Fire Department · Career
Lake County Fire Rescue
Tavares, FL · Lake County
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Department careers page ↗Lake County Fire Rescue (LCFR) is the countywide career fire and EMS agency for Lake County, Florida, in the greater Orlando metro region. Its firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics deliver fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical care across a large and varied service area of lakes, rural stretches, and growing suburban communities.
The department protects more than 444,000 County residents and visitors over approximately 1,157 square miles, making it one of the larger geographic fire jurisdictions in the state. It carries a split ISO Public Protection Classification of 3/3X.
LCFR operates with roughly 427 budgeted positions and is led by Fire Chief Jim Dickerson. The agency emphasizes integrated single-role and dual-role response, with paramedics staffing units to provide advanced life support alongside fire operations.
MissionTo serve communities by providing exceptional patient care and extraordinary customer service through compassion, knowledge, clinical sophistication and the integrity of their organization.
Lake County Fire Rescue hires certified Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics through the County's online Job Application Builder, and the Firefighter/EMT (*Paramedic) posting is listed as open until filled. Candidates need a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance and a Florida EMT or Paramedic license, and must submit at least ten years of work history plus copies of licenses and certifications.
The selection process includes a timed written exam, a personal interview, a psychological exam, and an NFPA 1582 physical exam before HR onboarding. Paramedics receive special consideration, a $4.61/hour incentive, and an $8,000 sign-on bonus paid over a three-year commitment; current Lake County BCC employees who meet qualifications are also given special consideration. New hires must remain non-users of tobacco products for the duration of employment.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (Minimum Fire Standards)
- Florida EMT license, or Paramedic Certification (Paramedics must certify within three years of hire)
- Hazardous Materials and First Responder certifications
- Incident Command System (NIMS) certification
- Excellent health and good physical condition per NFPA 1582
- Non-user of tobacco products (on and off duty)
Hiring process
- Apply online via the County Job Application Builder with 10 years of work history and copies of licenses/certifications
- Timed online written exam
- Personal interview
- Psychological exam
- NFPA 1582 physical exam
- HR onboarding prior to hire
Benefits
Positions include FLSA overtime and access to the Lake County employee benefits package. Paramedics earn an additional $4.61/hour incentive and an $8,000 sign-on bonus paid over three years with a three-year service commitment. Special consideration is given to paramedics and current Lake County BCC employees.
New firefighters complete an 8-week orientation class to satisfy Firefighter Minimum Fire Standards.
What certifications do I need to become a Lake County firefighter?
You need a current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance and a Florida EMT license or Paramedic Certification, plus Hazardous Materials, First Responder, and Incident Command System (NIMS) certifications. A high school diploma or GED is also required.
How much does a Lake County Fire Rescue firefighter earn?
The Firefighter/EMT (Paramedic) role starts at $17.76/hour, about $54,025.92 annually including FLSA overtime, on Pay Grade 210 (posted range $18.11-$27.14/hour). Paramedics earn an extra $4.61/hour and an $8,000 sign-on bonus over three years.
What is the hiring process?
Apply online through the County's Job Application Builder with ten years of work history and copies of your certifications. The screening includes a timed written exam, a personal interview, a psychological exam, and an NFPA 1582 physical exam before HR onboarding.
Do I have to be a paramedic to apply?
No. Firefighter/EMTs can apply, but paramedics receive special consideration, a $4.61/hour incentive, and an $8,000 sign-on bonus. Applicants hired as EMTs must obtain paramedic certification within three years of their hire date for the paramedic track.
Is there a tobacco policy?
Yes. New firefighters must agree to abstain from all tobacco products for the duration of employment, both on and off duty, and must be non-users at hire.
Is there a fire academy or orientation?
New firefighters complete an 8-week orientation class to satisfy Firefighter Minimum Fire Standards. Candidates must already hold their Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance to apply.