2027-1 Firefighter Recruit

Entry-Level & Experienced Firefighter Recruit

This is an invitation-only recruitment for the Spring 2027-1 Academy. Only individuals who have received a direct invitation via email from South Metro Fire Rescue are eligible to apply based on their FireTEAM test scores from our recent recruitment. Applications submitted by individuals who did not receive an invitation email will not be considered and will be removed from the recruitment process.

If you did not receive an invitation from South Metro Fire Rescue, please do not submit an application. We encourage you to monitor our Careers page on our website in December/January when our applications are open to the public.

Performs firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations. Provides basic life support care under standard protocols and statutes. Maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations. Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.

• Must have High School diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) by hire date of 1/22/2027.
• Must be 18 years of age by hire date 1/22/2027.
• Valid CPAT certificate through Final date to receive applications of 8/28/2026.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license by 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, as well as a second CPAT immediately prior to final offers (this will be paid for by SMFR).

*
* 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.**

CPAT:
Candidates are required to have a CPAT certificate that is valid and available to upload with their application. This certificate must be valid through August 28, 2026.

• 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.

Out of State Locations:
National Testing Network

If there are no locations near you, the Phoenix Training Center in Arizona, on National Testing Network's website has multiple tests each week (see link below).

Colorado Locations:

Denver Fire Department

Aims Community College

Pikes Peak State College

After applications are submitted and reviewed, approximately 250 candidates will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview with SMFR personnel. Interviews will be conducted live via Microsoft Teams and will require candidates to be on camera. If more than 250 applicants meet the minimum qualifications, candidates will be selected based on the FireTEAM scores submitted to us in March, 2026. Updated National Testing Network (NTN) FireTEAM scores earned after that date will not be considered for this recruitment.

After completion of virtual interviews, successful candidates will be invited to oral boards.

The hiring process timeline is subject to change at any time.

• July 27, 2026 - SMFR Application opens
• August 28, 2026 - SMFR Final date to receive applications 11:59 p.m. MST
• September 21, 23, 24, 2026 - Virtual Interviews
• November 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 2026 - Oral Boards (required to be in-person)
• Third week of November
  - Contingent Job Offers extended via email
• End of November to mid-December
  - Pre-employment Testing (background check, psychological evaluation)
• Wellness Dates for all candidates:
  December 8th and 9th OR December 14th and 15th Second CPAT (In-state candidates):
  December 10th Second CPAT (Out-of-State Candidates):
  Complete your second CPAT at an IAFF-licensed testing location in your state of residence by December 10th
  - Fitness/wellness assessment and second CPAT Candidates will be split into two groups and assigned to either 12/8 and 12/9 or 12/14 and 12/15. SMFR's Wellness Division will assign dates, candidates will not be able to choose their dates. You will be required to be in-person for both dates you are assigned to. Candidates will receive these dates when contingent job offers are given.
• Mid-December
  - Final Job Offers
• January 22, 2027 - 2027-1 Fire Academy New Employee Orientation
• January 25, 2027 - 2027-1 Fire Academy Starts

* No exceptions will be made to the Final date to receive applications.

During academy, Firefighter Recruit Wage: $72,074

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.

2027 Firefighter Wages:

• Firefighter IV - $84,805
• Firefighter III - $98,131
• Firefighter II -…