Please Enable Javascript to Continue. We apologize for any inconvenience.
SALIDA FIRE DEPARTMENT 611 OAK ST. SALIDA, CO SALIDA, COLORADO 81201 719-539-2212
Apply Now >
Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=3360&jobid=2&agentid=1698
Updated: May 19, 2026
Position Title: Firefighter/EMT
Salary Information: $64,724 - $98,578
Benefit Information:
The City of Salida offers a full benefits package for this position including medical/dental/vision insurance plans, FPPA pension and 457 retirement savings plan, personal time off (PTO) accrual, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits, individual and family swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, discounted golf access at Salida Golf Course, and discounted season passes to Monarch Mountain.
Department Application Link here
Department Overview
The Salida Fire Department is a community‑focused, professional fire department serving one of Colorado’s most vibrant small cities.
Firefighters work as part of a true all‑hazards response team, gaining experience in structural and wildland firefighting, EMS, technical rescue, and public education. Members are trusted professionals who take pride in serving neighbors, schools, businesses, and visitors, and in making a visible difference every day.
The department provides a 48‑hour shift schedule, competitive compensation, and a strong benefits package including FPPA pension, employer‑matched 457 retirement, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, and paid holidays.
Salida offers a mountain lifestyle with year‑round recreation and a small‑city culture built on accountability, service, and mutual respect. Firefighters here are part of the fabric of the community they protect.
General Description of Duties:
The Firefighter/EMT responds to fire, rescue, and emergency medical incidents as part of Salida Fire Department's all-hazards response team. This position is the foundation of the department's operational capability and performs its duties under the direct supervision of a Fire Engineer or Fire Lieutenant. In addition to emergency response, Firefighters maintain apparatus, tools, and facilities; participate in training; conduct fire prevention activities; and support department operations. Duties are physically demanding, routinely performed in hazardous environments, and require sound judgment under high-stress conditions. The Firefighter/EMT works a non-traditional schedule of 48-hour shifts averaging 56 hours per week.
Organizational Relationships:
This position reports to the assigned Fire Engineer or Fire Lieutenant and works collaboratively within a shift crew. On emergency incidents, the Firefighter/EMT operates under the direction of the officer in charge and within the established chain of command. The Firefighter/EMT interacts regularly with the public, allied agencies, and mutual aid partners during emergency and non-emergency operations.
Essential Duties:
The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or marginal duties that may be required. The City of Salida reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.
• Respond to fire alarms and engage in fire suppression, search and rescue, and related emergency operations as directed by the officer in charge.
• Provide emergency medical care and basic life support in accordance with EMT-Basic certification and applicable EMS protocols.
• Assist in specialized rescue operations including hazardous materials, high-angle rescue, confined space, and swift water rescue.
• Maintain fire apparatus, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE); perform routine station and facility upkeep, including daily and weekly apparatus inspections.
• Conduct fire safety inspections and pre-incident surveys of buildings; ensure fire code compliance and report findings to supervisory personnel.
• Participate in community outreach, public education, and community risk reduction activities.
• Accurately complete incident reports (NFIRS), EMS patient care records, inspection logs, training records, and daily documentation in compliance with department standards.
• Adhere to departmental policies, training standards, and the Fire Department's Code of Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.
Environmental and Physical Conditions:
Work is performed in a variety of environments ranging from the fire station to extreme hazard conditions. Firefighters regularly operate in fires, rescue scenes, and EMS environments with exposure to smoke, chemicals, bodily fluids, noise, and extreme temperatures. The position requires sustained physical exertion including lifting, climbing, and operating in full PPE and SCBA (approximately 75 lbs of gear). Firefighters work 48-hour shifts (56-hour average work week) with frequent interruptions to rest or sleep and the possibility of extended emergency responses. All personnel must maintain physical fitness and successfully complete periodic medical and physical agility evaluations per NFPA 1582 and department policy. Firefighting and emergency response inherently involve risk of serious injury or death; strict adherence to safety protocols is required at all times.
City/County/Area Information
Salida
Population
7,000
Job Requirements
Age: 18
US Citizen: Yes
High School Grad/GED: Yes
Valid State Driver’s License: Yes
Ability to Read/Speak English: Yes
Vision: Candidates must meet the vision standards of NFPA 1582. Vision must be correctable to at least 20/40 binocular with glasses or contact lenses. Uncorrected vision must be at least 20/100 binocular, unless exempted under NFPA 1582 for long‑term soft contact lens wearers. Candidates must have sufficient color and peripheral vision to safely perform essential firefighting tasks. Monochromatic vision or any eye condition that prevents safe job performance is disqualifying. All vision requirements are evaluated as part of a post‑offer medical examination in accordance with NFPA 1582.
College: High school diploma or GED required.Post‑secondary education in Fire Science, EMS, or a related field is beneficial and supported, but not required for hire.
Academy Certification: Firefighter I certification obtained through an accredited fire academy or approved equivalency process is required.
Prior Experience: Fire service experience is preferred but not required. Experience in EMS, military service, wildland fire, or other high‑stress, team‑oriented professions is considered relevant.
Necessary Certifications
Additional Requirements:
Hiring Process:
