• Possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR’s 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 immediately prior to final offers (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 April 5, 2026.

• 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 candidate’s responsibility to obtain the certification on their own.

Out of State Locations:

National Testing Network

If there are no locations near you, the Phoenix Training Center in Arizona, on National Testing Network’s website has multiple tests a week (see link below).

https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ntn-arizona-cpat.cfm

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: $67,282

After graduating academy and based on experience, recruits would start at FF IV or FF III pay grade. Firefighters receive a pay grade increase annually on their hire date.

2026 Firefighter Wages:

• Firefighter IV $81,543
• Firefighter III $94,357
• Firefighter II $104,841
• Firefighter I $116,490

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 $1,000 annually
• Bachelors $3,000 annually
• Masters $5,000 annually
• Ph.D. $6,000 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 Rescue’s compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. As such, SMFR’s 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 SMFR's overall goal is to be a great place to work.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For all questions related to the Firefighter Hiring Process, please email employment@southmetro.org.

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