Fire Department · Career
Grand Junction Fire Department
Grand Junction, CO · Mesa County
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Department careers page ↗Grand Junction Fire Department operates as a full-time career department covering fire and EMS operations, fire prevention, community outreach, and administration for the city of Grand Junction. The department runs eight stations across the city, each staffed with engines and ambulances, with specialty capabilities distributed across the system including a heavy rescue and confined-space unit, a hazmat unit and water tender, brush engines for wildland response, a boat for water rescue, and a ladder truck paired with desert rescue ATVs.
GJFD holds an ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 2/2X, effective since 2015, reflecting close proximity to stations and hydrant coverage across most of the service area. The department is currently working through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) process, progressing through the Registered Agency, Applicant Agency, and Candidate Agency benchmark phases.
The department's public education arm runs CPR and bleeding-control classes, fire extinguisher training, school-based fire safety programs, station tours, and youth fire-intervention services, and offers multilingual and ASL-interpreted access to its programs.
MissionTaking Care of People & Property.
GJFD describes itself as the largest fire department between Denver and Salt Lake City and recruits along three tracks: a Firefighter Recruit/EMT class sponsorship (no EMT required, typically opens each spring), a certified EMT/Paramedic recruit track, and a lateral track for candidates with three or more years of structural firefighting experience.
Requirements
- Minimum of 18 years of age at time of hire
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Colorado driver's license (or ability to obtain one)
- Pass a Candidate Level NFPA-1582 physical examination, including color perception sufficient to use imaging devices
- Good moral character; no disqualifying criminal history (felonies, crimes of violence, theft, perjury, DUI/DWAI, hit-and-run, or suspended/revoked driving privileges)
- Ability to work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays
Hiring process
- Online application and personal history questionnaire via the department's Oracle portal
- Phone interview (about 15-20 minutes, roughly five questions)
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) plus aptitude and suitability testing
- Oral board interview with sworn and civilian staff
- Background investigation (3-4 weeks): character, work/driving/criminal history, voice stress analysis, psychological testing, fingerprinting
- Executive interview with department leadership, followed by a conditional offer, medical exam, drug screening, and psychological evaluation
Benefits
FPPA Statewide Defined Benefit pension (10.5% employer / 12% employee contribution), 457 deferred compensation with employer match, 13.846 hours of paid time off accrued per pay period, on-site health and wellness center, subsidized on-site childcare, annual paramedic school sponsorships, and hiring bonuses of $2,000-$4,000 for paramedics upon academy completion.
Fire Academy runs 19 weeks; a separate EMS Academy runs 6 weeks. Academies are typically held once or twice a year (spring/fall).
What are the basic requirements to apply?
You must be 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and hold a valid driver's license. There is no upper age limit, and the department welcomes applicants with diverse life experience.
What physical testing is required?
Applicants must pass two physical ability tests designed to replicate job-related movements. Only one attempt is allowed; candidates who fail may reapply in the next hiring cycle.
How often does the academy run?
Fire Academies typically occur once or twice a year (fall/spring). The EMS Academy lasts six weeks, while the Fire Academy runs 19 weeks total.
How long does the hiring process take?
The entire hiring process averages seven months from application to hire.
What EMT/paramedic certifications are accepted?
The department accepts National Registry and Colorado EMT certifications, plus certain out-of-state and upgraded credentials.