Fire Department · Combination
Escambia County Fire Rescue
Pensacola, FL · Escambia County
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Department careers page ↗Escambia County Fire Rescue serves the westernmost county in Florida's panhandle, including the greater Pensacola area and the Gulf shorelines of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. It operates as a combination fire service that draws on both career and volunteer personnel.
The department is organized into 11 volunteer districts and 16 career districts. Fifteen career companies are staffed around the clock, while one additional career company runs on a Monday-through-Friday daytime schedule.
Beyond structural firefighting, the department provides advanced life support (non-transport) emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and special operations. It also runs a citizen ride-along program.
Escambia County hires career firefighters through an online job board, and applicants must already hold a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (Florida Firefighter II) before applying — the county will not accept career firefighter applications without it. Out-of-state fire and EMS certifications can be converted through the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training and the Florida Department of Health.
Entry-level candidates can pursue Fire Cadet positions, which include academic and on-the-job training toward state certification. Specialty teams such as Special Operations, HazMat, and Honor Guard are also available. Apply online at MyEscambia.com/joinfire or through the county employment job board.
Requirements
- Must hold a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (Florida Firefighter II) before employment as a career firefighter
- Out-of-state fire certifications must be converted through the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training
- EMT or Paramedic certification (out-of-state accepted; Florida certification via the Florida Department of Health, EMS Division)
- Fire Cadet applicants must be at least 18 years old
Benefits
Career firefighters receive medical, dental, and vision insurance; the Florida Retirement System (Special Risk / High Risk multiplier); 14 paid holidays; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; flexible spending accounts; and a no-cost employee assistance program with access to fitness trainers and peer counseling. Incentive pay is available for EMT and Paramedic certification (Paramedic incentive pay is $15,000 annually), as well as education and special teams. Employees also have access to an employee health clinic.
Fire Academy training is provided for cadet and paramedic candidates; entry-level Fire Cadet positions include academic and on-the-job training toward Florida state certification.
Do I need to be certified before applying as a career firefighter?
Yes. You must hold a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (Florida Firefighter II) before employment. Escambia County will not accept a career firefighter application without it. Out-of-state certifications can be converted through the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
What is the work schedule for career firefighters?
Career firefighters work a 48/96 schedule — 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off.
What is the starting salary and is there incentive pay?
The minimum starting salary is $41,698. Additional incentive pay is available for education, EMT and Paramedic certification (Paramedic incentive pay is $15,000 annually), and special teams.
What benefits does Escambia County Fire Rescue offer?
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, the Florida Retirement System (Special Risk), 14 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and access to an employee health clinic.
How do I apply?
Apply online at MyEscambia.com/joinfire or through the county employment job board at myescambia.com/our-services/human-resources/employment.
Are there entry-level options if I am not yet certified?
Yes. Fire Cadet positions are entry-level training roles (minimum age 18) that provide academic and on-the-job training toward Florida state certification. Volunteer firefighter opportunities are also available.