Firefighter Trainee

This is a trainee-level classification that provides transition into the position of Firefighter. Firefighter Trainees are hired into this position for the period they are assigned to the academy. Under close supervision in a training capacity, the trainee learns to perform EMS, firefighting, and other emergency response duties. Training and Responsibilities Attends scheduled academy training sessions to learn emergency response techniques in structural, wildland, and other types of firefighting; Emergency Medical Services; Hazardous Materials incidents; technical rescue incidents; and other various types of emergency responses. Receives instruction and participates in field training to learn proper procedures and become proficient in emergency and rescue activities, including emergency medical services, extrication, technical rescue, and other emergency responses. Receives additional Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-level instruction. Participates in a physical fitness program. Qualifications Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado driver’s license. Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent. Ability to work as a member of a team in critical or life‑threatening circumstances. Ability to resolve and solve problems and conflicts with professionalism. Must obtain IC 100, 200, 700 & 800 by completion of the academy. Must complete approved Defensive Driving and Emergency Vehicle Operations Courses by completion of the academy. Must possess State of Colorado Firefighter I by completion of the academy. Must possess a State of Colorado Emergency Medical Technician certification upon completion of the academy. Must possess State of Colorado Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations by completion of the academy. Must possess NWCG FF Type II qualification by completion of the academy. Must possess an approved Swift Water Technician Certification upon completion of the academy. Promotion and Salary Structure Upon completion of the Eagle River Fire Protection District Fire Academy and obtaining all required certifications and qualifications, Firefighter Trainees will be moved to a 4th Grade Firefighter and placed on a 48/96 schedule. Eagle River Fire Protection District offers lateral opportunities in accordance with the current District lateral hiring policy. Salary structure for Firefighters at Eagle River Fire (based on the 2026 salary schedule): 4th Grade Firefighter: $75,288 3rd Grade Firefighter: $81,561 2nd Grade Firefighter: $92,018 1st Grade Firefighter: $105,566 Key Responsibilities and Physical Demands Wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, performing fire-fighting tasks (hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry, etc.), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions, including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods. Wearing an SCBA, including a demand‑valve‑type positive‑pressure facepiece or HEPA‑filter mask, requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of personal protective ensembles and SCBA. Climbing six or more flights of stairs while wearing a fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb. or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. Wearing a fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F. Wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, searching, finding, and rescue dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 200 lb. to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility. Wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, advancing water‑filled hoselines up to 2 1/2 in. in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately 150 ft.], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles. Wearing personal protective ensemble and SCBA, climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without the benefit of warm‑up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration. Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens. Critical, time‑sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces, that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions. Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers). Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members. Operates computer equipment, phones, and other office equipment as necessary; completes reports. Communicates with voice over two‑way radio. Communicates verbally with community members and the team. Gives verbal presentations to live audiences ranging from children to adults. Possesses the ability to remain calm in life‑threatening or other critical situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr