Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) by date of hire.
• Must be 18 years of age by date of hire.
• Valid FireTEAM test scores.
• Valid CPAT uploaded with application.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado driver’s license Possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR’s Driving Records Policy by date of hire.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen and psychological exam. More information in SMFR Background Standards link. 
  • 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.
• IMPORTANT: To help prepare for your fitness/wellness assessment, click here for a sample program from our Wellness Division.

SMFR Background Standards (PDF)

*Any candidates who are selected during the hiring process that do not possess a EMT-B will go through a separate EMT-B course either before or after academy. Candidates who already possess a valid EMT-B will not need to attend the EMT-B course.

Firefighter Job Description (PDF) 

SMFR Firefighter Hiring Process Overview

ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE HIRING PROCESS WILL BE DONE VIA EMAIL FROM EMPLOYMENT@SOUTHMETRO.ORG. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM INBOX FOR ANY EMAILS FROM US.

 

Step #1 FIRETEAM test, CPAT, and Submit Application

Deadline has passed

• If your scores are still valid and you already selected SMFR to view your scores from the last hiring process, then nothing needs to be done with National Testing Network. The next step for you would be submitting an application and attaching your current CPAT.
• If you took your FireTEAM test before our job post opened, please log into your National Testing Network profile and add SMFR to view your scores.
• If you were part of our last recruitment process, you need to apply again since this is a different recruitment process.

Information about the FIRETEAM test

• The test can be taken online or in-person.
• A video based test consisting of 4 different components: Human Relations, Math, Mechanical, and Reading. 
• There is a fee to take the FireTEAM test that will be at the candidate's expense.
• You can purchase a practice test before taking the actual exam. More details here. 
• See FireTEAM Video Practical Test for more details.
• Schedule your FireTEAM test. 

CPAT

This test consists of eight events commonly performed in the fire service. It is designed to test a candidates strength and endurance. It is physically demanding and requires the candidate be physically fit to be able to perform essential job tasks and be successful.

Candidates are required to have a valid CPAT certificate at the time of application. There are numerous testing sites in Colorado. Please see the links below for agencies that offer a CPAT test. Out-of-state applicants, please refer to National Testing Network's link below or see if there is an accredited test though the IAFF where you live. 

Colorado Options

Denver Fire

Aims Community College

Out-of-State Option

National Testing Network

Phoenix Testing (weekly tests)

Submit Application to SMFR 

On the top of this webpage, click on Careers and click on Current Opportunities to apply. Please be advised: only the candidates with the top 350 FireTEAM scores will be considered to move forward in our selection process. All FireTEAM categories must have the minimum passing score to be considered. All candidates that submit a FireTEAM score to SMFR will be notified either way via email after the application deadline. 

Step #2 Virtual Interviews 

After applications are submitted and reviewed, approximately 250 will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview with SMFR personnel. 

Step #3 Oral Boards required in-person

After phone interviews, a limited number of candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Boards. The Oral Board panel will consist of SMFR personnel of various ranks that will ask behavior based questions. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person and how you would be as member of the SMFR family. 

Oral boards will include both Firefighters and Paramedic/Firefighters. Our intent is to create an academy class made up of roughly equal numbers from each rank. While we strive for this balance, final selections will be based on overall oral board performance. The highest-scoring candidates, regardless of rank, will receive a contingent job offer to ensure we fill the academy with the strongest candidates.

Don't know how to prepare?! Follow the link below for helpful tips.

Oral Board Tips.pdf

Contingent Job Offers

Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical and fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen, and psychological evaluation. *Candidates will have to complete and pass another CPAT at the time of the physical fitness/wellness assessment (SMFR will pay for this expense).

Physical Fitness/Wellness Assessment 

Our Wellness Division has developed a sample workout plan to help candidates prepare for the VO₂ test and build the fitness level required for the academy. The physical demands of the academy begin immediately, and candidates are expected to arrive prepared. Please click on the link below for the workout plan. 

WELLNESS PROGRAM

 

2027 Compensation 

After graduating academy and based on experience, recruits would start at FF IV or FF III pay grade. Firefighters receive a pay grade increase annually on their hire date. 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
• Must be 21 years of age by hire date (1/22/2027).
• Valid CPAT certificate with application (8/28/2026)
• Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification or National Registry Paramedic Certification.
• Current American Heart Association ACLS Provider.
• Current American Heart Association CPR Provider.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado Driver's License by date of hire (1/22/2027).
• 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. See more information in the SMFR Background Standards link.
  • 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.
• 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.
• IMPORTANT: Our Paramedic/Firefighters are required to successfully pass our fitness/wellness assessment just like the Firefighter candidates. To help prepare for your fitness/wellness assessment, click here for a sample program from our Wellness Division.

*We are not requiring Paramedic candidates to take the FireTEAM test as part of the hiring process. 

SMFR BACKGROUND STANDARDS

 

PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER JOB DESCRIPTION

 

SMFR Paramedic/Firefighter Hiring Process

2027 Paramedic/Firefighter Recruit Salary - $83,980

Paramedic/Firefighter Grade IV through I - $98,798- $141,140

Click here for the 2027-1 Hiring Timeline Snapshot 

ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE HIRING PROCESS WILL BE DONE VIA EMAIL FROM EMPLOYMENT@SOUTHMETRO.ORG. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM INBOX FOR ANY EMAILS FROM US.

 

Step #1 CPAT (Valid through August 28, 2026)

This test consists of eight events commonly performed in the fire service. It is designed to test a candidates strength and endurance. It is physically demanding and requires the candidate be physically fit to be able to perform essential job tasks and be successful.

Candidates are required to have a valid CPAT certificate through the date of hire. There are numerous testing sites in Colorado. Please see the links below for agencies that offer a CPAT test. *Be advised that all tests need to be accredited through the IAFF.

Colorado Locations

Denver Fire

Aims Community College

Out of State

National Testing Network

Phoenix Training Center (weekly tests)

STEP #2 Application (Deadline August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST)

On the top of this webpage, click on Careers, and click on the Current Opportunities to submit your application. You must possess all required certifications listed above for your application to be considered. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect an update after the application deadline or possibly sooner.

STEP #3 Paramedic Testing (Tentatively scheduled for September 14, 2026. More details to follow)

Candidates will participate in a Paramedic testing process. There will be two testing components: a scenario-based practical and a medical knowledge assessment. All materials are based on National Registry standards. 

Scenario-based practical evaluates clinical reasoning, patient management, and decision making.

Medical knowledge assessment evaluates rhythm identification, 12-lead interpretation, and core ALS pharmacology.  

Successful candidates in the Paramedic testing will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview. 

STEP #4 Virtual Interviews (September 21, 23, 24, 2026)

Candidates who successfully pass the Paramedic testing process, will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview. The panels will consist of line personnel and one HR representative. Firefighter and Paramedic/Firefighter candidatess will all

STEP #5 Oral Boards (Various dates starting on November 2-12, 2026)

The Oral Board panel will consist of SMFR personnel of various ranks that will ask behavior based questions. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person and how you would be as member of the SMFR family.  

Don't know how to prepare?! Follow this link below for helpful tips. 

ORAL BOARD TIPS

Contingent Job Offers 

Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical and 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 (SMFR will pay for this expense).

Physical Fitness/Wellness Assessment 

Our Wellness Division has developed a sample workout plan to help candidates prepare for the VO₂ test and build the fitness level required for the academy. The physical demands of the academy begin immediately, and candidates are expected to arrive prepared. Please click on the link below for the workout plan. 

WELLNESS PROGRAM

 

2027 Paramedic/Firefighter Recruit Wage during academy $83,980

To be considered a Lateral Paramedic, candidates need to have a minimum of 2 years of experience as a fire medic.

• $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 

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 three-year experience requirement). 
• Must have completed a career fire academy consisting of at least 480 training hours.
• Must have successful job performance and no prior disciplinary action within the prior two years of experience.
• Possession of the following certifications:
  • Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification or National Registry Paramedic Certification.
  • Current Handtevy certification.
  • Current American Heart Association ACLS Provider.
  • Current American Heart Association BLS-Provider certification.
  • Firefighter I and Firefighter II-must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation (CMCB preferred).
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations- must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation (CMCB preferred).
  • Possession of Driver Operator Utility Certification at a minimum.
• 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 SMFR policy and within acceptable SMFR background standard. 
• 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.

 

SMFR BACKGROUND STANDARDSPARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER JOB DESCRIPTION

 

SMFR Lateral Paramedic/Firefighter Hiring Process

Selected candidates will begin employment on January 22, 2027, and immediately enter the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP). On June 7, 2027, they will transition into our 8-week Fire Academy to complete their firefighter training.

 

Click here for the 2027-2 Lateral Paramedic Hiring Timeline Snapshot 

 

 

ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE HIRING PROCESS WILL BE DONE VIA EMAIL FROM EMPLOYMENT@SOUTHMETRO.ORG. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM INBOX FOR ANY EMAILS FROM US.

 

STEP #1 Application (Deadline August 28 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST)

On the top of this webpage, click on Careers, and click on the Current Opportunities to submit your application. You must possess all required certifications listed above for your application to be considered. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect an update after the application deadline or possibly sooner.

STEP #2 Paramedic Testing (Tentatively scheduled September 14, 2026. More details to follow)

Candidates will participate in a Paramedic testing process. There will be two testing components: a scenario-based practical and a medical knowledge assessment. All materials are based on National Registry standards. 

Scenario-based practical evaluates clinical reasoning, patient management, and decision making.

Medical knowledge assessment evaluates rhythm identification, 12-lead interpretation, and core ALS pharmacology.  

Successful candidates in the Paramedic testing will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview. 

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

Candidates who successfully pass the Paramedic testing process, will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview. The panels will consist of line personnel and one HR representative. Succesful candidates from this step, will be invited to in-person oral boards. 

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

The Oral Board panel will consist of SMFR personnel of various ranks that will ask behavior based questions. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person and how you would be as member of the SMFR family.  

Oral boards will include both Firefighters and Paramedic/Firefighters. Our intent is to create an academy class made up of roughly equal numbers from each rank. While we strive for this balance, final selections will be based on overall oral board performance. The highest-scoring candidates, regardless of rank, will receive a contingent job offer to ensure we fill the academy with the strongest candidates.

Don't know how to prepare?! Follow this link below for helpful tips. 

ORAL BOARD TIPS

 

Contingent Job Offers 

Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical and fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen, and psychological exam. 

Physical Fitness/Wellness Assessment 

Our Wellness Division has developed a sample workout plan to help candidates prepare for the VO₂ test and build the fitness level required for the academy. The physical demands of the academy begin immediately, and candidates are expected to arrive prepared. Please click on the link below for the workout plan. 

WELLNESS PROGRAM

 

 

2027 Wages

 

Benefits Package

SMFR offers a comprehensive benefits package consisting of:

• Health insurance including medical, dental, and vision
• Generous paid time off
• Family and medical leave including maternity and parental leave
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Basic and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability
• Retirement Plans
• Robust Wellness Program
• And more!

2026 Benefit Guide