ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Level Firefighter Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

All JobsLevel Firefighter JobsEntry Level Level Firefighter JobsEntry Level Level Firefighter Jobs in Colorado

Entry Level Level Firefighter information

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter vs Firefighter Trainee?

AspectEntry Level FirefighterFirefighter Trainee
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT-B, Firefighter I & IILikely same certifications, may still be in training
Work EnvironmentActive firefighting, emergency responseTraining environment, supervised practice
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire academies, training programs
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Firefighters are fully qualified to respond to emergencies and perform firefighting duties, while Firefighter Trainees are still in training, working under supervision to gain necessary skills. The main difference lies in certification status and job responsibilities, with trainees focusing on learning before becoming fully certified firefighters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of fire academy training and EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and emergency communication systems is required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, safety, and the ability to protect lives and property.

What are entry level firefighters?

Entry level firefighters are individuals who have recently begun their careers in fire service, usually after completing basic training and certification. They are responsible for responding to emergency calls, extinguishing fires, rescuing people, and providing first aid. Entry level firefighters also participate in ongoing training, maintain equipment, and assist in fire prevention activities. Their work is supervised by more experienced firefighters and officers, and they follow strict safety protocols. This role is physically demanding and requires strong teamwork and communication skills.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level firefighters during their first year on the job?

Entry-level firefighters often encounter challenges such as adapting to the rigorous physical demands of the role, learning to operate complex equipment under pressure, and adjusting to the shift-based work schedule, which may include nights and weekends. Additionally, they must quickly develop strong teamwork and communication skills, as effective collaboration is crucial for safety and efficiency during emergency responses. Building confidence in high-stress situations and continuously learning from experienced colleagues are important aspects of overcoming these early challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Level Firefighter jobs in Colorado? For Entry Level Level Firefighter jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Level Firefighter jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Level Firefighter jobs in Colorado are:
Entry Level Level Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Level Firefighter job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

2027-1 Entry-Level Paramedic/Firefighter Recruit

South metro

Centennial, CO • On-site

$114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

ENTRY-LEVEL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT
$83,980 - Paramedic Recruit Wage during academy
$98,798/year - Paramedic Grade IV (less than 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy
$114,323/year - Paramedic grade III (at least 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy
South Metro Fire Rescue is looking for entry-level Paramedics to join our organization.
APPLICATION DUE ON 8/28/2026 at 11:59 P.M. MST
Candidates who possess the required certifications and meet minimum qualifications will participate in a paramedic practical exam as part of the selection process. Additional details regarding the exam format and testing process will be provided soon.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who are disqualified from the background process, may apply again one year from contingent job offer.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs paramedic, firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations. Provides advanced and basic life support care under SMFR Medical Director's approved protocols and statutes. Ensures that other EMT personnel provide basic life support under their oversight. Maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations. Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Valid CPAT certificate submitted with SMFR application (8/28/2026).
  • Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado Driver's License by the hire date (1/22/2027).
  • 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.
  • To ensure South Metro Fire Rescue maintains a highly trained and dedicated paramedic workforce to serve our community, Paramedic/Firefighters are required to complete a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of employment in the Paramedic/Firefighter position before becoming eligible to voluntarily transfer to a lower-level position (voluntary demotion). During this five-year commitment, Paramedic/Firefighters may:
    • Begin a promotional task book for any suppression position after achieving the Paramedic I grade and completing at least three (3) years of service as an SMFR Paramedic.
    • Begin an EMS Field Instructor task book after completing one (1) year of service at the Paramedic I grade.

Colorado Residents - Required Certifications
  • Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification
  • Current ACLS Certification
  • Current BLS Certification

Additional Certifications - If you hold either of the below certifications please provide.
  • Current National Registry Paramedic Certification
  • Current PALS or Handtevy

Out-of-State Residents - Required Certifications
  • Current National Registry Paramedic Certification*
  • Current ACLS Certification
  • Current BLS Certification

Additional Certifications - If you hold the below certification please provide.
  • Current PALS or Handtevy

*Out-of-state candidates with a valid, state issued paramedic license may apply with the expectation to have a valid national registry certificate by the time of conditional offer. (approx. 11/12/2026)
COMPENSATION:
  • We value previous paid paramedic experience and are willing to compensate our new hires based on the paid experience they bring to SMFR.
  • To qualify for a higher pay tier upon completion of our training academy, applicants must have at least 3 years of paid experience as a paramedic (within the last 12 months) with a full-time fire service agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service or 3 years of full-time paramedic experience in an emergency medical services or medical field.

* PLEASE NOTE: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana within the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado.*
HIRING PROCESS:
Step #1 CPAT (Valid through AUGUST 28, 2026)
Candidates are required to have a valid CPAT certificate at the time of application.
  • Only a CPAT license by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and 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.

Additional CPAT Resources:
  • Aims Community College
  • Denver Fire
  • 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
Step #2 SMFR Application (Deadline August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST)
Complete the application following the instructions below.
  • Applicants must attach all required valid certifications and documents along with the application.
  • Please be sure to name each required document/certification indicating the proper name of the document you are attaching.
  • Applicants must complete the work experience history section. Please include all your work history from the last 10 years, if applicable. You may include more than 10 years.
  • If any time gaps in employment during your work history, please create an entry explaining the reason for the gap.
  • You must list your education history.

Step #3 Paramedic Testing (tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026).
More information to follow soon.
Step #4 Virtual Interviews
Successful candidates who pass the paramedic practical will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview.
Step #5 Oral Boards
Successful candidates in the virtual interviews will be invited to an in-person oral board interview.
** Incomplete applications will be declined **
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For all questions related to the Paramedic Hiring Process, please email employment@southmetro.org.
Click this link for a full job description: SMFR Paramedic Job Description
**South Metro Fire Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer**
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply