Timberline Fire Protection District serves a rugged stretch of Colorado's Front Range roughly 30 miles from the Denver and Boulder metros, running from Nederland in Boulder County south to Black Hawk and Central City near I-70. Terrain climbs from about 6,000 feet in the foothills to over 13,000 feet at the Continental Divide.

The district is a combination agency made up of career, part-time, and volunteer personnel, roughly 50 members in all, with volunteers forming the majority. Crews run an all-hazards mix of structure fires, wildland fires, EMS, backcountry rescues, and motor vehicle collisions.

The district protects about 6,000 year-round residents, a number that swells to 15,000-20,000 with seasonal visitors drawn to the mountain communities and casino towns. Nine stations house roughly two dozen pieces of apparatus, and most of the coverage area carries an ISO Class 5 rating.

Wildfire mitigation is a visible part of the mission: the district offers free home ignition zone property assessments, smoke and carbon monoxide detector programs, and a Reverse 911 emergency alert system for district residents.

MissionThe mission of the Timberline Fire Protection District is to utilize resources efficiently to provide emergency services for the benefit of citizens and visitors to the district while maintaining the safety and security of our members.

How to get hired

Timberline recruits volunteer firefighters year-round and runs biannual interview and onboarding cohorts. No prior experience is required to apply, and the district provides access to all the training needed to become a certified Firefighter/EMT in the state of Colorado. In-district applicants are encouraged to apply at any time rather than waiting for the next scheduled cohort.

To apply, complete the volunteer application packet and submit it with a valid copy of your driver's license by email to apply@timberlinefire.com or by mail to 660 Highway 46, Black Hawk, CO 80422. Applications are reviewed on receipt, and approved candidates are contacted about next steps.

Requirements

No prior experience necessary to apply
Valid driver's license
Complete the volunteer application packet

Hiring process

Complete the volunteer application packet
Include a valid copy of your driver's license
Submit the application by email (apply@timberlinefire.com) or mail
Application is reviewed upon receipt
Approved candidates are contacted about next steps, with onboarding in biannual cohorts

Benefits

Volunteers receive access to all training required to become a certified Firefighter/EMT in Colorado, flexible scheduling to accommodate outside commitments, membership program options for various commitment levels, and the chance to build emergency response skills while serving the community.

The district provides access to all training required to become a certified Firefighter/EMT in the state of Colorado; no experience is necessary to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to become a volunteer firefighter?

No. No experience is necessary to apply, and the district provides access to all training required to become a certified Firefighter/EMT in Colorado.

How do I apply?

Complete the volunteer application packet, include a valid copy of your driver's license, and submit it by email to apply@timberlinefire.com or by mail to 660 Highway 46, Black Hawk, CO 80422.

When can I apply and start?

Applications are accepted year-round with biannual interview and onboarding cohorts. Local, in-district applicants are encouraged to apply anytime rather than waiting for a scheduled cohort.

What kind of department is Timberline?

It is a combination agency of career, part-time, and volunteer personnel responding to structure fires, wildland fires, EMS, backcountry rescues, motor vehicle collisions, and other all-hazards emergencies.

What training will I receive?

The district provides access to all training needed to become a certified Firefighter/EMT in the state of Colorado, with flexible scheduling to accommodate outside commitments.