Fire Lieutenant

The City of Winter Haven Fire Department is committed to serving and protecting our community.  With a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and teamwork, we strive to provide the highest level of emergency response services.  As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated and experienced individuals to assist with the development of our team as the next Fire Lieutenant. 

• Job Title:   Fire Lieutenant
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date:   November 1, 2026
• **Application: ** APPLY NOW

SALARY & BENEFITS

• $66,668 - $90,131 Annually (2,496 Hours/Year) - Depending on Experience and Qualifications 
• Paramedic Incentive: $12,000/year 
• Technical Rescue Team Pay - Up to an additional $2,000/Year
• Annual Step for Performance Pay Plan
• 24/48 Hour Shift Work
• 17 Kelly Days Per Year 
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year 
• 10 Hours Per Month Vacation Leave
• 12 Hours Per Month Sick Leave
• Up to 48 hours Physical Readiness Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits – Day One
• Co-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Social Security Coverage
• 457 Deferred Plan Options
• Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – to Include Mental Health Assistance/Services

APPLY NOW

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Supervises and directs fire shift personnel in the performance of firefighting duties, pre-incident planning, performs other firefighting related duties.  Responds to emergency incidents; supervises emergency response crews and units in fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous material, active shooter and other violent incidents, and other rescue operations. Establishes an incident command structure and directs operations until relieved by higher ranking officer. Performs the same duties as those supervised to include extinguishing fires; ensuring hazardous material control; extricating victims; administering first aid and assessing patients and performing search and rescue tasks.  Assists in maintaining discipline; advises employees on ways to improve productivity. Assures that daily shift duties are competently performed; ensures emergency response apparatus and fire station maintenance is checked, maintained, and in a good state of order and readiness. 

Completes annual, probationary, and quarterly employee evaluations.  Develops and facilitates employee performance improvement plans when directed by the Fire Chief.  Encourages employee career development by providing guidance and support, and promotes organizational mission, vision, and values.  Conducts and participates in tactical drills, company training, public safety and training sessions, educational seminars and courses, in-service training classes, and other learning techniques.  Performs fire pre-incident planning to ensure efficient and effective emergency response operations are consistently provided.  Participates in and assigns personnel to conduct public education programs. When assigned, performs in the absence of a higher-ranking officer. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of the methods and techniques of fire ground management.  Ability to direct and supervise the activities of fire suppression personnel in-house and at the scene of emergencies.  Ability to prepare, maintain, and review fire and medical reports.  Must have the physical agility, strength and flexibility sufficient to perform the essential job functions of a firefighter without risking the health or safety of oneself or others.  Ability to hear, speak and enunciate clearly to communicate effectively with others over a radio and in person.  Ability to work for longer periods of time under unfavorable conditions. Ability to work under stressful conditions and to react calmly and responsively in emergency situations. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Internal candidates must possess at time of application:    

•    State of Florida Firefighter Certification

•    State of Florida Fire Officer I Certification

•    State of Florida Paramedic Certification

•    Completion of Winter Haven Fire Department Firefighter III Task Book

External candidates must possess at time of application:

•    State of Florida Firefighter

•    State of Florida Fire Officer I Certification 

•    State of Florida Paramedic Certification

•    State of Florida Pump Operator Certification

•    Five (5) years of experience from a career fire department to include time acting as a company officer

All candidates must have or ability to obtain a State of Florida Fire Officer II Certification within six (6) months of selection and must be actively enrolled in an Associates Degree program from a regionally accredited college or university within (twenty-four) 24 months of selection. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven. 
• Possession of a valid Florida driver's license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven. 
• Must not have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor involving perjury, or the making of false claims; must not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States. 
• Must pass a physical examination with a drug screen; must demonstrate acceptable physical agility and strength; must have a good moral character. 
• Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
• All new probationary employees shall pass a Probationary Firefighter Physical Readiness Test during the first twelve-month probationary period. 

PHYSICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility sufficient to perform the essential job functions in the work environment.  
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability. 

SPECIAL NOTE

• Required firefighter minimum standards certification shall be maintained so long as employed with the City of Winter Haven.  
• A good driving record, as determined by the City of Winter Haven, must be maintained throughout the duration of employment with the City of Winter Haven.  

APPLY NOW

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Enriching lifestyle through exceptional service.