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Firefighter Driver Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Train Crew - Denver, CO

Denver, CO

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

... fireman's class) and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer. In your initial year of service, you can ... Valid driver's license * Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension ...

WPR Security Officer

Lakewood, CO

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Assists engineers, supervisors, project managers, and other facilities personnel by providing ... May include Civilian or Military Police, Civilian or Military Firefighter, Emergency Medical ...

Firefighter Driver Engineer information

What is a firefighter driver engineer?

Firefighter Driver Engineers, also known as Fire Apparatus Operators or Engineer Operators, are specialized firefighters responsible for driving and operating fire engines and other emergency vehicles. Their duties include ensuring the safe transport of firefighting crews and equipment to incident scenes, as well as operating pumps, hoses, and other apparatus during emergencies. They must have thorough knowledge of vehicle maintenance, hydraulics, and fire ground operations. In addition to driving, they often perform regular firefighting tasks and maintenance checks on their assigned vehicles.

What does a firefighter driver engineer do?

In addition to safely driving and operating fire apparatus, a Firefighter Driver Engineer is responsible for conducting routine vehicle inspections, ensuring all equipment is operational, and assisting with on-scene setup such as establishing water supply lines. They also participate in ongoing training, maintain detailed records of apparatus maintenance and incident responses, and may mentor less experienced firefighters. Collaboration with the rest of the crew is essential, especially during emergency responses and drills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter driver engineer?

To thrive as a Firefighter Driver Engineer, you need comprehensive knowledge of firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, vehicle operations, and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent certification. Proficiency with fire apparatus, pump operation systems, hydraulic tools, and communication equipment is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork skills make someone excel in this role. These abilities ensure rapid, safe emergency response and effective support for firefighting teams under high-pressure conditions.

What is the difference between Firefighter Driver Engineer vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter Driver EngineerFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, driver/operator license, EMT certification often requiredFirefighter certification, EMT certification often required
Primary DutiesOperate fire apparatus, drive emergency vehicles, assist in firefightingRespond to fires, rescue operations, provide emergency medical care
Work EnvironmentFire stations, emergency scenes, driving emergency vehiclesFire scenes, rescue sites, emergency medical settings
Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Firefighter Driver Engineers focus on operating fire apparatus and driving emergency vehicles, while Firefighters primarily respond to fires and rescue operations. Both roles require similar certifications and work within fire departments, but their core responsibilities differ in vehicle operation versus direct firefighting and rescue tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Driver Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Firefighter Driver Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter Driver Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Driver Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Driver Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$33.11/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate heavy equipment such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors to support initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities.

  • Support other natural resource projects by operating equipment in various terrains and conditions.

  • Drive motor vehicles safely and maintain work practices by keeping equipment and work areas neat and in order.


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position is established on a Forest Unit to serve primarily as an operator of heavy equipment on initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The incumbent also operates this equipment in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Wage System Qualifications Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Element: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Ability to operate engineering and construction equipment, such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle-dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth.
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as graders, tractors with bulldozer or angle dozer blades, front-end loaders, backhoes, trench diggers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scraper attachments to push, pull, fill, pile or load gravel or earth in steep, hilly, rocky, and other types of adverse terrain, close to buildings, trees, drop-offs, rocks, or other obstructions and obstacles)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator (to excavate, backfill, grade, or level earth to rough specifications on all types of terrain including mountains, steep slopes, graded curves and shoulders, rocky and soft ground, and hilly forests)

Selective Placement Factors
Applicants must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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