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Fire Lieutenant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Fire Lieutenant information

See Colorado salary details

$54.7K

$100.4K

$202.4K

How much do fire lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire lieutenant in Colorado is $100,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire LieutenantFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/IIFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/II, Fire Officer III/IV (often required)
Work EnvironmentLeading fire crews, supervising daily operations, trainingOverseeing multiple fire crews, managing incident scenes, administrative duties
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonFire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain

Fire Lieutenants typically supervise fire crews and handle daily operational tasks, while Fire Captains oversee multiple crews and manage larger incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and work in fire departments, but Captains often have broader responsibilities and command authority.

What are some common challenges Fire Lieutenants face when leading their teams during emergency incidents?

Fire Lieutenants often encounter the challenge of making quick, high-stakes decisions while ensuring the safety of both their crew and the public. They must maintain clear communication under pressure, coordinate effectively with other emergency responders, and adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on operational tasks can also be demanding, especially during large-scale incidents where resource allocation and situational awareness are critical.

What are Fire Lieutenants?

Fire Lieutenants are supervisory firefighters who oversee a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at the fire station. They are responsible for ensuring effective firefighting tactics, enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing equipment readiness. Fire Lieutenants serve as the link between firefighters and higher-ranking officers, making critical decisions during emergencies and assisting with administrative tasks. Their leadership helps maintain order and efficiency within their unit, ensuring the safety of both their team and the public.

What Is a Fire Lieutenant?

A fire lieutenant has a supervisory role in a fire department and ensures that firefighters are prepared for emergency situations. As a fire lieutenant, your job duties include conducting safety reviews and training, checking that all emergency and medical equipment is in working order, and performing fire safety demonstrations. You also respond to alarms as an officer. You typically report to the fire captain or chief and act as a shift supervisor in his or her absence. Qualifications for this career include several years working in a fire department, training and licensure in emergency medical response, and excellent management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Lieutenant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Lieutenant, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and typically completion of relevant fire science courses or officer certifications. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire investigation tools, and emergency response software is often required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills set outstanding Fire Lieutenants apart. These competencies ensure effective emergency response, safety of personnel, and successful execution of fireground operations.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Lieutenant jobs in Colorado? For Fire Lieutenant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Lieutenant jobs in CO? For Fire Lieutenant jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Lieutenant job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,364 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Lateral Firefighter Paramedic

Lateral Firefighter Paramedic

City of Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat Springs, CO

$80K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Final Day To Apply:

08/09/2026

It's fun and rewarding to work for the City of Steamboat Springs! Our employees are passionate and proud to serve our community with excellence and distinction. Our teams are awesome, and we are committed to our community and the very special place that is Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

Job Description:

When joining the City of Steamboat Springs, you can expect to work for an organization with:

  • A team that strives to make this the best place you've ever worked!

  • A focus on supporting our employees' mental, physical, and financial well-being

  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that creates a welcoming city

  • A highly engagedworkforceproudlyserving our community with excellence and distinction

  • A passionforstrategicallyproviding outstanding municipal services

  • A promise to each other to support the work we all do for the city, community & Yampa Valley


Uniqueness Fuels Our Innovative Spirit
Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experiences drives us forward every day. It's the collective sum of our experiences that makes Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley a powerful, insightful and welcoming community.

The City of Steamboat Springs is creating a list of Lateral Firefighter-Paramedic to join their team!

Pay Range: Firefighter-Paramedic $80,452 - $111,263/Annually

Placement within range is relative to experience.

We are creating an eligibility list to fill future vacancies. This list will remain in effect until June 30, 2027, or until the list is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Applicants should submit:

  • Cover letter

  • Resume

  • Letters of Recommendation

  • Any supporting documents or certifications

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Firefighter/Paramedic is a dual-role member of Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) having advanced emergency medical care responsibilities in addition to firefighter duties. Depending on the nature of the emergency the Firefighter/Paramedic will provide basic and advanced life support, perform extrication and rescue, act as a firefighter in fire suppression activities or perform hazard control activities. This position is technical and skilled in nature and requires the ability to interact with patients, independently assess and treat medical emergencies, follow established advanced treatment protocols, supervise patient care, and document findings and events for the patient's medical record. Work is often carried out under stressful conditions in the presences of contagious disease, environmental, chemical, and physical hazards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

On emergency scenes the Firefighter/Paramedic supervises those who are involved in patient care. In daily operations the Firefighter/Paramedic supervises Firefighter/EMTs working in the ambulance as assigned. May assist in the supervision of another crew, new recruits, or other part-time department personnel, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides outstanding service and performs duties as necessary to best serve the needs of the community in the SSFR response area.

  • Responds to emergency calls, including structure fires, medicals, fire alarms, vehicle accidents and fires, wildland fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies.

  • Advances and position hose lines, hold nozzles and direct water streams; raise, climb, and work from ladders and work from high or precarious places; use fire extinguishers, power and hand tools, ropes and other equipment.

  • Creates building openings to release heat and smoke or provide means for ingress or egress, place salvage covers to prevent water damage and prevent fire from rekindling.

  • Perform necessary basic and advanced life support for sick, injured, or convalescent persons at the sites of emergencies and en route to hospitals or other medical facilities. Patient care may include: hemorrhage control and treatment for shock, intravenous therapy, medication administration, electrocardiogram interpretation, manual external defibrillation or synchronized cardioversion, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced airway management and fracture stabilization.

  • Observe established standard operational guidelines, and medical protocols.

  • Record event information including patient condition, patient history, treatments, vital signs, and scene observations.

  • Communicates with supervisor or other firefighters and supplies patient information to physicians via radio, telephone, or other electronic transmission, direct contact, and written report.

  • Operate emergency vehicles and fire fighting apparatus en route to emergencies and during patient transport to the hospital or other facility.

  • Utilizes computers to enter reports into department data base for billing and statistical purposes, reports, research, and electronic mail communication.

  • Participates in drills, courses, and training for firefighting and medical techniques, hydraulics, pump operation, and equipment maintenance, and related topics.

  • Maintain inventories of equipment and supplies.

  • Perform various maintenance tasks on apparatus and equipment.

  • Participate in public education programs and building safety inspections.

  • Assists in supervising firefighters and conduct training for employees as assigned.

  • Perform general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; maintain station and grounds; make minor repairs; wash, hang and dry hose; wash, clean, polish, maintain and test apparatus and equipment.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Lateral experience and certifications requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years experience in a full-time paid position on an all-hazards fire department (academy training does not count towards the three-year experience requirement)

  • Minimum 2 years experience as a Paramedic in a full-time paid position on an all hazards fire department (academy training does not count towards the two-year experience requirement)

  • Current Colorado EMT-P certificate, OR National Registry EMT-P certificate with ability to obtain Colorado EMT-P before October 1, 2026

  • Current ACLS certification

  • Current Healthcare provider CPR certification

  • Firefighter II certification (ProBoard or IFSAC Accredited)

  • Must Obtain Colorado Firefighter II within one year of hire

  • Hazardous Materials Operations certification (ProBoard or IFSAC Accredited)

  • ICS-100

  • NIMS 700

  • Current NWCG qualifications

    • S-130/190 Red Card qualification (FFT2 minimum), meeting current NWCG PMS 310-1 standards

    • S-131 FFT1 is preferred

  • Current State of Colorado Driver's License or ability to obtain, and must maintain a driving record meeting City of Steamboat Springs insurance requirements

  • Proof of completion of an emergency vehicle operator program (i.e. VFIS, CEVO, EVOC or other equivalent internal department program)

  • Must successfully complete SSFR's physical ability evaluation and annual arduous-duty requirements

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Must be 21 years of age at time of hire

  • Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the USA

  • No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories

  • Must be able to read and write the English language

  • Ability to pass a thorough background check

    • Psychological evaluation

    • Driving History

    • Criminal History

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PALS or PEPP

  • Fire Instructor I (ProBoard or IFSAC Accredited)

  • Experience with LifePak 15, and ImageTrend PCRs

  • NWCG

    • ICT5

    • S-290

    • S-230/231

    • ENGB

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Training in advanced emergency medical procedures. Training in patient assessment techniques. Knowledge of symptoms of medical emergencies and appropriate treatments for such conditions. Training in multiple firefighting disciplines. Training in various rescue methodologies. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment. Thorough knowledge of Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue's Standard Operating Guidelines. Thorough knowledge of adopted Emergency Medical Protocols. Knowledge of the personnel rules and regulations of the City of Steamboat Springs. Knowledge of the proper methods for maintenance of equipment. Knowledge of building construction, fire codes, and related codes. Knowledge of the geographic layout of the SSFR response area including roads and location of hazardous occupancies. Knowledge of hydraulics as applied to fire fighting. Mechanical aptitude with ability to operate a variety of apparatus, tools, and equipment. Knowledge of water systems and water mains. Agility and strength to do prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions. Ability to react quickly and remain calm under duress and strain. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Skill in the operation of all fire fighting and rescue equipment including motor vehicles. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with medical directors, superiors, coworkers, cooperators, other employees, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Firefighters are required to work a 48-hour rotating schedule, including weekends and holidays, and overtime and emergency call-back on an as needed basis. Firefighters may, at times, be assigned to a traditional work week schedule.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All firefighters must pass the annual physical requirements as outlined by SSFR. This includes a physical ability evaluation, an arduous duty pack test, and a medical evaluation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Firefighters must occasionally lift more than 100 pounds while wearing protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, operating in super-heated atmospheres, and performing an assortment of firefighting duties. These duties may include, but are not limited to, dragging hose weighing up to 150 pounds, carrying and operating equipment weighing 80 pounds, performing rescues of any victims, operate on ladders roofs, and high places, maneuver over unseen terrain or in and through confined spaces.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.

Specific required perception includes the ability to hear, feel, talk, smell, and vision capabilities for close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Additionally, the firefighter must be able to operate in an environment deprived of the use of any of the aforementioned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a variety of indoor building environments and outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. In addition, the employee may be exposed to communicable diseases, such as hepatitis and AIDS, as well as to violence from mentally unstable or combative patients. The work is not only physically strenuous but can be stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations and suffering patients.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, except during certain firefighting or emergency activities when noise levels may be loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; review of education and experience; written examination (optional); physical agility test; oral examination; and interview by appointing authority.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Steamboat Springs is an equal opportunity employer.


If you like serving in a role that will directly and positively impact our great community, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Pay Range:

$26.83 - $37.11

Offers will be negotiated based on each candidate's qualifications.
Merit:
This role is eligible for merit within our pay-for-performance philosophy via our annual performance review process. Hires after September 1st will take the next year's compensation data into account but would not be eligible for merit until the following year.
Benefits:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program ...