Fire Department · Career
Jacksonville Fire And Rescue
Jacksonville, FL · Duval County
Apply as a Firefighter at Jacksonville Fire And Rescue with an annual salary of $42,348–$64,332. EMT certification required; continuous hiring.
Join JFRD's Apprentice Program for free tuition to become an EMT/Firefighter. Must be 17-21, live in Duval County, and attend an Open House.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) serves the consolidated City of Jacksonville / Duval County in northeast Florida. It is organized into divisions for Operations, Rescue, Training, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Preparedness.
Beyond fire suppression, JFRD runs a full EMS ambulance transport service and continues to add advanced capabilities, including a Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit (MS1) launched in 2025 in partnership with UF Health to deliver stroke care in the field.
The department also invests in the pipeline of future firefighters through its JFRD Apprentice Program, Fire Explorer Program, and CORE Program.
JFRD accepts firefighter applications year-round through the City of Jacksonville Human Resources system, with openings posted at jacksonville.gov/jobs and details on the department's recruitment site. Candidates must already hold Florida firefighter and EMT/Paramedic certifications (out-of-state applicants must obtain Florida certification before they are eligible) and complete the CPAT through the National Testing Network.
After applying, candidates move through a criminal background investigation, oral interview, medical and psychological evaluations, and a post-offer physical and drug screening. Questions can be directed to the JFRD recruiting team.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- State of Florida Certificate of Compliance for Firefighter
- State of Florida EMT and/or Paramedic Certificate
- Valid driver's license
- CPAT completed through the National Testing Network
- Nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products
Hiring process
- Criminal background investigation conducted by JFRD
- Oral interview
- Medical evaluation
- Psychological evaluation
- Post-offer employment physical and drug screening
What are the minimum requirements to become a Jacksonville firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a State of Florida Certificate of Compliance for Firefighter and a Florida EMT and/or Paramedic certificate, have a valid driver's license, complete the CPAT through the National Testing Network, and be a nonuser of tobacco products.
How do I apply, and when is JFRD hiring?
Applications are accepted year-round online through the City of Jacksonville Human Resources system. Firefighter positions are posted at jacksonville.gov/jobs, with more detail on the department's Join JFRD recruitment page.
What does the hiring process look like?
After applying, candidates go through a criminal background investigation conducted by JFRD, an oral interview, a medical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and a post-offer employment physical and drug screening.
I'm certified in another state. Can I be hired by JFRD?
Candidates certified in other states must obtain Florida firefighter certification before they are eligible for employment with JFRD.
Who do I contact with recruitment questions?
You can reach the JFRD recruiting team at recruit@coj.net or (904) 630-1287, or contact Chief of Recruitment Renaldo A. Horn at Rhorn@coj.net or 904-885-2165.
Are there programs to get started before becoming a firefighter?
Yes. JFRD offers pipeline programs including the JFRD Apprentice Program, the Fire Explorer Program, and the CORE Program.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.