Fire Department · Combination
Polk County Fire Rescue
Bartow, FL · Polk County
one of the largest fire departments in Florida
Pay scale
| Fire Rescue Paramedic | $63,571/yr |
| Fire Rescue Firefighter-EMT | $52,071/yr |
| Fire Rescue Firefighter-Paramedic | $52,071/yr |
| Firefighter | $17/hr |
| Rescue Ready Recruit | $16/hr |
| Firefighter Trainee 40 - Proactive Recruitment Training Program | $16/hr |
Starting annual pay is $52,071.04 with a starting hourly rate of $16.52. Applicants must possess a valid Florida EMT license and Fire Marshal Certificate of Compliance, and enroll in paramedic school within 12 months of hire.
Earn a starting salary of $52,071 annually plus a $10,000 sign-on bonus for this 24/48 shift schedule. Requires Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance and State Paramedic certification at application.
Earn a starting salary of $63,571.20 annually with a $10,000 sign-on bonus. Applicants must possess a valid Florida Paramedic certification, a high school diploma, and meet specific driving history requirements at the time of application.
Earn $16.54/hourly while completing required EMT and paramedic training. Candidates must hold a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, CPAT or RPAT within one year, and be at least 18. Enjoy robust benefits including medical, FRS retirement, and tuition reimbursement.
Earn $16.40 per hour while receiving full-time paid training to obtain your State of Florida Firefighter and EMT certifications. Applicants must be at least 18 and meet specific income guidelines. No application deadline is specified.
Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) delivers fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and fire prevention across all of unincorporated Polk County plus the municipalities of Eagle Lake, Polk City, Mulberry, Lake Hamilton, and Hillcrest Heights in Central Florida.
The department covers roughly 2,000 square miles and serves a population of more than 600,000 residents (plus countless visitors) around the clock. It is regarded as one of the largest fire departments in the state.
PCFR operates from about 50 stations with a combined force of more than 600 career employees and more than 600 volunteers, fielding 150-plus vehicles. Firefighters are cross-trained for emergency medical care, and the department hires both Firefighter-EMTs and Firefighter-Paramedics.
Polk County Fire Rescue only accepts applications during open recruitment, which opens periodically based on operational needs. All hiring runs through the National Testing Network (NTN): candidates first complete the CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) and FireTEAM assessments, selecting Polk County Fire Rescue so results are forwarded to the department. CPAT and FireTEAM must be completed within one year prior to applying.
Applicants then upload required documentation to NTN, including a Florida Class E (or higher) driver's license, a State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification, CPR/ACLS card, four NIMS certifications (ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800), and an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course certificate. A clean driving record is required.
Pay
From $51,062
Firefighter-EMT starting salary of $51,062.40 annually, plus overtime and holiday pay; Firefighter-Paramedic positions include a $10,000 sign-on bonus.
Requirements
- Valid Florida Class E or higher driver's license
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
- EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification
- Current CPR or ACLS card
- CPAT and FireTEAM certificates (completed within one year prior to applying)
- Four NIMS certifications: ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800
- Emergency Vehicle Operator Course certification
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Clean driving record (no 12 points in 36 months, no alcohol/drug convictions or moving-violation suspensions within 36 months)
Hiring process
- Complete the CPAT and FireTEAM assessments through the National Testing Network, selecting Polk County Fire Rescue to receive your results
- Upload all required supporting documents (licenses, certifications, NIMS, EVOC, insurance) to the National Testing Network
- Apply during an open recruitment period when applications are being accepted
Benefits
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; Florida Retirement System (FRS) pension; 10 paid holidays; paid time off; tuition reimbursement and education incentives; a deferred compensation plan; wellness incentives; an employee assistance program; a free employee gym; and a free employee health clinic. Firefighter-Paramedic positions include a $10,000 sign-on bonus.
How do I apply to Polk County Fire Rescue?
Applications run through the National Testing Network (NTN). You must complete the CPAT and FireTEAM assessments, select Polk County Fire Rescue so your results are forwarded, upload your required documents to NTN, and apply during an open recruitment period.
Is Polk County Fire Rescue always hiring?
No. Applications for employment are only accepted during open recruitment, which occurs periodically as dictated by operational needs.
What certifications do I need to be hired?
You need a State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification, a current CPR or ACLS card, four NIMS certifications (ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800), an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course certificate, and passing CPAT and FireTEAM results.
What does the job pay?
The Firefighter-EMT starting salary is $51,062.40 per year plus overtime and holiday pay. Firefighter-Paramedic positions include a $10,000 sign-on bonus.
What positions does Polk County Fire Rescue hire?
The department recruits Firefighter-Paramedics and Firefighter-EMTs.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, the Florida Retirement System pension, 10 paid holidays, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, education incentives, deferred compensation, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, a free employee gym, and a free employee health clinic.