Lateral Paramedic

Job Posting: Lateral Firefighter Paramedic (Job #2026-00006)
Application Open: March 16, 2026
Application Deadline: April 16, 2026 
Starting Salary (2026): $91,183 annually, DOQ
Salary Range: $91,183 – $128,118 

Other Forms of Compensation: None
Job Type:  Full-Time, non-exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Start Date: August 3, 2026
Fire Academy Start Date: August 10, 2026

North Metro Fire Rescue District is currently accepting applications for the position of Lateral Firefighter Paramedic. The District is actively recruiting paramedic-certified applicants who will attend an abbreviated Fire Academy.

Why Join North Metro Fire?

At North Metro Fire, our people are our greatest strength. We are a team committed to professionalism, compassion, and service. As an equal opportunity employer, we foster a family-oriented culture that supports employee development, wellness, and career growth.

Apply today and join a dynamic, high-performing team that serves with pride.

To be eligible for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Current CPAT certification by final offer date

• Current State of Colorado Paramedic certification or National Registry Paramedic (NRP) certification

• Meet the Lateral Paramedic definition:

• Candidates must be currently employed by a fire service agency with a minimum of two (2) years' experience with the agency and must complete all steps for hire as outlined below. Candidates with over 10 years of fire service experience who have been separated from fire service employment within the previous three years may be considered a Lateral Hire at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

• The current agency must be similar or larger than North Metro Fire in terms of size of district, population served, and services provided. The agency must utilize Fire-Based EMS that provides emergency transport.

• Candidates will be considered for lateral hire once they have demonstrated the knowledge skills, and abilities of a step grade Firemedic II in accordance with the position job description and district rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Fire suppression

• Technical rescue and hazardous materials response

• Emergency medical response

• Equipment and facility inspections and maintenance

• Public education and community outreach

• Ongoing training and development

This position requires successful completion of the Fire Academy. Upon graduation, Firefighter Paramedics are assigned to emergency response shifts as part of a 56-hour work week.

• Academy Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (additional hours as required)

• Operational Schedule (Post-Academy): 56-hour rotating schedule, including 48 to 72 continuous hours

Direct Reports: None

North Metro Fire Rescue offers an excellent benefits package:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Long-term and short-term disability coverage

• Life insurance

• Flexible Spending Plan

• Longevity pay

• FPPA Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• RHS account

• Tuition assistance

• Wellness program and recreation center pass

• Onsite gym

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday leave

See the District’s benefits summary for full details.

(Tentative; dates subject to change. Testing with * is required to be in-person. Qualified applicants will be notified of exact testing dates once available.)

• EMS Skills Assessment: Week of April 27, 2026 *

• General Assessment Center: April 27 - May 4, 2026 *

• Chiefs’ Interviews: Week of May 18, 2026 *

• Conditional Offers Extended: Week of May 18 - May 22, 2026

• Medical, Drug, METS, and Phobia Testing: Week of May 26 - June 19, 2026 *

• Background and Reference Checks: Week of May 26 - June 19, 2026

• Firefighter Skills Testing: Week of June 19, 2026 *

• Final Job Offers: Week of June 29, 2026

• Hire Date: August 3, 2026

• Academy Start Date: August 10, 2026