Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $93,500.00 - $110,500.00

*UPDATED June 13, 2025 - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Operations Division Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic Job Announcement

Job Title: Firefighter/Paramedic (Full-Time)
Location: Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, 300 Meadowood Dr. Carbondale, CO

Position Overview:
The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is seeking two (2) Lateral Firefighter/Paramedics to join our team. Firefighter/Paramedics deliver advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care and structural/wildland firefighting services. Lateral candidates are expected to integrate quickly, bringing both competence and leadership from prior full-time service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond promptly to all emergency incidents including structure fires, wildland fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, technical rescues, and hazardous materials incidents.
• Provide advanced life support (ALS) care in accordance with District protocols, State regulations, and medical direction.
• Perform firefighting duties including fire suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, and overhaul.
• Conduct patient assessment, treatment, and safe transport in alignment with paramedic-level scope of practice.
• Maintain operational readiness of apparatus, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Accurately complete reports for EMS calls, fire incidents, and training activities.
• Participate in public education, fire prevention outreach, and community safety events.
• Work cohesively in a station environment, participating in cleaning, meal preparation, and collaborative duties.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 21 years of age

Colorado Drivers License

High School Diploma or equivalent

Colorado Firefighter I certification (including Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations)

Colorado EMT-Paramedic certification

Current CPR certification

NWCG S130/190 certification, ICS 100, ICS 200, and IS-700

Current Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) with arduous pack test or ability to obtain within30 days of hire.

Live within 2 hours of Carbondale, Colorado within 6 months of hire date.

Schedule & Compensation:

• Positions are full-time, 48 hours on / 96 hours off
  
• $93,500.00 $110,500.00 based on qualifications and experience
  

Benefits Include:

• $5000 Hiring Bonus
• 120 hours of paid time off upon hire
  
• Housing assistance may be available
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and 10 paid holidays
• Retirement plan and optional pre-tax 457 plan and optional post-tax Roth
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Application Instructions: Submit your completed application with required qualifications/certifications. This job announcement will remain open until positions are filled.
Qualified individuals whose applications are accepted may be invited for an interview. After completion of the interview process, candidates will be notified regarding their hiring status. A conditional job offer will be extended if an applicant is chosen. All offers of employment for a Firefighter/Paramedic position are contingent on the candidate passing a background check, physical examination, and Arduous Pack Test pursuant to the NWCG standard and District policy. Ongoing employment in this position is not guaranteed and is specifically contingent on the Firefighter/Paramedics passing a yearly physical examination and other testing, licensing, training, continuing education, and position requirements as may be required by law and District policy. This is not an employment agreement, and, unless modified by private contract, collective bargaining agreement, or other operation of law, employment with the District is at will.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

The Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic is a highly skilled and experienced professional responsible for providing emergency response services in fire suppression, emergency medical care at the paramedic level, rescue, hazardous materials operations, and public safety education. This Lateral Firefighter/Paramedic position requires a minimum of two (2) years of recent full-time experience as a structural firefighter/paramedicand is designed for candidates who can quicklyand competently integrate into the Districts operational environment.

Lateral Firefighter/Paramedics will possess strong leadership in the field, high-level clinical competence, and a demonstrated ability to function under dynamic and stressful conditions while delivering exceptional service to the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency incidents including structure fires, wildland fires, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials releases, and technical rescues.
• Perform fire suppression tasks including advancing hose lines, ventilation, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul operations.
• Operate fire apparatus and equipment safely and in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
• Maintain operational readiness of apparatus, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
  
• Deliver pre-hospital advanced life support (ALS) care including patient assessment, IV therapy, medication administration, cardiac monitoring, airway management, and trauma intervention under district medical protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient care reports (ePCR), fire incident reports, and all associated documentation.
• Participate in company-level training, physical fitness programs, EMS continuing education, and district-mandated drills.
• Assist in performing daily station duties, including routine housekeeping, vehicle and equipment checks, inventories, and maintenance.
• Engage in community risk reduction programs, public education presentations, and school or civic outreach events.
• Participate in wildland and interface operations and maintain qualifications per NWCG standards.
• Maintain situational awareness and team communication during high-risk operations; ensure accountability and adherence to safety procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism and leadership during field operations, particularly in high-stress environments.
• Mentor junior personnel or new hires, and model adherence to district policies, core values, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum 21 years of age
• Colorado Drivers License
• Colorado Firefighter I (including Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations)
• Colorado Paramedic Certification
• Current CPR Certification
• NWCG S-130/S-190
• ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700
• Current Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) with arduous pack test or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of continuous full-time experience as a structural firefighter/paramedic within the last six (6) months

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in fireground operations and advanced pre-hospital medical care
• Capable of operating independently and as part of a highly cohesive team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and make critical decisions under stress
• Demonstrated commitment to physical fitness and readiness

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are considerable and require the ability to:

• Lift, carry, drag, or pull up to 125 pounds
• Walk, run, climb, crawl, and operate in confined spaces or high elevations
• Wear and operate in full structural and/or wildland PPE and SCBA
• Operate emergency medical and firefighting equipment for extended periods
• Work in inclement weather, extreme heat/cold, low visibility, and hazardous environments
• Maintain physical readiness to meet NFPA and district standards
• Pass an initial and ongoing physical examination and agility testing per district policy

Work Environment

• Work is performed in both emergency and non-emergency settings, indoors and outdoors
• Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, toxic environments, hazardous materials, and stressful situations
• Exposure to traumatic incidents, bodily fluids, and risk of physical harm
• Requires shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended deployments

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not directly supervise others but may provide guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to less experienced personnel.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of a Battalion Chief, Company Officer or other designated supervisor.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive description of the duties, responsibilities and physical demands of the Firefighter/Paramedic.

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