Fire Department · Career
Marion County Fire Rescue
Ocala, FL · Marion County
Second-largest fire rescue department north of Orlando
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) provides fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services across all of Marion County in north-central Florida, an area of roughly 1,600 square miles anchored by the city of Ocala. The department describes itself as the second-largest fire rescue agency north of Orlando.
MCFR fields more than 800 employees and operates on a budget of about $130 million. Its staff of state-certified firefighter/paramedics, firefighter/EMTs, paramedics, and EMTs serves nearly 440,000 residents from 32 fire stations plus 3 dedicated EMS stations, and provides mutual aid to surrounding counties when needed.
Beyond structural and wildland firefighting, the department runs specialized programs including a Technical Rescue Team (cave, confined space, and wilderness rescue) and a HazMat team, alongside a full emergency-medical transport system.
MCFR hires through the National Testing Network (NTN) and accepts applications for announced positions only; unsolicited or incomplete applications are not considered. Candidates must meet the position's minimum qualifications to be submitted to the department for review.
The department also runs a mentorship program aimed at local community members who are interested in building a career in the fire service, offering a pathway for residents to enter the profession.
Requirements
- State-certified as a Florida firefighter
- EMT or Paramedic certification (dual firefighter/EMT or firefighter/paramedic roles)
- Tobacco-free for at least 12 months prior to applying and throughout employment
- Complete a full application through the National Testing Network (NTN) for an announced position
Hiring process
- Watch for an announced (open) position with the department
- Create and complete an application through the National Testing Network (NTN)
- Complete NTN testing and meet the position's minimum qualifications
- Qualified applicants are submitted to the department for consideration
Benefits
Recently negotiated contract improvements include annual 3% cost-of-living adjustments, 5% longevity increases every five years of service, 80 hours of paid holiday leave annually, and holiday hours worked paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate, plus transportation stipends.
Runs a mentorship program for local community members interested in a fire-service career.
How do I apply to Marion County Fire Rescue?
Applications are accepted through the National Testing Network (NTN) and only for announced positions. Applications must be complete; unsolicited applications that do not specify a position are not accepted.
What certifications do I need to be hired?
Positions call for Florida state firefighter certification along with EMT or Paramedic certification, as the department hires dual-certified firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as well as EMTs and paramedics.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Firefighters have worked a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off shift schedule; the department has been transitioning toward a 24-on, 72-off schedule under a recently approved contract.
What does the job pay?
A recently approved contract raised starting pay to roughly $75,000 for firefighter/paramedics and about $65,000 for firefighter/EMTs, with 3% annual cost-of-living adjustments and longevity increases.
Is there a tobacco policy?
Yes. Applicants must be tobacco-free for at least 12 months before applying and must remain tobacco-free throughout their employment.
Is there a way to get help entering the fire service?
Yes. MCFR offers a mentorship program for local community members who are interested in pursuing a career in the fire service.