Lateral Hires

Explains the great benefits of working for North Metro Fire

North Metro Fire is looking for experienced firefighters and paramedics to join our team. Those already serving as active, full-time firefighter/paramedics at similar agencies may be eligible to start at a higher step grade and pay than entry-level firefighters, depending on qualifications. Lateral hires may also be offered a modified academy program, depending on experience and qualifications. 

The 2023 pay range for North Metro firefighter/paramedics ranges from $75,919 - $106,671 annually, depending on paramedic certification and step grade level. North Metro Fire has four firefighter step grades for firefighters to complete.Red graphic button with the words "Apply Now" and an icon of a tablet and pen Opens in new window

Why Make the Switch to North Metro Fire

It's simple. Join us and we'll give you the tools to be your best and thrive in your career.

Want to work for a growing fire district with a dynamic callThree firefighters debrief following an apartment fire in Northglenn load, the latest equipment, a state-of-the-art Training Center and an opportunity to develop as a professional? These are only a few reasons to test with North Metro Fire. Want to specialize on one of our special teams or earn a spot on Colorado Task Force 1? Want to apply your passion for paramedicine to elevate our EMS program and promote to a safety and medical officer? We will provide you with the pathway and mentorship to help you reach your goals. Most importantly, when you join North Metro Fire, you become part of our family, and we take care of our family.

2025 Testing and Hiring Dates

Application and Testing Dates 

(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 (Paramedics only): August - September 2025 (Date/s to be determined)  *

  • General Assessment Center: Week of September 22, 2025 *

  • Chiefs’ Interviews: Week of October 7, 2025 *

  • Conditional Offers Extended: Week of October 13, 2025

  • Medical, Drug, and Phobia Testing: Week of October 13, 2025 *

  • Background and Reference Checks: Week of October 13, 2025

  • Final Job Offers: November 2025

  • Hire Date: January 2, 2026

  • Academy Start Date: January 14, 2026

Learn More and Apply

  • Fill out our firefighter interest form to begin the process of becoming a North Metro firefighter and to connect with someone on our team
  • Join us for a ride-along to meet some of North Metro's firefighters and to get a feel for our culture. NOTE: Ride-along requests have been temporarily put on hold until January 2025 to allow us to fulfill our training needs for new hires and already scheduled EMS/fire students. 

Steps for Lateral Hires

  1. Fulfill minimum requirements
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Valid, unrestricted driver's license
    • As a condition of continued employment, upon completion of the fire academy, employee must:
      • Possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License 
      • Be able to successfully possess and maintain an EMT certificate issued by the State of Colorado.   (Candidates without an EMT certificate must successfully acquire their EMT certification during the EMT Academy) 
      • Possess and maintain CPR certification 
    • Valid Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) certification - valid for one year from the date of the exam
      1. Some venues that offer the CPAT include:
        1. Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado. The test is offered monthly.
        2. Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 
  2. A medic gets ready to check a victim in the back of an ambulance following an apartment fireComplete firefighter application/testing
    1. NOTE: Candidates do not need to take the IOS or NTN firefighter test. Instead, apply directly to North Metro Fire for consideration. 
    2. All candidates should fill out the North Metro Fire application.
    3. Those who have submitted an IOS or NTN firefighter test score in the past year will also be considered for employment, but we advise you to also fill out an application. 
    4. To be considered, a candidate must pass all testing categories with a score of 70% or higher. 
    5. North Metro Fire will select candidates from the testing lists and applications to proceed to the next phase of the hiring process.
    6. Considerations are given to candidates with military background and references from North Metro Fire employees. 
  3. Undergo the medical assessment process
    1. Paramedics will participate in a medical assessment of their paramedic skills, including a written test and EMS hands-on scenarios.
    2. Candidates who pass the medical assessment process will then receive the opportunity to participate in the general skills assessment.
  4. Participate in the general skills assessment and interview process
    1. The assessment consists of two separate interview panels as well as a written exercise. Candidates who pass the general skills assessment are eligible for hire and placed on a hiring eligibility list certified by North Metro Fire's Civil Service Committee. 
    2. In order of rank, candidates are interviewed by North Metro Fire's chiefs. Following the chiefs' interviews, selected candidates are given conditional job offers. Once a conditional job offer is received, the candidate will need to pass a medical/physical evaluation, including a drug test, with the North Metro Fire occupational doctor as well as a background check. Candidates who have ever been convicted of a felony, or who have been convicted of a misdemeanor within the last two years, will be subject to an individualized evaluation as to whether the criminal activity should disqualify the candidate. In addition, North Metro Fire will conduct acrophobia and claustrophobia testing to ensure a candidate is fit for the occupation.  
    3. Once these processes are passed, a final job offer will be given to the new hire candidate.  academy car fire training
  5. Participate and graduate from the North Area Fire Academy
    1. The North Area Fire Academy is 14-16 weeks long and takes place primarily at the North Metro Fire Training Center. The academy's weekly schedule consists of four 10-hour days. North Metro Fire will provide firefighter training and certification requirements during the fire academy. 
    2. NOTE: Lateral hires may qualify for a modified academy program, based on experience.