Fire Department · Career
Denver Fire Department
Denver, CO · Denver County
No active openings right now
Watch this department to be notified when Denver Fire Department is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗The Denver Fire Department (DFD) protects the City and County of Denver and, by contract, the communities of Glendale, Sheridan, Englewood, the Skyline Fire District, and Denver International Airport. Established in 1866, it is one of the oldest and largest fire departments in the Rocky Mountain West.
More than 1,000 paid professional firefighters and about 42 civilian staff run the department from 39 fully staffed firehouses across the city, plus five additional stations at Denver International Airport. Citywide the department answers over 100,000 emergency calls each year.
DFD is organized into six response districts (each led by an Assistant Chief) plus a separate Airport Division, supported by Operations, Fire Prevention, Technical Services, Administration, and Safety and Training divisions. The department holds an ISO Class 1 rating and CFAI accreditation.
At Denver International Airport, roughly 111 firefighters staff five stations covering a 52-square-mile airport that serves more than 69 million passengers a year, providing specialized aircraft rescue firefighting and hazmat response.
MissionDesire to Serve, Courage to Act, Ability to Perform
Hiring for Denver firefighters runs through the City and County of Denver Civil Service Commission rather than the department directly. Candidates start by completing the Fire Self-Assessment Form and a Job Interest Form, then prepare for the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which simulates eight critical fireground tasks. Positions (entry-level firefighter, EMT Med Unit, and lateral firefighter) open and close in cycles; when closed, interested candidates submit the job interest form to be notified of future openings.
Applications post at the Civil Service Commission jobs page. Recruiting questions go to firejobs@denvergov.org or the department's recruiting office; testing and registration are handled by the Civil Service Commission at 101 W. Colfax Ave., 7th Floor.
Requirements
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), an eight-task simulation of fireground work
- Complete the Fire Self-Assessment Form and Job Interest Form
- Apply through the Denver Civil Service Commission
Hiring process
- Complete the Fire Self-Assessment Form
- Complete the Job Interest Form
- Prepare for and pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
- Review job requirements and benefits
- Apply through the Civil Service Commission job posting when open
Benefits
- Paid sick leave and vacation
- Medical and dental insurance
- Uniforms and equipment furnished
- Pension plan
The Denver Fire Academy, founded in 1986, features a 5-story drill tower and a live burn building.
How do I apply to become a Denver firefighter?
Applications are handled by the Denver Civil Service Commission. Start by completing the Fire Self-Assessment Form and Job Interest Form, then watch the Civil Service Commission jobs page for open postings. Recruiting questions go to firejobs@denvergov.org.
What is the starting salary?
The starting firefighter salary was $66,430 as of January 1, 2024.
What schedule do Denver firefighters work?
Firefighters work an average 48-hour week, typically one 24-hour day on followed by two days (48 hours) off.
What physical test is required?
Candidates must pass the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), a physically demanding assessment of eight critical tasks that simulate actual fireground duties.
Does Denver hire lateral firefighters?
Yes, the department runs a lateral firefighter hiring track, though like all positions it opens and closes in cycles through the Civil Service Commission. Submit the job interest form to be notified when it reopens.
Are positions currently open?
As posted, the entry-level firefighter, EMT Med Unit, and lateral firefighter processes were closed; applicants already in the pipeline are contacted by Civil Service. Complete the job interest form to hear about future openings.