FAQ
Have questions? Below are some answers to our commonly asked questions about working for Aurora Fire Rescue. If you still have some questions, please reach out to a recruiter for more info. We look forward to talking with you.
Benefits
The comprehensive breakdown of the rates of pay per Aurora Fire Rescue’s 2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract for the 24-hour shift employee is below:
- Grade IV – $68,027 Annually / $27.25441 Hourly
- Grade III – $75,353 Annually / $30.18951 Hourly
- Grade II – $83,725 Annually / $33.54367 Hourly
- Grade I – $104,656 Annually / $41.92949 Hourly
Pension Plan: Coverage is provided by the Statewide Defined Benefit Pension Plan of the Fire & Police Pension Association. The city and the firefighter contribute the amount set by the FPPA.
Deferred Compensation: Members may elect to tax defer a percentage of their salary on a bi-weekly basis.
Aurora Fire Rescue is focused on training, requiring ongoing in-service training for its members. Programs like tuition reimbursement and job-related sponsored training are offered to encourage constant self-improvement.
Personnel working 24-hour shifts will be compensated at time and one-half (1½) for hours worked during the 11 legal holidays as set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.
Vacation – Five (24-hour) shifts accrued per year (120 hours annually)
Sick Leave – Six (24-hour) shifts accrued per year (144 hours annually)
- The City of Aurora offers contributions to a variety of health insurance plans, including some where the monthly premium is completely covered by the city. Employees have optional dental and vision insurance, as well as other offerings. Life insurance is provided by the city at an amount equal to twice the employee’s salary with the option to obtain additional coverage. Employees can also add life insurance coverage for their dependents.
*Insurance does not take effect until the 1st day of the month following the date of hire. (ex. Hire date of January 5th, insurance effective February 1st)
General
No, there is no maximum age limit. You must be 18 years of age by the academy start date.
The candidate is required to have a current CPAT card valid within one year of the start date of academy. It is up to the candidate to obtain the certification on their own. Visit https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/cpat_info.cfm for more information.
AFR members work the Kelly Schedule, which is 48-hour per week. The rotation is 24 hours on, then 48 hours off with a Kelly Day (leave day) every 21 days resulting in 5 consecutive days off.
After 3 years on AFR, you can test for Engineer. After 5 years on AFR, you can test for Lieutenant. After 7 years on AFR and at least 2 years as a Lieutenant, you can test for Captain.
Cindy Cross
(303)739-7803
ccross@auroragov.org
Ben Colussy
(303) 770-3772
bcolussy@ffpaco.org
Hiring Process
Candidates are recruited by AFR. Mentors are assigned to each candidate.
- Candidates fill out job interest cards which are entered into Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- The Aurora Civil Service Commission publishes online job announcement with dates for receipt of applications
- Candidates complete application online
- Civil Service Commission screens applications to ensure minimum qualifications are met
- Candidates complete written test
- Candidate completed Personal History Statement
- CPAT Physical Fitness Test
- Preliminary File Review
- Oral Interviews
- CSC certifies ranked list of applicants with weighted scores from each step
- Conditional Offer Made
- Background Investigation
- Psychological Evaluation
- Substance Abuse Screening
- Medical Examination
- Final Selection
- Final Job Offer
Applicants that make it all the way through the process will be asked to make two trips. Here is a breakdown of the entry level hiring process:
- Application
- Written Exam (virtual or in-person via National Testing Network)
- Email a Personal History Statement Document
- 1st Trip to Aurora
- Job Suitability Assessment (in-person)
- Fingerprints (in-person)
- Background Interview (phone or virtual)
- Interview with Panel (virtual)
- 2nd Trip to Aurora (Conditional Job Offer testing)
- Medical/Drug Screening (in-person)
- Post-offer Psychological Assessment (in-person)
Typically, only one visit is required to Aurora, Colorado for laterals, for the Medical/Physical exam. However, lateral applicants who qualify and are invited to try out for the Fast Track Academy (see requirements below) will be asked to make two trips. Here is a breakdown of the lateral hiring process:
- Email a Personal History Statement Document
- Job Suitability Assessment (offered in-person or virtually)
- Trip to Colorado: Fast Track Skills Assessment (in-person, for those invited)
- Background Interview (offered in-person or virtually)
- Interview with Panel (virtual)
- Trip to Colorado: Medical/Physical/Blood Work (in-person)
- Post-offer Psychological Assessment (virtual)
- Fire Chief’s Interview (virtual)
Academy
To be considered, candidates must possess:
- Firefighter I Certification
- Firefighter II Certification
- Hazmat First Responder Operations Level Certification
- Current National or Colorado EMT/Paramedic Certification
Experienced applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited to attend a skills evaluation (inperson) and be successful to qualify for the Fast Track Academy.
After academy, each probationary firefighter has approximately 3 months assigned to an engine company and 3 months assigned to a ladder company. Firefighters do not have a permanent station assignment until completion of probation. After probation, members bid for positions based on rank, specialty teams certifications, and seniority.
EMS CERTIFICATION
IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO HAVE AN EMS CERTIFICATION TO APPLY
Scenario 1: Candidate is Colorado Certified EMT (Basic or Paramedic)
- Candidate must provide a copy of:
- Colorado EMT certification.
- Any ancillary EMS certifications (CPR, IV, EKG, etc).
- Annotated copy of any Continuing Education hours obtained during the last certification cycle.
Scenario 2: Candidate is EMT (Basic or Paramedic) Certified in another State and Does not Possess a National Registry (NR) Certification
(This is not a requirement prior to academy start unless you are a Fast Track Academy candidate)
Candidate must possess a Colorado EMT certification in order to function in Colorado. Candidate must obtain a NR certification in order to be issued an EMS certification from the state of Colorado. Colorado does not recognize EMT certifications from any other state.
To obtain a NR EMT cert:
- Candidate must document NR refresher equivalency and meet the CE requirements as well as provide documentation of completing a NR practical exam to sit for the National Registry exam. (See NREMT.org for details and testing information.)
- Once the candidate has successfully completed the NR exam, the candidate will submit the certificate and an application with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) EMS Division.
- Part of the certification process includes finger printing and background check. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once EMS certification is awarded by CDPHE, candidate may begin functioning as an EMS provider with AFR.
Scenario 3: Candidate is an NR EMT but Does not Have a Colorado EMT Certificate Candidate must possess a Colorado EMT certification in order to function in Colorado.
(This is NOT required prior to start date)
Candidate will submit a certification application with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) EMS Division. Part of the certification process includes finger printing and background check. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Once EMS certification is awarded by CDPHE, candidate may begin functioning as an EMS provider with AFR.
Scenario 4: Candidate does not possess any EMS certification AFR will provide access to necessary primary education and assist in the initial certification process. No action required by candidate.
If you are recruited without any emergency medical training, AFR will send you to emergency medical technician (EMT- Basic) school. EMT-B is the first, and most important, step in becoming an exceptional emergency care provider and fire fighter. EMT-B school is paid for by AFR and you will receive pay and leave while attending.
After you’ve gained experience as an EMT, AFR will send you to paramedic school (usually within 4 years). Paramedic school (including books and fees) is paid for by AFR and you will receive pay and leave while attending.
Paramedic school is a challenging program that includes classroom instruction, clinical instruction, and certification.
The classroom phase involves a variety of books, lectures, practical skills instruction, and exams. Clinical instruction takes place in a hospital and in the field where technicians, nurses, and doctors help paramedic students begin applying the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. Once paramedic school is complete, students must pass a written and practical test to become certified.
Upon returning to AFR, new paramedics must pass the Field Instruction Program. During the Field Instruction Program, students perform the role of paramedic as they are assessed by a dedicated instructor. This program integrates new paramedics into AFR Operations.
Paramedic firefighters may request to enter the Paramedic FI program as soon as they finish the EMT-B FI program. The request will be considered by the firefighter’s officer and battalion chief and will be granted based on that individual firefighter’s performance and abilities. Firefighters who are not certified EMS providers in Colorado – even if they are certified in another state – cannot function as EMS providers in Colorado without a Colorado certification.
Apply Now
Joining Aurora Fire Rescue means becoming part of a dedicated family committed to protecting and serving the community with courage, integrity, and teamwork. As a firefighter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference, responding to emergencies, saving lives, and providing critical support when it matters most.