Job Description

It's a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
December 11, 2025
Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range
0.00 - 0.00
This is a full-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility Group:
IAFF (20+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Summary:
This position is currently classified as Firefighter 3rd Class for 2025, with an anticipated reclassification to Firefighter 4th Class effective January 2026, per terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.



2025 Pay Rates (Firefighter 3rd Class)

24-hour shift: $25.54/hour 40-hour shift: $35.76/hour Percentage to base: 70%


2025 Pay Rates (Firefighter 3rd Class Paramedic)

24-hour shift: $29.19/hour 40-hour shift: $40.87/hour Percentage to base: 70%


2026 Pay Rates (Firefighter 4th Class)

24-hour shift: $26.57/hour 40-hour shift: $37.19/hour Percentage to base: 70% Paramedic differential: The paramedic credential for each rank is a differential based on the Firefighter 1st class rank, at ten percent (10%). In 2026, the Paramedic credential pay is $11,051.63.


Under general supervision and as an effective member of a firefighting team, utilizes established practices and procedures of fire extinguishment, basic and/or advanced life-support and first aid when responding to emergency situations to minimize public and personal hazards.



The qualified applicant will start as a Fire Fighter 3rd Class with the opportunity to be advanced through to a Fire Fighter 1st Class.
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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIESResponds to fire, medical and other emergencies as part of a team with assigned company; lays and connects hose; holds nozzles and directs water steams, raises and climbs ladders, uses fire extinguishers and other tools. Responsible for Fire Protection Performs salvage, overhaul, and clean-up operations. Administers emergency medical technician level care at injury or accident scenes involving basic and/or advanced life support. May respond to emergencies for specialized services such as confined space rescue, extrication and technical rescues including high angle, below grade, swift water, ice rescue, trench and collapse rescues and wildland fires. Participates in handling and clean-up of hazardous materials spills and incidents. Performs general maintenance of fire stations, property, trucks, and equipment. Participates in drills and classes pertaining to emergency medical, fire suppression, rescue, fire inspections and related subjects. Participates in public education and community relation activities including school visits and fire station tours. Performs fire and life safety inspections of buildings. Prepares reports and completes paperwork and data entry. Regular and predictable attendance at work is an essential function of this position. While performing duties, takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property. Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional training and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies. May performs other related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.




Firefighter 1st Class only additional responsibilities:

May drive and operate fire department vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.



May act in positions of higher ranks such as Fire Engineer and/or Fire Lieutenant when proper certification is obtained.



TRAINING DIVISION FIREFIGHTER
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIESProvide logistical support needs for the Training Center and surrounding grounds. Ensure the readiness, maintenance, and basic repair of training apparatus and equipment. Responsible for Fire Protection Assist with scheduling and coordination of the use of the facility. Assist and conduct firefighter training, certification, and certification renewal. Coordinate training that enhances the skills and capabilities of department personnel. Assist in the delivery of the annual training plan. Carry out other related duties to support the mission and goals of the training division. The position requires a minimum 2-year commitment.




MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAbility to communicate professional and courteously with co-workers and the public including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people in difficult or stressful situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds and styles. Ability to work well in a team environment. Ability to work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration. Ability to perform fire-fighting tasks (hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus. Ability to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure face piece or HEPA filter mask which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. Ability to do critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions. Ability to communicate clearly (give and comprehend and follow written and verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and or automatic fire sprinklers. Ability to function as an integral component of a team. Ability to use city provided software including fire report, records management and basic Microsoft Office products. Ability to actively establish, promote and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public. Ability to work well with and understand the perspectives of a wide range of individuals and groups. Knowledge of current principles, practices, and procedures of firefighting. Knowledge of safety standards, procedures and precautions utilized in emergency response operations. Knowledge of departmental and city policies, rules, and practices. Knowledge of fire prevention principles and practices. Knowledge of purpose, use and care of tools and equipment related to emergency response. Knowledge of basic mathematics and science. Knowledge of emergency medical technician basic life support procedures. Knowledge of principles of safe emergency vehicle operations and basic maintenance. Knowledge of basic function and purpose of Microsoft Office products. Valid Driver's License and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record. Have and maintain an acceptable background record including criminal conviction history. See the Background Information section below for further details.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Firefighter 3rd ClassMust be at least 18 years of age. Must possess: A high school diploma or equivalent. A current National Registry EMT certification and/or Colorado Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (B). A current BLS Healthcare Provider Certification A Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (CDFPC) Accredited Fire Fighter 2 Certification within 12 months of date of hire. A CDFPC Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations Certification by the end of the Fire Academy session. NWCG Firefighter 2 Qualification with Arduous Work Capacity Test by end of the Fire Academy session. FEMA/NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800

Firefighter 2nd ClassAll requirements of Firefighter 3rd Class, and one (1) year of satisfactory, continuous, and uninterrupted service. Successful completion of the Firefighter Training Program Level 1 Phasework Task Book NWCG Firefighter 2 Qualification with Arduous Work Capacity Test

Firefighter 1st ClassAll requirements of Firefighter 2nd Class, and Two (2) years of satisfactory, continuous, and uninterrupted service. A CDFPC Accredited Driver Operator Aerial Certificate Successful completion of the Firefighter Training Program Level 2 Phasework Task Book NWCG Firefighter 2 Qualification with Arduous Work Capacity Test (if hired after January 1, 2005)

Training Division Firefighter 1st ClassAll requirements of Firefighter 1st Class

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Firefighter 3rd Class:National Registry Paramedic certification and/or Colorado Paramedic certification (including BLS, ACLS, and Handtevy) Bilingual - Posses the ability to communicate in a language other than English. Experience as a career firefighter/EMT.




Training Division Firefighter 1st ClassColorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Proctor Certification Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Instructor 1

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment as shown in applicant's criminal history, background, and motor vehicle record. and psychological examinations will be utilized. The following will disqualify any applicant from consideration:Any felony conviction. Any commission of a felony in the previous 60 months (5 years), including felonious drug use or possession. Any non-traffic related misdemeanor within the previous 36 months (3 years). The use, sale, possession, or transfer of any controlled substance in the previous 3 years. (There may be some discretion if the facts show very limited experimentation with marijuana. There will be zero tolerance for regular marijuana use or use of any other controlled substance in the previous 36 months (3 years). Eight points or three moving violation convictions, or a suspended, restricted, or revoked license in the previous 24 months (2 years). Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process The City of Boulder is committed to hiring employees who provide excellent customer service. Our employees act with a high level of integrity and take responsibility for their words and actions.




WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTSPerforms work under stressful conditions for prolonged time periods including working in extremely hot or cold environments while wearing personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that combined can weigh up to 50 lbs. Ability to repeatedly bend, stoop, crouch, crawl, kneel, climb, twist, walk, sit, lift, push, pull, reach, run, smell, hear, and see. Ability to make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust equipment controls such as levers, pedals and valves. Ability to climb six or more flights of stairs while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus weighing at least 50 lbs. and carrying tools weighing 50 lbs or more. Ability to rescue by dragging or carrying victims over 165 lbs and /or advance water-filled hose lines up to 2-1/2" in diameter at least 150' which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders and other obstacles. A 50' section of 2-1/2" hose holds approximately 130 lbs of water. Ability to climb ladders, work from heights exceeding 10', walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and working in proximity to electrical power lines or other hazards. Performs forcible entry while lifting, carrying and utilizing tools and equipment (i.e. axe, halligan tool, chain saw or circular saw) that may weigh 7 lbs to 50 lbs that requires chopping, pulling or operating these items, overhead or extending in front of the body, to open doors, windows, or other barriers to gain access to victims, or to initiate firefighting operations. Performs ventilation utilizing tools and equipment (i.e. axe, circular saw, chain saw or pike pole) while operating on a flat or pitched roof or operating off a ground or aerial ladder. This task requires chopping or pushing tools through roofs, ceilings, walls or windows that frequently requires work with arms above shoulder level in a push / pull motion with a frequent pushing force of 75 lbs and a pulling force of 65 lbs. Wearing an SCBA requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. Ability to rely on sense of sight and hearing to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions based upon those observations.

Additional :
Last updated: May 2025
The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.