Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) by date of hire (8/14/2026).
• Must be 18 years of age by date of hire (8/14/2026).
• Valid FireTEAM test scores through 3/31/2026.
• Valid CPAT uploaded with application 4/5/2026.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Colorado driver’s license Possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR’s Driving Records Policy by date of hire (8/14/2026).
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen and psychological exam. More information in SMFR Background Standards link. 
  • Please note: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana including the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado.
• IMPORTANT: To help prepare for your fitness/wellness assessment, click here for a sample program from our Wellness Division.

SMFR Background Standards (PDF)

*Any candidates who are selected during the hiring process that do not possess a EMT-B will go through a separate EMT-B course either before or after academy. Candidates who already possess a valid EMT-B will not need to attend the EMT-B course.

SMFR Firefighter Hiring Process Overview

2026-2 academy start date August 14, 2026

Firefighter Recruit Salary During Academy - $67,282

2026 Firefighter Grade IV through I - $81,543 - $116,490

ALL COMMUNICATION WITH THE HIRING PROCESS WILL BE DONE VIA EMAIL FROM EMPLOYMENT@SOUTHMETRO.ORG. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM INBOX FOR ANY EMAILS FROM US.

Click here for a snapshot of the 2026-2 hiring timeline

Step #1 FIRETEAM test, CPAT, and Submit Application

The FIRETEAM test (Deadline: 3/31/2026)

• If your scores are still valid and you already selected SMFR to view your scores from the last hiring process, then nothing needs to be done with National Testing Network. The next step for you would be submitting an application and attaching your current CPAT.
• If you took your FireTEAM test before our job post opened, please log into your National Testing Network profile and add SMFR to view your scores.
• If you were part of our last recruitment process, you need to apply again since this is a different recruitment process.
  

Information about the FIRETEAM test

• The test can be taken online or in-person.
• A video based test consisting of 4 different components: Human Relations, Math, Mechanical, and Reading. 
• There is a fee to take the FireTEAM test that will be at the candidate's expense.
• See FireTEAM Video Practical Test for more details.
• Schedule your FireTEAM test. The test can be done in person as well as online.  

CPAT (Valid through 4/5/2026)

This test consists of eight events commonly performed in the fire service. It is designed to test a candidates strength and endurance. It is physically demanding and requires the candidate be physically fit to be able to perform essential job tasks and be successful.

Candidates are required to have a valid CPAT certificate at the time of application. There are numerous testing sites in Colorado. Please see the links below for agencies that offer a CPAT test. Out-of-state applicants, please refer to National Testing Network's link below or see if there is an accredited test though the IAFF where you live. 

Submit Application to SMFR (Applications accepted until 11:59 p.m. MST on 4/5/2026)

On the top of this webpage, click on Careers and click on Current Opportunities to apply. Please be advised: only the candidates with the top 350 FireTEAM scores will be considered to move forward in our selection process. All FireTEAM categories must have the minimum passing score to be considered. All candidates that submit a FireTEAM score to SMFR will be notified either way via email after the application deadline. 

Step #2 Phone Interviews (April 13, 15, 16)

After applications are submitted and reviewed, approximately 250 will be invited to a 15-minute phone interview with SMFR personnel. 

Step #3 Oral Boards required in-person (May 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18)

After phone interviews, a limited number of candidates will be invited to participate in Oral Boards. The Oral Board panel will consist of SMFR personnel of various ranks that will ask behavior based questions. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person and how you would be as member of the SMFR family. 

Oral boards will include both Firefighters and Paramedic/Firefighters. Our intent is to create an academy class made up of roughly equal numbers from each rank. While we strive for this balance, final selections will be based on overall oral board performance. The highest-scoring candidates, regardless of rank, will receive a contingent job offer to ensure we fill the academy with the strongest candidates.

Follow this link for interview tips.

Contingent Job Offers

Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical and fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen, and psychological evaluation. *Candidates will have to complete and pass another CPAT at the time of the physical fitness/wellness assessment (SMFR will pay for this expense).

Physical Fitness/Wellness Assessment 

To help you prepare for the fitness and wellness assessment, as well as to ensure you're physically fit for the academy, please click on the link below.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

Compensation

2026 Firefighter Recruit Wage During Academy $67,282

After graduating academy and based on experience, recruits would start at FF IV or FF III pay grade. Firefighters receive a pay grade increase annually on their hire date.