Learn How to Become a Volunteer or Part-Time Firefighter in Northern Colorado

Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) is not hiring volunteer or part-time firefighters at this time. Please return to this page and follow us on social media to see when the next hiring process opens.

PFA operates two volunteer fire stations. Station 9 is located at the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir. Station 11 serves the area of Redstone Canyon, west of Horsetooth Mountain Park.

These stations are fully staffed by volunteer and part-time firefighters. They are trained in wildland fire suppression and to provide emergency medical care. 

They also serve in a support capacity on a variety of other emergency calls, including those involving search and rescue, as well as at community education and events.

Volunteers work closely with career firefighters and gain extensive experience as a first responder. Many volunteer and part-time firefighters have gone on to become career firefighters at PFA.

Requirements and Applications

What is expected of volunteer and part-time firefighters? Volunteer and part-time firefighters respond to wildland fires and emergencies in the area around the volunteer fire stations. PFA volunteer and part-time firefighters are trained wildland firefighters and first responders.

Review the job descriptions and announcements below.

Part-Time Firefighter Job Description and Announcement

Volunteer Firefighter Job Description and Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do you accept applications for the volunteer and part-time firefighters?
When needed, PFA has an application period for both volunteers and part-time firefighters in early fall. We do not accept applications outside of the hiring period. Please look at PFA's website and social media channels for hiring information. 

How do I apply to be a volunteer or part-time firefighter?

Applicants need to complete the online application (linked on this page during the hiring process). Part of the application process includes submitting a one-page response to the questions, “Why do you want to be a volunteer or part-time firefighter with PFA and what can you bring to the community if hired?”

 There is a place to attach your essay within the application. 

• Written essay instructions
  • The essay shall be:

What are the requirements to become a volunteer or part-time firefighter?
See the job announcements linked above. 

When do part-time firefighters begin?

Part-time firefighters usually start work with PFA between March-May each year.

When do volunteer firefighters begin?

The start date for volunteer firefighters can change. This start date will be determined by PFA each year. 

What are the training requirements for the volunteer firefighters?
Our current requirement for volunteers is 12 training sessions and 48 hours of shift or special event work per year. More information will be provided to those who are accepted into the program. 

Both volunteer and part-time firefighters are required to complete the online portion of the Incident Command System (ICS) courses and the wildland courses.

Part-time firefighters must have the online portions completed before starting work with PFA.  Volunteer firefighters have six months after their start date to complete the online portions.

The in-person portions of these courses will be offered by PFA by as a regularly scheduled training for both groups after starting. 

Is there a hiring waitlist for the volunteer and part-time firefighter program?
No, we do not keep a hiring list for the volunteer and part-time programs. We run a new hiring process as needed.