Firefighter - EMT or Paramedic (10/12 Class)

Department:

Emergency Services

About Our Job

Join the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) and become part of a dedicated team of over 500 firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics serving a vibrant and growing community across 472 square miles. With opportunities in marine and ladder operations, EMS bike team, special operations, public education, leadership, and more, SCFD offers a dynamic and rewarding career - apply today and make a difference!

Application Process:

Applicants MUST complete the following by the posting close date to be considered for employment with the Sarasota County Fire Department:

• Candidates must complete an application with the National Testing Network (NTN). Please direct all questions regarding the NTN application and testing process to National Testing Network Customer Support.
• Candidates must share their current passing FireTEAM and CPAT test results with the Sarasota County Fire Department via the NTN website.
• Candidates must complete a Sarasota County application for employment in full.
• Candidates will be required to submit copies of their current and valid.
• State of Florida EMT and/or Paramedic license
• State of Florida Firefighter Compliance certification
• Failure to complete any of the application process steps above could disqualify a candidate from consideration during this round of hiring.
• If you are a current or former Firefighter who works or worked for another Florida agency, a Public Records Request of your personnel file will be submitted.
• This position has been identified by Sarasota County Government as one that will require a pre-employment drug screen as part of the selection process. An applicant must successfully pass this test prior to the start of employment. External applicants who fail will be disqualified from employment with the County for a period of five (5) years. Internal applicants will be subject to the County's policies and procedures on positive drug tests.

DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(We will notify those who are invited to advance to the Panel Interviews)

Posting Start Date: July 2, 2026

Posting Close Date: August 3, 2026

Panel Interviews: August 18, 2026 to August 20, 2026

Chiefs' Interviews: September 2, 2026

Job Offer & Uniform Sizing: TBD

Start Date: October 12, 2026

Minimum Qualifications:

Please note that applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the posting closing date to be considered for the current hiring class.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No minimum experience required.
• Must be able to meet the eligibility requirements of the Firefighter/EMS Apprenticeship programs as approved and recognized by the State of Florida's Department of Labor.
• Must possess a current and valid Minimum Standards Certification, as issued by the Bureau of Fire Standards.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician License (EMT) or State of Florida Paramedic License.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida driver's license (or obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and annual National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582 comprehensive physical, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
• Must meet all the requirements of Chapter 633.412 F.S.

CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as a part of the hiring process.

Employees hired as a Firefighter shall be required to either be or become dual certified as a Firefighter/Paramedic as a condition of their employment within three (3) years of hire. Obtainment of a State of Florida paramedic license will be during off-duty hours, but will be eligible for payment of education expenses in accordance with the current collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Job Duties:

• Responds to medical and trauma emergencies using up-to-date techniques in Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support.
• Responds to Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials, Rescue, and Extrication incidents.
• Reports as essential personnel to any callback related to a County-declared emergency.
• Inspects fire and rescue apparatus at the beginning of each tour of duty to ensure all tools and equipment are working and in their proper place. Reports deficiencies to ensure required maintenance and/or repairs are completed.
• Promotes and acts in a professional demeanor representative to the position represented. This includes maintaining the physical and mental welfare of oneself.
• Participates and successfully completes all drills, EMS modules, Firefighter modules, and continuing education programs.

Hours/Days or Work Schedule:

• 40-hour training schedule: During the first 10 weeks of employment, Firefighters will be in training 40 hours per week.
• 24/48 shift: Upon completion of training, Firefighters will be assigned to 24-hour shifts with 48 hours off between each shift.
• All Firefighters must ha…