Fire Department · Career
Maitland Fire Rescue Department
Maitland, FL · Orange County
“Our Family Helping Yours, Whatever it Takes”
39 shift personnel · 2 stations
The Maitland Fire-Rescue Department is the career fire and EMS agency for the City of Maitland, Florida, just north of Orlando in Orange County. The department protects roughly 21,000 residents and a business population of about 35,000 across 6.2 square miles, and holds an ISO Class 1 rating (earned in 2018) along with international accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (since 2009) and the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (since 2016).
Crews operate from two stations: Station 45 on Independence Lane, a 2012 facility that also houses fire administration, and Station 47 on Fennel Street, built in 2003 to cover the city's west side. Units include engines, rescues, a tower, a battalion vehicle, and a marine rescue unit. Emergency operations are staffed by three battalion chiefs, six lieutenants, and thirty firefighter/paramedics, supported by seven administrative personnel; 70 to 80 percent of responses are medical calls, and the department transports patients to area hospitals. Maitland also participates in a closest-unit dispatch program with Orange County Fire Rescue, the Winter Park Fire Department, and Seminole County agencies, sending the nearest available unit regardless of jurisdiction.
Organized in 1926 as a volunteer company, the department hired its first full-time fire chief in 1972 and has run an advanced life support paramedic program since 1975.
Maitland hires at the firefighter/paramedic level and posts openings on the City of Maitland's GovernmentJobs portal. Before applying, candidates must complete both the CPAT and the FireTEAM assessment through the National Testing Network, selecting the City of Maitland during registration so scores are forwarded automatically; tests are offered multiple times a week, including Saturdays. Applicants must already hold Florida paramedic licensure and Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards certification, and finalists complete pre-employment screening to state and department standards.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent recognized by the Florida Department of Education
- Florida Paramedic certification and licensure (F.A.C. 64J-1.009)
- Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards certification (F.S. 633.412)
- Current ACLS and BLS certification through the American Heart Association
- Valid Florida driver's license in the capacity required for emergency vehicle operators
- Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course (EVOC) or equivalent, or obtain shortly after hire
- CPAT and FireTEAM completion through the National Testing Network before applying
- NIMS IS-700 within 30 days of hire; ICS-100 and ICS-200 within 90 days
Hiring process
- Complete the CPAT and FireTEAM assessments through the National Testing Network, selecting City of Maitland to receive your results
- Apply through the City of Maitland's GovernmentJobs portal when a posting is open
- Complete pre-employment screening in accordance with state and department standards
Benefits
Certified fire employees participate in a Chapter 175 defined-benefit pension with normal retirement at 20 years of service (6.7% employee contribution). Other published benefits include:
- 100% city-paid employee-only Cigna health coverage and city-paid life insurance
- 280 hours of annual personal leave and 112 hours of sick leave for 56-hour shift personnel
- One-time $3,500 paramedic certification payment
- Tuition reimbursement up to $1,600 per fiscal year; uniforms and equipment provided
Can I visit or ride along with Maitland Fire-Rescue before applying?
Yes. The department offers facility tours and ride-alongs to candidates interested in a fire-rescue career. Prospective riders email the department for an application packet; a $24 background check fee applies.
Who provides medical direction for Maitland Fire-Rescue?
Dr. Todd Husty has served as the department's medical director since 1988.
What services does Maitland Fire-Rescue offer residents beyond emergency response?
Both station lobbies offer free blood pressure checks, and the department provides free CPR and first aid classes each spring and fall, home fire safety assessments, free smoke detectors through a state partnership, grant-funded residential Knox boxes, and sharps container disposal for residents.