Fire Department · Combination
Durango Fire Protection District
Durango, CO · La Plata County
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Durango Fire Protection District, which operates as Durango Fire & Rescue, serves the City of Durango and the surrounding communities of La Plata County in southwest Colorado. The district spans roughly 325 square miles, mixing a downtown core with mountain, rural, and highway-corridor coverage.
The department maintains a broad footprint of stations along the Highway 550 and 172 corridors and in outlying areas such as Edgemont, Trimble, Rafter J, and Electra Lake, with several stations staffed around the clock and a future station planned in Three Springs.
Beyond fire suppression, the district emphasizes EMS, wildfire risk mitigation, community risk reduction, fire code enforcement through its Fire Marshal Division, and public programs including a youth fire intervention program and CPR/First Aid training.
Durango Fire & Rescue hires firefighters through a recruit academy pathway. Candidates must hold an EMT certification recognized by the State of Colorado and pass a Physical Agility Test before entering the department's 14-week paid Firefighter Academy, which is geared toward candidates who are future EMTs and paramedics.
Open positions are posted on the district's online careers portal, and hiring is run in cycles tied to academy classes rather than continuously. The next academy referenced by the department is planned for Spring 2027.
Requirements
- EMT certification recognized by the State of Colorado
- Pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT)
Hiring process
- Apply for an open position through the district's online careers portal
- Pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Complete the 14-week paid Firefighter Academy
14-week paid Firefighter Academy geared toward future EMTs/paramedics; next academy referenced for Spring 2027.
Is Durango Fire & Rescue currently hiring firefighters?
Hiring runs in cycles tied to the department's academy classes rather than continuously. As posted, the department is not currently hiring, with its next Firefighter Academy referenced for Spring 2027.
What certifications do I need to apply?
You must hold an EMT certification recognized by the State of Colorado to be eligible for the Fire Academy.
Is there a physical test?
Yes. Candidates must pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) to confirm they can safely perform the essential functions of the job.
How long is the fire academy?
The department runs a 14-week paid Firefighter Academy aimed at candidates who are future EMTs and paramedics.
Where do I apply?
Open positions are posted on the district's online careers portal at secure7.saashr.com/ta/6201163.careers. You can also reach the HR team at 970-382-6002.