Firefighter Recruit (Lateral or Entry)

Fire Academy Recruitment

Now accepting applications for our 2027 Fire Academy! No Fire or EMT experience or certifications required, however, this position does require a current CPAT Certification by the application deadline (5:00 PM on June 29, 2026). In-person interviews will be heldJuly 27th - August 7th. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027. All candidates that are hired will start as a Firefighter Recruit with a pay rate of $76,545 annually (this is the 2026 rate, 2027 rate has not yet been approved) and work a 40-hour per week schedule. Once the 11-18 week Academyhas been complete, they will be reclassified to the appropriate level and pay based on previous, if any, career Fire experience.

2027 Annual Pay Rates: Firefighter IV - $84,096.00 Firefighter III - $96,097.20 Firefighter II - $108,098.40 Those with a Paramedic Certification will be reclassified again after clearance by the City's designated medical provider: Firefighter IV-Paramedic Cert - $96,097.20 Firefighter III-Paramedic Cert - $108,098.40 Firefighter II-Paramedic Cert - $120,099.60 The Academy time line for lateral candidates is based on the recruits' previous fire service experience, academy proficiency, and cadre approval. Must have a minimum of one year career experience within the past 12 months of the Academy start date to be considered for an abbreviated academy.

Additional benefits include 2% longevity pay for every 5 years of service with TFD, FPPA match, and retiree health insurance.

Job Summary

Under immediate training supervision, performs a variety of public safety training functions in preparation to protect life and/or property from the dangers of fire, medical emergency, accident, natural disaster, etc., using a variety of firefighting, first aid, and emergency techniques and equipment. This position is flexibly staffed to the Firefighter IV/III/II/I position. Incumbents will be reclassified to the appropriate qualifying Firefighter classification upon completion of Fire Academy.

Essential Functions

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) Learns the basics of fire suppression, equipment usage, first aid, emergency procedures, fire inspection activities, and will participate in classroom and field training activities. Obtains State of Colorado EMT certification by the end of the designated Fire Academy. Successfully completes the designated Fire Academy within the given time frame. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age. No experience required. Licensing/Certification Requirements: Valid driver's license with a safe driving record. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or equivalent test as determined by the City of Thornton required by Monday, June 29th @ 5:00 PM. State of Colorado or National Registry EMT or higher certification preferred, but not required at the time of hire. If not already certified, State of Colorado Basic EMT certification must be obtained by the end of the designated Fire Academy. All Firefighters hired but not already certified by the State of Colorado at the EMT-Paramedic level may, at the City of Thornton's discretion, be required to obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Paramedic Certification and remain in good standing as a condition of continued employment. Thornton retains the rights to schedule the employee's attendance at the National Registry Paramedic Certification training program as it deems necessary based on current scheduling and staffing needs, as well as discontinue the training at anytime. The City reserves the right to select the National Registry Paramedic Program the employee will attend and modify the employee's work schedule as necessary for school attendance. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the Thornton Fire Department. Knowledge in emergency medical procedures and techniques used to stabilize, maintain, and/or restore basic life functions. Knowledge in usage and application of a variety of medical supplies, drugs, and equipment used for medical emergency and rescue situations. Skill in learning a wide variety of emergency medical duties, methods and procedures. Skill in learning the uses of a wide variety of apparatus, medical equipment and supplies, etc., used for medical emergencies and rescue situations. Skill in learning a wide variety of firefighting duties, methods and procedures, as well as a wide variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, supplies, etc. Skill in the safe and lawful operation emergency vehicles during emergency response operations. Skill in conducting fire public education to all age groups. Skill in physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful conditions. Ability to obtain State of Colorado Basic EMT certification by the end of the designated Fire Academy. Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment. Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment including but not limited to SCBA gear. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of audiences. Ability to work and function effectively in a team environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail and other software programs. Ability to work a varying schedule and shifts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City boards and commissions, other agencies, the business community, and the public. Physical and Mental Requirements: While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb, balance, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and see. This position is considered very heavy work; exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform activities to operate machinery or to perform mechanical or skilled tasks of a non-repetitive nature. The employee will be exposed to all inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme hot or extreme cold weather conditions. The employee will also be subject to noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and working in close quarters. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing. The employee is required to stay calm during stressful and possibly life-threatening situations.

Testing Procedures

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration. As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

Benefits

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide. Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Fire Academy Recruitment

Now accepting applications for our 2027 Fire Academy! No Fire or EMT experience or certifications required, however, this position does require a current CPAT Certification by the application deadline (5:00 PM on June 29, 2026). In-person interviews will be heldJuly 27th - August 7th. The anticipated start date is January 4, 2027. All candidates that are hired will start as a Firefighter Recruit with a pay rate of $76,545 annually (this is the 2026 rate, 2027 rate has not yet been approved) and work a 40-hour per week schedule. Once the 11-18 week Academyhas been complete, they will be reclassified to the appropriate level and pay based on previous, if any, career Fire experience.

2027 Annual Pay Rates: Firefighter IV - $84,096.00 Firefighter III - $96,097.20 Firefighter II - $108,098.40 Those with a Paramedic Certification will be reclassified again after clearance by the City's designated medical provider: Firefighter IV-Paramedic Cert - $96,097.20 Firefighter III-Paramedic Cert - $108,098.40 Firefighter II-Paramedic Cert - $120,099.60 The Academy time line for lateral candidates is based on the recruits' previous fire service experience, academy proficiency, and cadre approval. Must have a minimum of one year career experience within the past 12 months of the Academy start date to be considered for an abbreviated academy.

Additional benefits include 2% longevity pay for every 5 years of service with TFD, FPPA match, and retiree health insurance.

Job Summary

Under immediate training supervision, performs a variety of public safety training functions in preparation to protect life and/or property from the dangers of fire, medical emergency, accident, natural disaster, etc., using a variety of firefighting, first aid, and emergency techniques and equipment. This position is flexibly staffed to the Firefighter IV/III/II/I position. Incumbents will be reclassified to the appropriate qualifying Firefighter classification upon completion of Fire Academy.

Essential Functions

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) Learns the basics of fire suppression, equipment usage, first aid, emergency procedures, fire inspection activities, and will participate in classroom and field training activities. Obtains State of Colorado EMT certification by the end of the designated Fire Academy. Successfully completes the designated Fire Academy within the given time frame. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 18 years of age. No experience required. Licensing/Certification Requirements: Valid driver's license with a safe driving record. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or equivalent test as determined by the City of Thornton required by Monday, June 29th @ 5:00 PM. State of Colorado or National Registry EMT or higher certification preferred, but not required at the time of hire. If not already certified, State of Colorado Basic EMT certification must be obtained by the end of the designated Fire Academy. All Firefighters hired but not already certified by the State of Colorado at the EMT-Paramedic level may, at the City of Thornton's discretion, be required to obtain and maintain a State of Colorado Paramedic Certification and remain in good standing as a condition of continued employment. Thornton retains the rights to schedule the employee's attendance at the National Registry Paramedic Certification training program as it deems necessary based on current scheduling and staffing needs, as well as discontinue the training at anytime. The City reserves the right to select the National Registry Paramedic Program the employee will attend and modify the employee's work schedule as necessary for school attendance. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the Thornton Fire Department. Knowledge in emergency medical procedures and techniques used to stabilize, maintain, and/or restore basic life functions. Knowledge in usage and application of a variety of medical supplies, drugs, and equipment used for medical emergency and rescue situations. Skill in learning a wide variety of emergency medical duties, methods and procedures. Skill in learning the uses of a wide variety of apparatus, medical equipment and supplies, etc., used for medical emergencies and rescue situations. Skill in learning a wide variety of firefighting duties, methods and procedures, as well as a wide variety of apparatus, equipment, tools, supplies, etc. Skill in the safe and lawful operation emergency vehicles during emergency response operations. Skill in conducting fire public education to all age groups. Skill in physical ability and endurance to efficiently and effectively perform strenuous physical labor in threatening and stressful conditions. Ability to obtain State of Colorado Basic EMT certification by the end of the designated Fire Academy. Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment. Ability to wear respiratory protective equipment including but not limited to SCBA gear. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of audiences. Ability to work and function effectively in a team environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail and other software programs. Ability to work a varying schedule and shifts. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, City boards and commissions, other agencies, the business community, and the public. Physical and Mental Requirements: While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to climb, balance, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and see. This position is considered very heavy work; exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform activities to operate machinery or to perform mechanical or skilled tasks of a non-repetitive nature. The employee will be exposed to all inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme hot or extreme cold weather conditions. The employee will also be subject to noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and working in close quarters. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing. The employee is required to stay calm during stressful and possibly life-threatening situations.

Testing Procedures

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration. As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

Benefits

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide. Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

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