1

Firefighter Lateral Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Lateral information

What responsibilities will I have as a firefighter lateral?

As a Firefighter Lateral, you’ll typically be expected to perform the full range of duties similar to other experienced firefighters, including responding to fire and medical emergencies, participating in training exercises, and conducting equipment checks. You’ll collaborate closely with your new crew, adapting to department protocols and learning the specific procedures unique to your new station. Many lateral hires are given a brief orientation or onboarding process to familiarize them with local geography, equipment, and reporting structures. Your previous experience will be valued right away, but you may also be assessed for compatibility with the team’s operations during your initial shifts.

What is a firefighter lateral?

A Firefighter Lateral job is a position for experienced firefighters who are transferring from another fire department. These positions allow qualified personnel to join a new department without starting at an entry-level rank. Lateral firefighters typically must meet specific experience, certification, and training requirements. This process helps departments bring in skilled professionals who can quickly integrate into operations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a firefighter lateral?

To thrive as a Firefighter Lateral, you need proven firefighting experience, thorough knowledge of fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical response, typically supported by Firefighter I/II certification and EMT or Paramedic credentials. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, apparatus operations, and incident management systems like ICS is important. Outstanding teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure effective emergency response, safety for both the public and crew, and seamless integration into an existing fire department team.

Infographic showing various Firefighter Lateral job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lateral Firefighter Paramedic

City of Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs, CO • On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Firefighter/Paramedic

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

  • 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 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
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