The Firefighter I-IV position consists of skilled firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, providing emergency medical service, and treating and transporting medical patients. Work involves protection of life and property through firefighting and rescue activities. Work is performed under and evaluated by a Company Officer. This is a commissioned, safety sensitive position. Line personnel for the City of Westminster Fire Department currently work a 48/96 (48 hours on, 96 hours off) schedule.
The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
Additionally, new firefighters hired may earn up to an additional $3,120, depending on the employee’s fluency as listed above. This bonus is a one-time incentive and would be paid after testing for competency through the City and in conjunction with City policies.
The full 2026 salary range and progression for the position of Firefighter is listed below:
-
Fire Trainee: $78,208.00
-
Firefighter I: $78,208.00
-
Firefighter II: $83,782.40
-
Firefighter III: $94,952.00
-
Firefighter IV: $111,716.80
Updated 2027 salary information will be available in late June.
Firefighter recruits that hold a current, valid State of Colorado EMT-P license will be paid at the salary for Fire Paramedic upon successful completion of, and graduation from, the fire academy.
2026 Fire Paramedic salary:
Lateral Hires
As part of the 2026 Firefighter/Firefighter Paramedic hiring process, the Westminster Fire Department is accepting lateral candidates. Lateral hires will be required to complete a skills verification process or an abbreviated academy prior to transferring to shift operations.
The starting range of pay for lateral hires is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. Candidates hired as a Firefighter Paramedic will be placed at the Fire Paramedic pay grade. Non-Paramedic lateral hires will be placed one step below their current years of career experience as dictated by the salary range above. The maximum starting pay grade for non-Paramedic lateral hires is Firefighter III. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage, and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.
Depending on the level of interest, a limited number of applications may be processed. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).
This position promotes the mission and values of the City of Westminster by supporting the goals of the Fire Department, which is responsible for: providing timely emergency response to fire and emergency medical calls; ensuring the safety of personnel, citizens, and visitors to the community; and educating residents and business owners on fire safety, emergency medical prevention, and emergency preparedness.
Every employee is accountable to:
-
Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority
-
Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback
-
Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision
-
Exhibit pride in self, the department, the City, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner
-
Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior
-
Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner
-
Support and promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate
-
Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization
-
Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered
-
Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives
-
Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences
GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:
-
Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments
-
Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development
-
Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks
-
Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions
-
Achieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently
-
Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communications
-
Demonstrate accountability for work, and take ownership in job performance
-
Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall product
Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:
-
Control vehicles in routine and emergency situations
-
Lay and connect hose lines, direct water streams from nozzles, and use fire extinguishers, ropes, and other fire service equipment
-
Adapt quickly to changing situations
-
Learn to skillfully operate Fire Department apparatus routinely and during emergency situations
-
Learn a variety of firefighting duties, evolutions, and methods within a reasonable training period
-
Learn emergency medical procedures, protocols and techniques
-
Raise and climb ladders, work at heights, work in cramped and confined quarters, and work in adverse conditions
-
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public
-
Adapt to fire station environment and living arrangements with other employees
-
Assimilate well with all personnel on both professional and interpersonal levels
-
Understand written and oral instructions
-
Meet and pass Department physical fitness requirements
-
Perform arduous tasks under strenuous and adverse conditions
-
Act without direct supervision, and exercise independent judgment in handling emergency situations
Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required:
-
High school diploma or GED
-
At least 18 years of age
-
Legally eligible to work in the United States
-
Valid, unrestricted driver’s license, applicants with corrective-lens restrictions or a minor/graduated license (if under age 21) also meet this requirement
Lateral Candidates
The following are the minimum requirements to be considered as a lateral candidate:
-
High school diploma or GED
-
At least 18 years of age
-
Legally eligible to work in the United States
-
Valid, unrestricted driver’s license; applicants with corrective-lens restrictions or a minor/graduated license (if under age 21) also meet this requirement
-
State of Colorado or National Registry EMT-B or EMT-P certification
-
State of Colorado Firefighter II certification (or ability meet State of Colorado reciprocity requirements)
-
State of Colorado Hazardous Materials Operations certification (or ability meet State of Colorado reciprocity requirements)
-
ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
-
Intravenous therapy (IV) authorization
-
Prior completion of a career fire academy
-
Minimum of two (2) years as a career (full-time paid) firefighter/emergency medical technician in an agency providing a comparable level of service and emergency response activity
Physical Requirements
Must demonstrate ability to meet the physical demands of the job to include:
-
Occasional use of sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility and ability to perform emergency work in various capacities; sufficient physical strength and stamina to perform emergency rescue of individuals that may be larger in stature and weight and sufficient physical stamina and strength to perform firefighting duties for extended periods of time from a sedentary or active, mobile situation on a 24-hour basis
-
Occasional sitting, standing, walking, running, climbing and crawling in all weather conditions on various types of terrain in emergency situations and for routine maintenance of equipment and vehicles
-
Frequent squatting, bending, kneeling, and twisting to perform emergency functions and routine maintenance of equipment and vehicles
-
Occasional crawling over all types of terrain and indoor surfaces; frequent balancing on stairs, ladders, fire engines and emergency vehicles in slippery conditions; frequent reaching overhead to store supplies and equipment, and enter into high profile vehicles; frequent reaching below shoulder to store supplies and perform duties in an emergency situation
-
Frequent light and firm hand grasp, fine manipulation and handling to safely use equipment and perform emergency functions
-
Frequent step up/down to enter and exit high profile emergency vehicles and climb ladders and stairs; frequently actuate mechanisms to safely operate department and city vehicles
-
Constant near and far binocular acuity to view potential hazards with color perception capability to use imaging devices such as, but not limited to, thermal devices and heads-up displays
-
Constant hearing to follow spoken instruction and communicate with dispatch and public
-
Occasional lifting, carrying and pulling of more than 100 pounds to move individuals,material and equipment
-
Be physically capable to safely perform all of the essential job functions
WORKING CONDITIONS
This work is performed in all weather including catastrophic conditions such as high wind, tornados, blizzards, flooding, hail, etc. and in extreme weather conditions with temperatures below 0 degrees for extended periods, and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees for extended periods of time. Candidates must have the ability to use strength and quickness at all times. Work can include exposure to dust, fumes, loud noises, and flashing lights. Candidates must have the ability to use strength and quickness at all times. Firefighters perform hazardous tasks requiring strenuous exertion during firefighting, rescue, and emergency situations while being exposed to conditions such as extreme heat, smoke, cramped and/or hazardous surroundings.
Required Materials and Equipment
Vehicles and equipment related to firefighting which includes fire hoses, nozzles and appliances, axes, hydraulic jacks, sprinkler stops, high pressure air packs, shovels, wrenches, wyes, forcible entry tools, fire extinguishers, exhaust fans, ropes, bolt cutters, hammers, ladders, cardiac monitors, prams, backboards, all emergency medical supplies, extrication tools, and other equipment specifically related to the fire service and rescue, as well as office equipment including computer, phone, two way radio, etc. Full fire gear and general personal protective equipment for medical responses are also used.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
-
Pass the aerial ladder climb test (107 foot - performed immediately prior to the JSPA test)
-
Pass the Job Specific Performance Assessment (JSPA)
-
Pass all pre-employment interviews
-
Background checks will include employment references and criminal history and when applicable, credit check, driver’s license record, and education verification
-
Psychological examination
-
Pre-employment drug screen
-
Pre-employment physical
-
Must be legally entitled to work in the United States
-
Pass the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) test, background, and fingerprint check(criminal history check via fingerprint - administered immediately after hiring)
The JSPA is a physical, job specific test, simulating fire ground conditions. The test consists of several drills that require continuous movement, with the total time allowed to complete all portions being 10 minutes and 15 seconds. The candidate will complete the JSPA wearing structural firefighting gear to include a turnout coat, helmet, and gloves. Candidates will wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during the test, but will not be breathing from the SCBA nor wearing the face mask. Turnout pants and boots will not be worn during the test. The candidate can wear athletic shoes and clothing.
The JSPA elements are:
-
Taking two (2) saws from an engine compartment, carrying them for a short distance, then replacing them on the engine
-
Moving to a 28-foot ladder that is laying on the ground with the heels against a building, and raising the ladder against the building, then re-lowering it to the ground
-
Moving to a 35-foot extension ladder secured to the building, extending the ladder to its full length, locking the ladder, then unlocking it and retracting it in a controlled fashion, then locking it on the lowest rung. All actions performed with one (1) foot against the rail of the ladder and the other foot inside of a painted box on the ground
-
Moving to a charged 1-3/4-inch hose, filled with water, with nozzle attached, picking the nozzle up and stretching the charged line 75 feet, then placing the nozzle on the ground
-
Entering a drill tower and picking up a high-rise hose pack, consisting of a shoulder load of 55 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose with an attached pressure gauge, and a high-rise tool bag weighing approximately 43 pounds, then proceeding up five (5) flights of stairs, then setting the hose and tool bag on the floor of the fifth (5th) story of the tower
-
Moving down the stairs to the fourth (4th) floor of the tower, hoisting a two (2)-inch hose, (dry) that is connected to a three (3)-inch hose (dry) with a gated wye (horizontal standpipe configuration) up from ground level by pulling up the two (2)-inch hose, bringing the hose onto the floor of the tower until the gated wye between the two (2)-inch and 3-inch sections is on the fourth (4th) floor of the tower
-
Moving down the stairs and out of the tower to a mannequin, weighing approximately 175 pounds, laying outside on the ground, then picking up, pulling, dragging, lifting, or carrying the mannequin 100 feet; the test is complete, and time stops when the feet of the mannequin cross the finish line
-
Constant motion is required for the JSPA; stopping at any point will constitute a failure
For a video outlining the JSPA test, access the Westminster Fire Department recruitment page Become-a-WFD-Firefighter
The JSPA is a physical, job specific test, simulating fire ground conditions. The test consists of several drills that require continuous movement, with the total time allowed to complete all portions being 10 minutes and 15 seconds. The candidate will complete the JSPA wearing structural firefighting gear to include a turnout coat, helmet, and gloves. Candidates will wear a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during the test, but will not be breathing from the SCBA nor wearing the face mask. Turnout pants and boots will not be worn during the test. The candidate can wear athletic shoes and clothing.
The JSPA elements are:
-
Taking two (2) saws from an engine compartment, carrying them for a short distance, then replacing them on the engine
-
Moving to a 28-foot ladder that is laying on the ground with the heels against a building, and raising the ladder against the building, then re-lowering it to the ground
-
Moving to a 35-foot extension ladder secured to the building, extending the ladder to its full length, locking the ladder, then unlocking it and retracting it in a controlled fashion, then locking it on the lowest rung. All actions performed with one (1) foot against the rail of the ladder and the other foot inside of a painted box on the ground
-
Moving to a charged 1-3/4-inch hose, filled with water, with nozzle attached, picking the nozzle up and stretching the charged line 75 feet, then placing the nozzle on the ground
-
Entering a drill tower and picking up a high-rise hose pack, consisting of a shoulder load of 55 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose with an attached pressure gauge, and a high-rise tool bag weighing approximately 43 pounds, then proceeding up five (5) flights of stairs, then setting the hose and tool bag on the floor of the fifth (5th) story of the tower
-
Moving down the stairs to the fourth (4th) floor of the tower, hoisting a 2-inch hose, (dry) that is connected to a 3-inch hose (dry) with a gated wye (horizontal standpipe configuration) up from ground level by pulling up the 2-inch hose, bringing the hose onto the floor of the tower until the gated wye between the 2-inch and 3-inch sections is on the fourth (4th) floor of the tower
-
Moving down the stairs and out of the tower to a mannequin, weighing approximately 175 pounds, laying outside on the ground, then picking up, pulling, dragging, lifting, or carrying the mannequin 100 feet; the test is complete, and time stops when the feet of the mannequin cross the finish line
-
Constant motion is required for the JSPA; stopping at any point will constitute a failure
For a video outlining the JSPA test, access the Westminster Fire Department recruitment page Become-a-WFD-Firefighter
