Firefighter Recruit (Lateral or Entry)

Salary: See Position Description Location : City of Thornton Fire Stations, CO Job Type: Regular Full-Time Job Number: 26168 Department: Fire Division: Emergency Services Opening Date: 06/15/2026 Closing Date: 6/29/2026 5:00 PM Mountain FLSA: Non-Exempt

WORK HOURS: 48/96 HOUR WORK SCHEDULE

PROBATION: Start Date until One year from end of Academy

STATUS 2: FLSA NON-EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED

BENEFITS: SEE BENEFITS TAB

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 held July 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 Academy has 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. To be considered a lateral candidate, you MUST already have a National Registry or Colorado EMT or Paramedic Certification; and have a minimum of one year career experience within the past 12 months (at time of application) to be considered for an abbreviated academy.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

2% Longevity pay for every 5 years of service with TFD FPPA Match 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 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. The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io 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 01 What Thornton Fire activities or events have you participated in or attended? (check all that apply) Previous applicant Previously interviewed Recruitment Open House Virtual Recruitment Open House Ride-along Volunteer TYCO Explorers Have spoken with someone on the Fire Recruitment Team None of the above 02 Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed. (Please note that we will verify high school/GED completion) High School Diploma or GED Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higher None of the above Other 03 How many years of related full-time Career work experience in Fire service do you have? Your answer must be substantiated in your application. None Less than 1 year One to two years Two to three years More than three years 04 Has your most recent paid Fire service experience been within the past 12 months? Yes No 05 Please describe your Fire Academy or Fire Training experience. Please include details such as when, where, and duration of academy/training. If none, enter "n/a". 06 Have you ever served as a volunteer fire fighter? Yes No 07 If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please provide volunteer department name, location and dates. If you answered "No" enter "N/A". 08 Do you or will you have a current CPAT certificate provided by a certified IAFF/IAFC licensed provider by 5:00 PM on June 29, 2026? (To see a list of IAFF/IAFC licensed providers go to Please attach certificate to this application, or email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Certificates not provided by the deadline will result in removal from the process. Certificate will be verified with issuing provider. Yes, currently possess Will possess and provide certificate by June 29, 2026 No 09 If you answered "Yes" or "Will possess..." to the previous question, please list the IAFF/IAFC CPAT licensed provider's name, certificate number, issue date, and expiration date; or date of CPAT test. Otherwise enter "N/A". 10 Do you or will you possess a current Sate of Colorado or National Registry EMT or Paramedic certification by June 29, 2026? Yes, currently possess EMT Yes, currently possess Paramedic Certification Will receive by June 29, 2026 No 11 If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please attach certification(s) to this application, or provide the certification jurisdiction name (National Registry, State of Colorado, etc.), certification number and expiration date. If pending, provide certification name, and expected completion date. If you answered "No" enter "N/A". 12 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No 13 In regard to your driving history: Have you been convicted of a DWAI or DUI in the last 3 years? Yes No 14 In regard to your driving history, have you been convicted of reckless driving in the last 3 years? Yes No 15 In regard to your driving history, have you had a restricted license or any suspensions, cancellations, denials, revocations, or any other loss of license in the last 3 years? Yes No 16 Please check which additional Fire-related certifications you currently possess. Please list all certifications and expirations in your applications as well. There is no requirement to attach these certifications to your application, all certifications will be collected at the time of hire. ACLS BLS Firefighter I Firefighter II Hazardous Materials Operations Hazardous Materials Technician Other None 17 Do you have experience with transporting patients? Fire Service - Transport Fire Service - Non-transport EMS Service - Transport EMS Service - Non-transport No transport experience 18 If you can fluently speak any language other than English, please list what other language(s) you can speak. 19 Have you EVER been expelled, dismissed, suspended or had any type of disciplinary action at any fire academy or fire training program? Yes No 20 Within the last five years, have you been subjected to any disciplinary action at your place of employment? Yes No 21 If you answered "Yes" to either of the two questions above, please explain in detail, including dates. If you answered "No" to both questions, please enter "N/A". 22 When answering the below question regarding your drug use, note that the City of Thornton observes Federal laws as it pertains to Marijuana. Please check your drug usage in regard to previous/current drug usage for Marijuana, Hashish or Hashish Oil. Used the above listed drug(s) in the last year Used the above listed drug(s) longer than 1 year ago Never used the above listed drug(s) 23 Other than medication prescribed to you, please check your drug usage in regard to previous/current drug usage for Methamphetamine, PCP, Inhalants, Ecstasy, GHB, Cocaine, Crack, Mescaline/Peyote, Psilocybin (mushrooms), Amphetamines, Barbituates, LSD, or Steroid. Used the above listed drug(s) in the last 5 years Used the above listed drug(s) longer than 5 years ago Never used the above listed drug(s) 24 In response to the drug questions above, please list the drug type(s) used and year of last use. If you answered that you have never used drugs, please enter "N/A". (Please note, answering that you have used any drugs does not automatically disqualify you from employment. The nature of the use and dates will be taken into consideration. However, indicating drug use on either question above and failing to complete this answer will result in automatic disqualification .) 25 If you have previously applied with the City of Thornton for a Firefighter position, please list the approximate date and how far you got in the process. If you have not previously applied, please enter "N/A". 26 Consider this your first interview question: Please tell us why you want to have a career specifically with Thornton Fire Department. Please expand on your answer! Required Question City of Thornton