Fire Department · Combination
Bay County Department Of Emergency Services
Panama City, FL · Bay County
more than 250 personnel
Apply by July 16 for a Firefighter/Paramedic role in Panama City, FL with an annual salary range of $69,458–$116,670. EMT and Paramedic certifications required.
Bay County Department Of Emergency Services offers $65,062–$109,757 annually for a Paramedic role requiring at least one year of full-time experience and valid Florida certifications. Apply by July 16, 2026.
Volunteer position with no base pay. EMT certification required within two years of hire. Applications accepted continuously.
Bay County Emergency Services was formed in 1996 and has grown from six employees to more than 250 firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, 911 communicators, emergency-management professionals, and administrative staff. The department is organized around four areas: Fire Suppression and Prevention, Emergency Medical Services, 911 Communications, and Emergency Management, all operating under a Chief of Emergency Services.
In October 2024 the Bay County Fire Department and Bay County EMS merged to form Bay County Fire-Rescue (BCFR), a unified response agency. Every frontline fire apparatus is Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipped and all ambulances are staffed at the ALS level, and the merger has expanded the number of dual-trained personnel able to handle both fire suppression and medical calls.
BCFR provides fire suppression to the rural and suburban unincorporated areas of Bay County, responding to structure and wildland fires, while delivering ALS emergency medical care countywide via ambulances, quick-response vehicles, and fire apparatus. It also runs a regional Hazardous Materials Team and a Surf Rescue Division, and supports major community events. The department answers more than 100 calls for service each day and operates 13 stations across unincorporated Bay County.
Bay County Fire-Rescue hires dual-certified Firefighter/Paramedics as well as Florida or Nationally Registered Paramedics, and starting pay is set on verified experience year-for-year, so prior fire or EMS service counts toward your salary. New hires can transfer up to 240 hours of accrued leave from a current employer, and the department provides a paid full-time fire academy, free uniforms and protective gear, and relocation reimbursement of up to $5,000.
Applications for full-time positions are handled through the county's online jobs portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/baycounty. See the department's Full-Time Career Opportunities page and Human Resources benefits section for the current pay and benefits details.
Requirements
- Dual-certified Firefighter/Paramedic (for firefighter positions)
- Florida or Nationally Registered Paramedic certification
- Prior Fire or EMS experience credited year-for-year toward starting salary
Benefits
Florida Retirement System - Special Risk pension; health insurance with 90% of the premium employer-paid, plus dental, vision, long-term disability, EAP, and free AD&D life insurance; 269-395 hours of PTO accrued per year (with possible transfer of up to 240 unused hours from a prior employer); 12 paid holidays; four weeks paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement and paid continuing education; leadership development and Six Sigma certification programs; paid full-time fire academy; free uniforms plus a uniform allowance; free nutritionist/personal trainer; and relocation reimbursement up to $5,000.
Department provides a paid full-time fire academy.
What certifications do I need to be hired?
Bay County Fire-Rescue hires dual-certified Firefighter/Paramedics, as well as Florida or Nationally Registered Paramedics.
How much does the job pay?
Dual-Certified Firefighter/Paramedics earn $62,182-$103,952 annually and Florida or Nationally Registered Paramedics earn $60,139-$101,470 annually. Starting pay is based on verified experience, credited year-for-year.
Does prior fire or EMS experience count toward my salary?
Yes. Starting salary is based on your years of applicable service in Fire, EMS, or another applicable field, and you can transfer up to 240 hours of unused vacation/sick time from your current employer.
Do I have to already be a firefighter to apply?
The department provides a paid full-time fire academy along with protective gear and continuing-education support to develop its staff.
How do I apply?
Full-time positions are posted and applied for through the county's online careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/baycounty; see the department's Full-Time Career Opportunities page for details.
What benefits are offered?
Florida Retirement System Special Risk pension, health insurance with 90% employer-paid premiums plus dental and vision, generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, four weeks paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and relocation reimbursement up to $5,000.