Rescue Ready Recruit (Firefighter Trainee 40, RR)
Fire Rescue Division
Pay grade 99
Non-exempt
$16.08/ hour
Required info session: July 8th, 2026 @2pm. PCFR Training Facility 41 Vaughn Road, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Kindly submit documentation for the bolded items in ''Minimum Qualifications'' when applying.
This position requires a physical ability/agility test
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Responsible technical and skilled work/apprenticeship in the fire rescue field, working and studying to complete the required training program(s) and gain practical experience necessary to become a State of Florida certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), firefighter and paramedic.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Attends and participates in training classes for EMT, and related subjects, such as:
Emergency Response Training: Participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training in firefighting techniques, equipment operation, and emergency medical care.
Physical Fitness: Participate in physical fitness training to meet the physical demands of firefighting and emergency response tasks.
Team Collaboration: Train with experienced EMTs, firefighters, paramedics, and officers to develop teamwork and effective communication skills.
Compliance and Safety: Follow Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety protocols during all activities. Study and perform skills in defensive driving methods.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Work may require lifting very heavy weights occasionally, heavy weights frequently and moderate weights constantly.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action.
React quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
Learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and emergency medical care duties, methods and techniques.
Climb stairs in multistory buildings carrying heavy tools and equipment.
Learn and perform physically demanding duties, such as carrying victims and/or heavy equipment.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the job.
Understand and execute complex oral and written instructions quickly.
Work as a part of a team, supporting and assisting PCFR personnel and other county personnel as instructed.
Exercise sound, independent judgment as required.
Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must meet all requirements for Rescue Ready Recruit Sponsorship Program and meet all requirements to be employed by PCFR which includes:
Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Certifies under oath that individual is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.
Certifies under oath that individual is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair his/her ability to drive an ambulance and perform his/her duties.
Must be a Polk County, Florida, resident continuously for the two (2) years prior to application for this position.
Must have a valid driver''s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver''s license at the time of employment within this classification
Must complete a physical ability test elected by PCFR.
Terms of educational requirements are listed in a mandatory agreement between the employee and PCFR (firefighter and paramedic).
Must pass a drug screening test, medical screening, criminal background check and physiological exam.
Meet the following driving history requirements:
Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.
Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months.
Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years.
Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior.
Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.
Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.
Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.
No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.
Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.
Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Employees hired into this position after Jan. 1, 2013, must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.
Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A-37 Firefighters Standards and Training.
May sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) acknowledging the risks and dangers associated with the firefighter and/or EMT role.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Recruits must successfully complete the following requirements:
National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Certification
State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician License
State of Florida Firefighter Certification of Compliance
Anyone hired under this job description has the following paramedic requirements:
1) Enrollment to paramedic school within 12 months of the hire date or first available class.
2) Completion of paramedic school within 13 months after enrollment.
This means the total time of completion is 25 months.
Upon completion of obtaining their Florida State certified Emergency Medical Technician Certification and Florida State Fire Certificate the recruit will then enroll in the next available course to complete the terms of their employment agreement.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its residents.