Fire Department · Career
Saint Johns County Fire Rescue
Saint Augustine, FL · Saint Johns County
St. Johns County Fire Rescue serves the greater St. Augustine area on Florida's Atlantic coast, covering 608 square miles that include 42 miles of ocean front and 216 square miles of inland waterways. The department operates around the clock, every day of the year.
The organization is built around several divisions: Fire Rescue operations, Fire Prevention, a Marine Rescue division that provides lifeguard and technical water rescue as a USLA Advanced Certified Agency, a Training section, and Public Education programs that teach CPR, first aid, and fire safety to the community.
The department currently runs 19 operational stations with two more in development, Station 21 under construction in Flagler Estates and Station 22 breaking ground in Silverleaf, reflecting the county's continued growth. It also runs a firefighter-wellness Therapy K9 program (K9 Garrett), established in 2021 in partnership with K9s for Warriors.
MissionTo SERVE those in need
St. Johns County Fire Rescue hires exclusively through the county's online Workday portal; paper applications and mailed resumes are not accepted, and all required documentation must be attached before an application is reviewed. Candidates need current Florida EMT or Paramedic certification, a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, and a passing physical agility test or CPAT.
Starting pay for Firefighter/EMT is $47,820.83 per year, with substantial incentive pay for paramedics and special-operations personnel on top of that base. Operations crews work a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Current valid Florida EMT or Paramedic certification
- Current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
- Valid Florida Class E driver's license
- Non-user of tobacco products for at least one year prior to application (sworn affidavit required)
- Passing physical agility test (valid 2 years) or CPAT certification
- Medical exam clearance to NFPA 1582 standard
Hiring process
- Submit an application online through the county's Workday jobs portal
- Attach all required documentation before the application is reviewed
- Complete a physical agility test or provide valid CPAT certification
- Pass a medical examination to the NFPA 1582 standard
Benefits
120 paid vacation hours per year (increasing to 180 after 3 years), 144 paid sick hours per year, 8 paid holidays, and health, dental, and life insurance. Incentive pay is available for paramedic certification (+$9,800/year), rescue assignment (+$3.00/hour), and special operations or investigator roles (+$1,560/year), plus quarterly education bonuses for related 2- and 4-year degrees.
What certifications do I need to apply?
You must hold a current Florida EMT or Paramedic certification, a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, and a valid Florida Class E driver's license before applying.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted only through the county's online Workday jobs portal. Paper applications and mailed resumes are not accepted, and all required documents must be attached before your application will be reviewed.
What is the starting pay?
Firefighter/EMT positions start at $47,820.83 per year. Paramedics earn an additional $9,800/year, and rescue, special-operations, and degree incentives add further pay.
What is the work schedule?
Operations personnel work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off (24/48).
Is there a physical test?
Yes. You must pass a physical agility test (valid for 2 years) or hold current CPAT certification, and pass a medical exam to the NFPA 1582 standard.
Are there any tobacco or age requirements?
Applicants must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED, and must attest by sworn affidavit to being a non-user of tobacco products for at least one year before applying.