Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Position:
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) at Aspen Airport, Pitkin County, CO. Salary ranges from $35.35 to $50.40 per hour, hourly paid on a step pay plan. This full‑time position includes benefits and is classified as Pay Grade P103. The candidate will maintain a primary residence within a two‑hour response time of Sardy Field Fire Department Station 71.

Protects lives and property by responding to aircraft emergencies, structural fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other calls for service at Aspen Airport. Implements the Airport Emergency Plan and coordinates mutual aid response to ensure life safety of passengers and employees.

• Manage fire response to alarmed and declared airport emergencies per FAR Part 139 and other federal regulations.
• Ensure safety of airport for aviation users by monitoring runway and airport conditions and familiarization with commercial and general aviation aircraft.
• Act as first responder with full responsibility to manage aircraft alerts, emergencies, accidents, and hazardous materials incidents in the capacity of ARFF on scene.
• Implement Airport Emergency Plan and coordinate mutual aid response with prescribed procedures.
• Don and employ full personal protective equipment; perform initial fire suppression on and in burning aircraft and rescue victims from crashed or burning aircraft.
• Operate specialized equipment to apply various types of fire‑extinguishing agents; drive, position, and operate large airport fire apparatus in established response areas.
• Facilitate and maintain fuel farm and fuel truck inspections to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
• Comply with rigorous ARFF training standards, protocols, and expectations; perform daily inspection of ARFF apparatus and fire‑compliant PPE.
• Perform snow removal duties including clearing snow from airport roadways, pedestrian walkways, runways, taxiways and aprons, and operating and maintaining snow removal equipment.
• Perform ancillary security duties by assisting with the Airport Worker Screening Program.
• Support the relationship between Pitkin County government and the public by demonstrating courteous behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and county staff; maintain confidentiality of work‑related issues and county information.

This position follows a sequence of levels:
Level I – Level III.

• Level I – Aircraft Rescue Firefighter
  • Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
  • 0–3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
  • IFSAC*/Pro Board/Colorado Firefighter 1.
  • IFSAC/Pro Board/Colorado HAZMAT Operations.
  • NREMT or Colorado EMT (NREMT transferred to Colorado within one month).
  • ARFF 40‑hour certificate within first two months of hire.
  • Valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• Level II – Senior Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (additional to Level I)
  • 3–6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
  • IFSAC/Pro Board/Colorado Firefighter II.
• Level III – Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (additional to Level II)
  • 6+ years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of service with Sardy Field Fire Department.
  • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter certificate.
  • ARFF Driver/Operator certification.
  • International Fire Service Accreditation Congress membership.

• County policies and procedures.
• State and federal laws and regulations governing the work performed.
• Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

• Applying governing rules and regulations.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure in emergency situations.
• Interacting with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co‑workers and regional agencies.
• Utilizing standard personal computer software and specialized state and county software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

• Work environment involves outdoor activities with exposure to hazardous tools, equipment,…