$83,980 - Paramedic Recruit Wage during academy
$98,798/year - Paramedic Grade IV (less than 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy
$114,323/year - Paramedic grade III (at least 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy
South Metro Fire Rescue is looking for entry-level Paramedics to join our organization.
APPLICATION DUE ON 8/28/2026 at 11:59 P.M. MST
Candidates who possess the required certifications and meet minimum qualifications will participate in a paramedic practical exam as part of the selection process. Additional details regarding the exam format and testing process will be provided soon.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who are disqualified from the background process, may apply again one year from contingent job offer.
Performs paramedic, firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations. Provides advanced and basic life support care under SMFR Medical Director’s approved protocols and statutes. Ensures that other EMT personnel provide basic life support under their oversight. Maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations. Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.
- High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Valid CPAT certificate submitted with SMFR application (8/28/2026).
- Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado Driver’s License by the hire date (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.
To ensure South Metro Fire Rescue maintains a highly trained and dedicated paramedic workforce to serve our community, Paramedic/Firefighters are required to complete a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of employment in the Paramedic/Firefighter position before becoming eligible to voluntarily transfer to a lower-level position (voluntary demotion). During this five-year commitment, Paramedic/Firefighters may:
Colorado Residents - Required Certifications
Additional Certifications - If you hold either of the below certifications please provide.
Out-of-State Residents - Required Certifications
Additional Certifications - If you hold the below certification please provide.
- Out-of-state candidates with a valid, state issued paramedic license may apply with the expectation to have a valid national registry certificate by the time of conditional offer. (approx. 11/12/2026)
COMPENSATION:
* PLEASE NOTE: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana within the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado.*
HIRING PROCESS:
Step #1 CPAT (Valid through AUGUST 28, 2026)
Candidates are required to have a valid CPAT certificate at the time of application.
Additional CPAT Resources:
- Aims Community College (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aims.edu%2Fdegrees-and-certificates%2Ffire-academy%2Fcpat&data=05%7C01%7Ccristina.lopez%40southmetro.org%7Cb84cf7d1551b41647af908db2a2dd51f%7C1f7e97c6d8d44b178228e036631a9c6e%7C0%7C0%7C638150148559003324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HPzgWg9g%2BDHe%2F9zwEyXBiop%2BMSvSGAUDVic41D6jBKM%3D&reserved=0)
- Denver Fire (https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Fire-Department/Become-a-Firefighter/Prepare-for-the-Candidate-Physical-Ability-Test)
- National Testing Network (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnationaltestingnetwork.com%2Fpublicsafetyjobs%2Fcpat_info.cfm&data=05%7C01%7Ccristina.lopez%40southmetro.org%7Cb84cf7d1551b41647af908db2a2dd51f%7C1f7e97c6d8d44b178228e036631a9c6e%7C0%7C0%7C638150148559003324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=7xzXrQjPADIoELzcuiRdxaE%2F1uMgAEgb24ptxfNPXB8%3D&reserved=0)
If there are no locations near you, the Phoenix Training Center in Arizona, on National Testing Network’s website has multiple tests a week (see link below).
https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ntn-arizona-cpat.cfm (https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/ntn-arizona-cpat.cfm)
Step #2 SMFR Application (Deadline August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST)
Complete the application following the instructions below.
- Applicants must attach all required valid certifications and documents along with the application.
- Please be sure to name each required document/certification indicating the proper name of the document you are attaching.
- Applicants must complete the work experience history section. Please include all your work history from the last 10 years, if applicable. You may include more than 10 years.
- If any time gaps in employment during your work history, please create an entry explaining the reason for the gap.
- You must list your education history.
Step #3 Paramedic Testing (tentatively scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026).
More information to follow soon.
Step #4 Virtual Interviews
Successful candidates who pass the paramedic practical will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview.
Step #5 Oral Boards
Successful candidates in the virtual interviews will be invited to an in-person oral board interview.
** Incomplete applications will be declined **
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Click this link for a full job description: SMFR Paramedic Job Description (https://www.southmetro.org/files/de2c97826/Paramedic+JD.pdf)
**South Metro Fire Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer**
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
