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Arff Firefighter Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arff Firefighter information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$62.7K

$105.2K

How much do arff firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for arff firefighter in Colorado is $62,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ARFF firefighter?

An Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Firefighter is responsible for responding to aircraft emergencies at airports. They handle fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazardous material containment specific to aviation incidents. ARFF firefighters train extensively in aircraft fire behavior, evacuation procedures, and medical response. They also conduct inspections, maintain firefighting equipment, and participate in airport emergency planning. Their primary goal is to ensure passenger and crew safety in aviation-related emergencies.

What are the primary responsibilities of an ARFF firefighter during a typical shift?

During a typical shift, an ARFF Firefighter is responsible for inspecting firefighting equipment and vehicles, conducting safety drills, and remaining on standby to respond immediately to aircraft emergencies or fire alarms. Duties also include routine training, participating in airport emergency planning, and collaborating with other airport personnel and local emergency responders. You’ll regularly perform maintenance tasks and ensure that all rescue gear meets safety standards, while maintaining readiness for rapid deployment. This proactive approach ensures prompt and effective action in the event of an aircraft incident or other emergency on airport grounds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the ARFF firefighter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) Firefighter, you need in-depth knowledge of fire science, emergency response protocols, and physical fitness, often supported by completion of specialized ARFF training and relevant firefighter certifications such as NFPA 1003. Familiarity with airport firefighting equipment, aircraft rescue vehicles, and radio communication systems is crucial. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and effective communication set top performers apart in this high-stakes role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring rapid, coordinated emergency responses that protect lives and property in airport environments.

Infographic showing various Arff Firefighter job openings in Colorado 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 $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER (HAZ MAT TECH/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician/Basic Life Support) assigned to a crew engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and crash-rescue operations.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-06, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-06 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-07 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
Special Retirement Provisions Authority: FERS Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. OR Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902].
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by date of appointment. This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR to qualified veteran preference eligibles who may be eligible for waivers in accordance with section 3 of DoDI 1400.25-V336. NOTE: Applicants who are past the maximum entry age, are re-entering into a primary/rigorous position and have previous special retirement coverage service - may be eligible to be rehired or reinstated to a primary/rigorous covered position without requiring a maximum entry age waiver if he/she will be able to complete 20 years of covered service by age 57.
Effective 1 Jun 00, all DoD firefighters and contract fire and emergency service personnel must be certified at the next higher level before being eligible for promotion to that level. Applicants must list their current firefighter related licenses and certificates on their resumes. Please attach copies of certifications when you submit the resume to verify qualification requirements for the position. Certification requirements for this position are: Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I and II), Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Apparatus Driver/Operator (D/O) - Pumper, D/O - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity, and the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to waterflow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.
2. Knowledge of basic and specialized airfield and structural firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures; and of basic and specialized building design, construction, and occupancy.
3. Knowledge of HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, identification, and mitigation actions.
4. Knowledge of basic life support techniques and protocols; and of safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders.
5. Skill in operating communications equipment.
6. Ability to apply basic life support techniques and protocols; conduct complete HAZMAT incident analysis; maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Employment Type: OTHER