South Arkansas Fire Protection District (SAFPD) is scaling our Wildland Fire Cooperators Program and is seeking qualified, motivated wildland firefighters to support local and regional wildfire response.
About SAFPD
The South Arkansas Fire Protection District is a professional wildland fire and emergency services organization serving Chaffee County, Colorado. SAFPD operates a 60-person wildland cooperators program in coordination with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other state and federal partners, providing wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire support, and community risk reduction services across a large and varied service area.
This is an opportunity to work real incidents alongside local, state, and federal partners while protecting our community and the Arkansas River Valley during Colorado’s fire season.
Link to SAFPD website can be found here.
What You’ll Do
- Respond to wildland fires as part of SAFPD crews or interagency resources
- Assist with initial attack, extended attack, mop‑up, and patrol operations
- Construct fire line and operate hand tools, hose lays, and portable pumps
- Monitor weather, fuels, and fire behavior and communicate with supervisors
- Support structure protection when assigned and qualified
- Maintain firefighting equipment and PPE
- Work within the Incident Command System (ICS) and follow all safety protocols
Required Qualifications
- Minimum age 18
- Ability to pass the required NWCG pack test
- Physically capable of extended, strenuous work in steep terrain, smoke, heat, and high altitude
- Available for long shifts, nights, weekends, and short notice callouts
- Valid driver’s license
- Team oriented, safety focused, and reliable
- NWCG certifications FFT2, FFT1
- RT130/190 Re-fresher
Why Work With SAFPD
- Very competitive hourly pay for qualified firefighters
- One of Colorado’s most respected cooperators programs
- Strong interagency partnerships and professional leadership
- Meaningful work protecting a real community
- Opportunity to build experience and credentials on active incidents
Important Notes
- This is an at will, call when needed seasonal position
- Hours and assignments depend on fire conditions and operational need
- Employment is contingent on meeting SAFPD training and safety requirements
Hiring range: $30.00 - $35.00/hour dependent on experience.
Please email your relevant information to: dani.hauger [at] cityofsalida.com (dani[dot]hauger[at]cityofsalida[dot]com).