What is the role of a Firefighter Trainee at North Metro Fire Rescue District?

The Firefighter Trainee position at North Metro Fire Rescue District is a Full-Time opportunity in the relevant field.

Where is this Firefighter Trainee job located?

Erie, Colorado, 80516, United States

What industry does this Firefighter Trainee position belong to?

This role spans multiple industries.

What is the expected salary for this Firefighter Trainee job?

$76,947 – $76,947 Yearly Salary

How can I apply for the Firefighter Trainee position at North Metro Fire Rescue District?

You can apply directly through the application link provided.

Firefighter Trainee at North Metro Fire Rescue District

Now Hiring: Firefighter Trainee (Job #2025-00007)
Application Period: July 15 – July 22, 2025
Starting Salary: $76,947 annually (DOQ)
Salary Range: $76,947 – $109,925

Other forms of Compensation: None
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act
Start Date: January 2, 2026
Academy Start Date: January 14, 2026

North Metro Fire Rescue District is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Trainee. This opportunity is open to both internal and external candidates, including those with and without Colorado EMT-B certification.

Why Join North Metro Fire?

At North Metro Fire, our people are our greatest asset. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a culture of compassion, exceptional service, and teamwork. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals are empowered to grow, lead, and make meaningful contributions.

We offer:

A supportive and inclusive work environment
Competitive compensation
FPPA defined benefit pension plan
Up to 2% employer match on voluntary pension contributions
Comprehensive wellness program and onsite gym
Tuition assistance and career development support
Recreation Center Pass
Generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave

See the district's benefit summary for full details

Join a team that serves a supportive community and makes a daily difference—apply today!

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following two qualification paths:

1. Firefighter Trainee EMT-Certified Applicants

Current and valid Colorado EMT, EMT-B, or EMT-I certification
Successful completion of the National Registry examination
Current CPR certification
CPAT certification (must be obtained by final offer in November 2025)

2. Firefighter Trainee Non-EMT Applicants

Current CPR certification
CPAT certification (must be obtained by final offer in November 2025)

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

Military service (Veteran status)
Associate's or bachelor’s degree
Previous first responder experience
Additional EMS certifications

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, the Firefighter Trainee participates in a multi-week training program designed to prepare candidates for a career in fire service. Trainees must successfully complete the Fire Academy and will be eligible for promotion to Firefighter IV upon graduation.

Work Schedule:

Academy Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (hours may vary)
Post-Academy: 56-hour rotating schedule, including shifts of 48 to 72 continuous hours

Direct Reports: None

Selection Process & Key Dates

(Subject to change based on District needs and availability. Testing with * requires candidates to be in-person.)

General Assessment Center: Week of September 22, 2025 *
Chiefs’ Interviews: Week of October 6, 2025 *
Conditional Offers: Week of October 13, 2025
Medical/Drug/Phobia Testing: Week of October 13, 2025 *
Background and Reference Checks: Week of October 13, 2025
Final Job Offers: November 2025

Equal Opportunity & Internal Notification

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (2021) requires North Metro Fire Rescue to notify all current employees of a new or vacant position that is a promotional opportunity. A “promotional opportunity” exists when North Metro Fire Rescue has or anticipates a vacancy in an existing or new position that could be considered a promotion for one or more of its current employees in terms of compensation, benefits, status, duties, or access to further advancement. This position is covered by the North Metro Fire Rescue District Civil Service Committee.

If you are passionate about serving others and starting a rewarding career in fire service, we encourage you to apply today!

The Trainee Firefighter must develop appropriate knowledge and demonstrated proficiency to safely and effectively serve as a team member on an emergency response crew. Essential areas of knowledge and proficiency include, but are not limited to, the duties derived from the Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, NFPA 1001:

Safety
Fire behavior
Portable fire extinguishers
Personal protective equipment
Ladders
Fire hose, appliances, and streams
Overhaul
Water supply
Ventilation
Forcible entry

These essential duties are in addition to expected practices followed by the North Metro Fire Recue District. These listed practices should not be considered all inclusive of the expectations for a Trainee Firefighter. (Persons hired in this position must be able to perform all the essential tasks required by the position. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. North Metro Fire Rescue retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential tasks and additional functions of the job at any time. Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive.)

General Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prompt compliance with orders of Fire District Officers and Fire Academy Cadre, with strict observation of the chain of command. Trainee Firefighters must demonstrate absolute compliance with North Metro Fire Rescue District Standard Operating Procedures, Rules, and/or Regulations, as well as any additional Fire Academy Standards, Rules, and/or Regulations.

2. Trainee Firefighters must possess or obtain and maintain EMT Basic certification. Additionally, Trainee Firefighters must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication.

3. Trainee Firefighters must demonstrate the ability to work individually and without direct supervision when appropriate. A Trainee Firefighter must be capable of exercising independent judgment, show initiative, and display effective decision-making for routine and non-routine situations.

4. A Trainee Firefighter is responsible for proper cleanliness, maintenance, servicing, and inspection of apparatus and facilities. This position is also responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment as necessary. Trainee Firefighters must report lost or damaged equipment; including damage to apparatus and attached equipment. It is also an expectation that prompt reporting will take place when apparatus or equipment needs repair or maintenance.

5. Trainee Firefighters may perform a variety of technical and manual labor duties required to locate, control and extinguish fires. This work may require the use of a variety of hand-held and powered tools (axes, pike poles, saws, etc.). Additionally, Trainee Firefighters may be required to perform salvage operations to prevent damage to property not involved in fire and/or an emergency situation.

6. Trainee Firefighters must attend all training sessions to improve knowledge and skills in firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other emergency techniques and skill. Trainee Firefighters may also perform a variety of emergency medical procedures required to stabilize, maintain, and/or restore basic vital signs including training in the administration of medication, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and other medical procedures within protocol guidelines.

7. Trainee Firefighters must also perform other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Requires high school diploma or equivalent.

2. As a condition of continued employment during the Fire Academy, employee must:

3. Possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License.

4. Successfully possess, or obtain and maintain an EMT certificate issued by the State of Colorado. (Candidates without an EMT certificate must successfully acquire during academy.)

5. Possess and maintain CPR certification.

Applicants hired under this job posting must maintain or achieve the following during academy:

1. Possess and maintain a State of Colorado Fire Fighter I certification, or higher.

2. Possess and maintain a State of Colorado Hazardous Materials Operations Certification, or higher.

3. All required certifications will be accomplished before beginning any assignment within the Operations Division.

Requirements:

1. Trainee Firefighters shall be required to attend and pass a Fire Academy. The District will determine the length of the academy and the subject matter covered.

2. Failure to successfully pass the Fire Academy’s tests, written and practical, will be cause for termination. During the Fire Academy, a Trainee Firefighter must obtain an 80% or better score on the written exams and a “pass” score on all practical exams to successfully pass an examination. Specific evaluation information is included in the Fire Academy Handbook.

3. Trainee Firefighters must successfully pass a final Fire Academy examination. This examination serves as the requirement to move from the position of Trainee Firefighter to Firefighter IV (4th Grade) and is in accordance with the North Metro Fire Rescue District Promotions SOP, as well as the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, and the Employee Rules, Regulations and Benefits Manual.

Trainee Firefighter Shall:

1. Obtain and maintain all required certifications. Achieve and maintain all standards pursuant to the policies and procedures of the Fire District and the Fire Academy. When appropriate, Trainee Firefighters must teach subject matter to others, or train others through explanation, demonstration or practice.

2. Establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with the general public and co-workers, communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Trainee Firefighters must demonstrate the ability to make rapid and effective decisions under stressful conditions.

3. Operate and maintain all equipment, apparatus, and vehicles assigned. Keep accurate records and reports as appropriate for the position.

Successfully adapt to the Fire Academy environment and consistently demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the profession. A Trainee Firefighter must perform under strenuous conditions and must maintain Fire Academy physical fitness standards recognized within the NMFRD Fitness SOP.

Firefighter Trainee at North Metro Fire Rescue District – Erie, Colorado

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