Job Description
SOUTH METRO FIRE RESCUE
9195 EAST MINERAL DRIVE
CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112
(720)989-2422
Updated: January 15, 2025
***Please submit your application through the link provided to be considered for this position.***
FIREFIGHTER
FIRETEAM TEST DUE BY 2/9/2025
South Metro Fire Rescue is seeking entry level and experienced Firefighters to join our organization for the upcoming Fall 2025 academy.
The next fire academy is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2025.
To be considered for this hiring process, you must complete the steps below:
1. Complete the FireTEAM test.
2. Obtain a valid CPAT.
3. South Metro will invite the top 350 FireTEAM scores to apply separately through our website.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
Must be 18 years of age by the hire date of 7/25/2025.
Valid FireTEAM test score through 2/9/2025.
Valid CPAT certificate through the application deadline of 3/3/2025.
Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license by the hire date of 7/25/2025.
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.
** PLEASE NOTE: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana including the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado. **
HIRING PROCESS:
Step #1 FireTEAM TEST
Candidates are required to take the FireTEAM test. The test is administered through the National Testing Network and available from 1/6/2025 - 2/9/2025. Visit the FireTEAM website, identify a testing center near you and register to take the test.
If you have taken your FireTEAM test prior to SMFR opening the hiring process, please login to your FireTEAM account and add SMFR to permit us to view your FireTEAM score no later than 2/9/2025. The FireTEAM test will not be available after 02/09/2025 at midnight Mountain Standard Time.
There is a $50 fee to take the FireTEAM test that will be at the candidate's expense.
FireTEAM minimum passing score deemed valid by NTN.
Test/Minimum Passing Score
Human Relations/70
Math/70
Mechanical/60
Reading/80
Step #2 CPAT
· Candidates are required to have a CPAT certificate that is valid and available to upload should the candidate be invited to apply by March 3, 2025.
· Only a CPAT license by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) or 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.
CPAT Resources for out-of-state candidates:
National Testing Network (NTN) provides convenient professional administration of the CPAT in various states.
Colorado Locations:
Denver Fire Department
Aims Community College - Please look at Process 154 (dates align with our application timelines)
Step #3 APPLICATION:
SMFR will invite candidates with the top 350 scores to apply through our website. All categories must have the minimum passing score per FireTEAM to be considered.
Step #4 SELECTION PROCESS
After application review, approximately 250 candidates will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview. From there, approximately 100 will move forward to oral boards.
Candidates who receive a contingent job offer will have to successfully pass our background process that includes pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen and psychological exam.
· Candidates will have to complete and pass another CPAT at the time of the physical, fitness/wellness assessment.
TENTATIVE ACADEMY HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE:
February 9, 2025
FireTEAM test deadline
February 10, 2025
SMFR will invite a limited number of candidates (approximately 350) to complete a job application based on FireTEAM scores
March 3, 2025
SMFR application deadline
Mid-March, 2025
Phone Interviews
Early to Mid-April, 2025
Oral Boards
Late April 2025
Contingent Job Offers extended via email
May - June, 2025
Pre-employment Testing (background check, psychological evaluation and fitness/wellness assessment and second CPAT)
Late June, 2025
Final Job Offers
July 25, 2025
Fall 2025-2 Fire Academy New Employee Orientation
July 28, 2025
Fall 2025-2 Fire Academy Starts
December 12, 2025
Fall 2025-2 Fire Academy Graduation
**The hiring process timeline is subject to change at any time**
COMPENSATION:
20 Week Academy - $29.07/hour
o All candidates will go through the 20-week academy regardless of previous experience and everyone is paid the same wage during academy.
2025 Firefighter Wages
o Firefighter IV $78,786
o Firefighter III $91,166
o Firefighter II $101,296
o Firefighter I $112,551
Additional Compensation
SMFR strongly values education and in turn compensates employees who have a degree with an education different
Associates $1,000/year
Bachelors $3,000/year
Masters $5,000/year
PhD $6,000/year
Experienced Firefighters
We value previous paid firefighter experience and are willing to compensate our new hires based on the paid experience they bring to SMFR.
To qualify for experienced Firefighter pay upon completion of our 20-week academy, applicants must have a least 3 years of paid experience as a firefighter (within the last 12 months) with a full-time fire service agency whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service along with a 400-hour academy.
Experienced Firefighters will receive Firefighter III wage after graduating academy.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 78,786.00 112,551.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Full time, Night shift,