Fire Department · Career
Pensacola Fire Department
Pensacola, FL · Escambia County
Pensacola Fire Department hires Fire Cadets at $14/hour with full tuition and gear coverage for George Stone Fire Academy. Apply by Aug 8, 2026.
Apply by August 8 for Pensacola Fire Department's Professional Firefighter role with a base salary of $43,000. CPAT testing required; exceptions for recent National Testing Network CPAT passers and GSTC EMT/Fire Academy graduates.
The Pensacola Fire Department (PFD) serves the city of Pensacola on Florida's northwest Gulf Coast. It operates six fire stations staffed by more than 130 firefighters who the department frames around its core values of dedication, honor, professionalism, and compassion.
The department's operational fleet includes six engine companies, two ladder companies, and two Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) units, with a station located at Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport. Administrative offices sit at 475 East Strong Street.
PFD holds an ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification and has maintained that top rating since the 1990s, placing it among the most highly rated fire departments in the country.
Fire service in Pensacola traces back to 1810 under Spanish rule, with a volunteer brigade formed in 1821; the city established a full-time, paid fire department on January 1, 1898 under Chief John Baker.
Pensacola FD hires through two entry points. Fire Cadet is an apprenticeship-style role for those new to the fire service: cadets are paid while the department covers tuition, fees, uniforms, and certification costs for the George Stone Fire Academy, then promote to Professional Firefighter upon graduation and Florida state certification. Professional Firefighter is for candidates who already hold Florida firefighter certification.
Applications are submitted through the City of Pensacola jobs portal. The selection process runs from application through a Physical Agility Test (waivable with recent National Testing Network CPAT results or George Stone Fire Academy enrollment) to interviews, with a background investigation required before employment.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED (Florida Standards)
- Valid Florida Class E driver license
- Tobacco-free for at least one year prior to application and throughout employment
- Pass a background investigation prior to employment
- Professional Firefighter role requires Florida State Firefighter certification (Fire Cadets obtain certification through the academy)
Hiring process
- Submit application and supplemental questionnaire through the City of Pensacola jobs portal
- Physical Agility Test (PAT); waivable with recent NTN CPAT results or George Stone Fire Academy enrollment
- Interview (top-performing PAT candidates; virtual option available)
- Background investigation prior to employment
Benefits
9 paid holidays plus 2 personal holidays annually; 24-hours-on/48-hours-off schedule; 38 hours per month leave accrual; pension (25 years / 75%); health benefit plans; tuition reimbursement; uniforms and gear provided. Fire Cadets have academy tuition, registration, uniforms, and certification fees covered by the department.
The Pensacola Fire Academy partners with George Stone Technical College for a combined EMT/Fire Academy course. Hired Fire Cadets have registration, tuition, uniform, and license/certification costs covered and are paid during academy hours.
What are the basic requirements to become a Pensacola firefighter?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid Florida Class E driver license, be tobacco-free for at least one year before applying (and stay tobacco-free), and pass a background investigation.
What does a Professional Firefighter earn?
The Professional Firefighter salary range is $43,276.22 to $64,500.00, plus $1,500 EMT pay and additional educational incentives.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work a 24-hours-on/48-hours-off rotation and accrue 38 hours of leave per month.
Do I need to already be a certified firefighter?
Not necessarily. The Professional Firefighter role requires Florida firefighter certification, but you can start as a Fire Cadet, where the department pays for you to attend the George Stone Fire Academy (combined EMT/Fire course) and promotes you to Professional Firefighter after you graduate and earn certification.
How does the hiring process work?
Apply through the City of Pensacola jobs portal with the supplemental questionnaire, then complete a Physical Agility Test (waivable with recent NTN CPAT results or George Stone academy enrollment), interview, and a background investigation before hire.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Pensacola employment portal at cityofpensacola.com/715/Employment when firefighter or fire cadet positions are open.