Firefighter Lateral Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

LATERAL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER

To be considered a Lateral Paramedic/Firefighter, candidates need a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Paramedic/Firefighter at a career fire department (within the last 12 months).

South Metro Fire Rescue is looking for Lateral Paramedic/Firefighters to join our organization. $114,323/year (Paramedic III grade) - Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience $127,026/year (Paramedic II grade) - Candidates with more than 3 years of experience Candidates selected for this position will begin employment on January 22, 2027, and enter the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP). Paramedic/Firefighters will then attend an 8-week Fire Academy beginning June 7, 2027. The academy is held Monday through Thursday, with occasional Friday training as needed. APPLICATION DUE ON 8/28/2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST As part of the selection process, SMFR will be conducting a Paramedic testing process. More details to follow. 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

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of paid, full-time experience as a paramedic/firefighter (within the last 12 months) with a career fire service agency (state, county, municipal or special district) whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service (academy training does not count towards the two-year experience requirement).
• Must have completed a career fire academy consisting of at least 480 training hours (may be required to provide training records).
• Must have successful job performance and no prior disciplinary action within the prior two years of experience (copies of performance evaluations will be required as part of the background process).
• Possession of the following certifications (copies must be provided at time of application): Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification or National Registry Paramedic Certification* Candidates who hold only a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) certification must obtain a Colorado State Paramedic Certification by their date of hire (1/22/2027) Current American Heart Association ACLS Provider. Current American Heart Association BLS-Provider certification. Firefighter I and Firefighter II-must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations- must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation.
• Must meet the continuing education requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education (CDPH&E), the Medical Director, and SMFR.
• Possession of valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR's driving records policy. State of Colorado license required by hire date (1/22/2027).
• Successful completion of comprehensive background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen, and psychological exam in accordance with the SMFR policy and within acceptable SMFR background standards).
• 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.

* 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 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.

*Incomplete applications will be declined*Step #2 Paramedic Testing (Tentatively scheduled for September 14, 2026)

More information to follow soon.

Step #3 Virtual Interviews (September 21, 23, 24, 2026)

Successful candidates from the paramedic testing will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview.

Step #4 Oral Boards (Week of October 20th, 2026)

Successful candidates from the virtual interviews will be invited to in-person oral boards interview.

CONTACT INFORMATION: For all questions related to the Paramedic Hiring Process, please email employment@southmetro.org.

**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.