Firefighter/EMT

City of Salida; Salida (CO); On-site; USD 68,724 - 74,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

FPPA pension

457 retirement savings plan

Personal time off (PTO) accrual

Discounted golf access

Job summary

A municipal government in Colorado is seeking a Firefighter/EMT to join its Salida Fire Department. This role involves responding to fire and emergency medical incidents, maintaining fire apparatus, and participating in community outreach. Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED, valid Colorado driver's license, and necessary fire and EMT certifications. The position offers a salary range of $68,724 to $74,700 along with a full benefits package, working a demanding schedule of 48-hour shifts with an average 56-hour work week.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid Colorado driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Must pass pre-employment medical examination, CPAT, background check, and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire alarms and engage in fire suppression, search and rescue operations.
• Provide emergency medical care and basic life support in accordance with EMT-Basic certification.
• Conduct fire safety inspections and pre-incident surveys.

Skills

Fire behavior knowledge

Emergency medical care

Communication skills

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or GED

State of Colorado Firefighter I certification

Colorado EMT-Basic certification

Tools

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Job description

Reports to: Fire Engineer or Fire Lieutenant

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Salida Fire Department

Application & Testing Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must complete both of the following steps:

• Apply Online – Submit your application using the City’s online system or via Indeed and:
• Complete Testing through the National Testing Network (NTN)
  • Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com and select candidates
  • Complete the required exam and select City of Salida Fire Department to ensure your scores are sent to the City. Please note there is a $65 fee to complete the exam; however, if you have previously tested through the National Testing Network, you may use those existing results toward your application.

General Description of Duties

The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire, rescue, and emergency medical incidents as part of Salida Fire Department’s all-hazards response team. This position is the foundation of the department's operational capability and performs its duties under the direct supervision of a Fire Engineer or Fire Lieutenant. In addition to emergency response, Firefighters maintain apparatus, tools, and facilities; participate in training; conduct fire prevention activities; and support department operations. Duties are physically demanding, routinely performed in hazardous environments, and require sound judgment under high-stress conditions. The Firefighter/EMT works a non‑traditional schedule of 48‑hour shifts averaging 56 hours per week.

Organizational Relationships

This position reports to the assigned Fire Engineer or Fire Lieutenant and works collaboratively within a shift crew. On emergency incidents, the Firefighter/EMT operates under the direction of the officer in charge and within the established chain of command. The Firefighter/EMT interacts regularly with the public, allied agencies, and mutual aid partners during emergency and non‑emergency operations.

Essential Duties

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or marginal duties that may be required. The City of Salida reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

• Respond to fire alarms and engage in fire suppression, search and rescue, and related emergency operations as directed by the officer in charge.
• Provide emergency medical care and basic life support in accordance with EMT‑Basic certification and applicable EMS protocols.
• Assist in specialized rescue operations including hazardous materials, high‑angle rescue, confined space, and swift water rescue.
• Maintain fire apparatus, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE); perform routine station and facility upkeep, including daily and weekly apparatus inspections.
• Conduct fire safety inspections and pre‑incident surveys of buildings; ensure fire code compliance and report findings to supervisory personnel.
• Participate in community outreach, public education, and community risk reduction activities.
• Accurately complete incident reports (NFIRS), EMS patient care records, inspection logs, training records, and daily documentation in compliance with department standards.
• Adhere to departmental policies, training standards, and the Fire Department’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license with acceptable driving record; must be insurable by the City.
• State of Colorado or IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I certification (Firefighter II preferred).
• Colorado EMT‑Basic certification (or National Registry with Colorado reciprocity) with current CPR certification.
• Hazardous Materials Operations Level certification.
• Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate.
• NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (S‑130/S‑190); must be obtained within one (1) year if not held at time of hire.
• Must pass pre‑employment medical examination (per NFPA 1582), CPAT, background check, and drug screening.
• Must successfully complete probationary period and all required training milestones.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of fire behavior, fire suppression principles, and emergency medical care, or demonstrated ability and willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Ability to follow department policies, procedures, and chain of command accurately and promptly under direct supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication with supervisors, peers, and the public; clear radio communication under emergency conditions.
• Proficiency in the basic use and care of firefighting tools, equipment, and medical supplies.
• Ability to learn and apply firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical skills under pressure.
• Demonstrated teamwork and ability to work effectively in high‑stress, fast‑paced environments.
• Emotional resilience, professionalism, and willingness to receive feedback and correction.
• Ability to react calmly and decisively in emergency situations.
• Commitment to departmental values including integrity, accountability, and service.
• Physical ability to perform strenuous tasks including lifting, climbing, crawling, and carrying heavy equipment while wearing full PPE.

Environmental and Physical Conditions

Work is performed in a variety of environments ranging from the fire station to extreme hazard conditions. Firefighters regularly operate in fires, rescue scenes, and EMS environments with exposure to smoke, chemicals, bodily fluids, noise, and extreme temperatures. The position requires sustained physical exertion including lifting, climbing, and operating in full PPE and SCBA (approximately 75 lbs of gear). Firefighters work 48‑hour shifts (56‑hour average work week) with frequent interruptions to rest or sleep and the possibility of extended emergency responses. All personnel must maintain physical fitness and successfully complete periodic medical and physical agility evaluations per NFPA 1582 and department policy. Firefighting and emergency response inherently involve risk of serious injury or death; strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times.

Pay / Salary Range

Hiring range: $68,724 – $74,700, depending on qualifications

General Description of Benefits

The City of Salida offers a full benefits package for this position including medical/dental/vision insurance plans, FPPA pension and 457 retirement savings plan, personal time off (PTO) accrual, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability benefits, individual and family swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, discounted golf access at Salida Golf Course, and discounted season passes to Monarch Mountain.