DFPD’s Wildfire Division seeks quality individuals to work within an established crew that has high employee retention, provides an outstanding work/life balance, and provides numerous opportunities for motivated employees.

DFPD is currently taking applications for the following 2026 Wildland Firefighter positions:

Job Title                                                       Reports to                                              Minimum Starting Pay

Engine Boss / Crew Boss                   Battalion Chief                                    $27.22/Hour

Engine Operator                                     Engine Boss                                           $24.42/Hour

Lead Firefighter                                       Engine Boss                                          $21.83/Hour

Entry Level Firefighter                        Engine Boss                                          $19.44/Hour

DFPD’s wildfire crew is responsible for providing initial attack to our 325 square mile fire district with significant WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) and complex fuel/topography ranging from high desert to mixed conifer forests.  DFPD works closely with Federal & State partners in all aspects of firefighting including extended attack. Interagency cooperation and cross training is exhibited daily within the dispatch area. DFPD frequently provides mutual aid to other local, state, and federal agencies and works closely with local Type 3 Incident Management Teams (IMTs).

Wildfire crew members will work on either an engine or suppression module with a rotation of local coverage and national assignments. DFPD works on fuel and prescribed fire as conditions allow. DFPD has the capability to staff several engines and/or Initial Attack crews based on needs and conditions. DFPD crew members have an opportunity to work with other agencies.

Minimum Qualifications to apply:
 High School Diploma/GED, and valid driver’s license for all positions

Engine Boss / Crew Boss  

• Engine Boss or Crew Boss certification required w/ verifiable experience
• FAL2, ICT4, & HECM preferred

Engine Operator   

• ENOP and FFT1/ICT5 certifications w/ verifiable experience
• FAL2 preferred

Lead Firefighter   

• FFT1 certification w/ verifiable experience
• FAL2 preferred

Entry Level Firefighter  

• FFT2 certification is preferable. (In certain circumstances DFPD can provide certification)

Preferred qualifications for all positions:

• CPR
• Colorado / IFSAC Firefighter 1
• Colorado or National Registry EMT-Basic
• Technical Rescue Certification

These positions are seasonal, hourly, non-exempt positions. Regardless of fire conditions, employees will work a minimum 40-hour week and are expected to work overtime as needed. Positions are for local, regional, or national response. Employees have flexibility in determining whether they would like to work locally or be available for national assignments.

To be considered for the interview process the following items are due by Thursday, December 18th, 2025 by 5:00 pm MDT.   

1. Application for Employment (https://www.durangofire.org/join-our-team) with all sections completed
2. Resume & Cover Letter
3. Copy of certifications and Master Record (if applicable)

Completed application packets may be returned either in person (please call ahead) to Megan or sent electronically to megan.kunch@durangofire.org.

Applications will be reviewed with some candidates selected for interviews in late January.  Applicants that are selected for hire after the interview process will receive a conditional job offer upon:

• Clean Background check
• Reference Check
• Negative Drug screen
• ·DFPD provided physical

If you have questions or would like further information regarding these positions, please contact Wildfire Battalion Chief Scott Nielsen at 541-941-6130/scott.nielsen@durangofire.org  or Human Resources Director Megan Kunch at 970-382-6002.