Firefighter Trainee
$16.40/hr
Entry
Winter Haven, FL, USA+1 moreMore locations: Bartow, FL, USA
In PersonMust reside continuously in Polk County for two years before applying and maintain residency throughout the program.
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryNursing & Frontline Patient Care
About the job
Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or possess an equivalent diploma.
- Applicants must have been continuous residents of Polk County for two years before applying and maintain residency throughout participation.
- Applicants must hold a valid Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, including no more than 11 points within 36 months or 17 points within 48 months, and no recent suspensions, major violations, or patterns of unsafe behavior.
- Applicants must pass a criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, medical evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation.
- Applicants must be physically capable of performing essential fire and emergency medical services training duties, including passing required agility testing.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Applicants must meet HUD low-income household guidelines of no more than 50% of Area Median Income, based on the current HUD income limits for the applicable year, and provide required documentation.
- Applicants must not currently hold State of Florida Firefighter or EMT certification.
- Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and the ability to commit to the program’s expectations and values.
- Trainees must maintain an active cellphone for communication and scheduling.
- Trainees must successfully obtain and maintain FBI Criminal Justice Information Services security clearance.
- Trainees must obtain State of Florida Paramedic Certification within three years of completing the program for continued employment.
- Upon selection, trainees must sign a reimbursement agreement covering program training costs if they voluntarily leave within two years of achieving required certifications.
- Trainees must complete all training required for Emergency Medical Responder, State of Florida Firefighter II, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT certification.
Responsibilities
- Participate in full-time structured training in firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical services.
- Attend classroom instruction and hands-on field training to develop discipline, teamwork, safety habits, and essential fire service skills.
- Train in fire behavior, suppression principles, emergency medical treatment, rescue procedures, and patient care methods.
- Practice defensive driving, roadway familiarization, safe vehicle operations, and response modes.
- Participate in realistic emergency simulations involving heat, smoke, confined spaces, heights, and physically strenuous tasks.
- Learn and practice tool selection, situational awareness, size-up, risk-reduction techniques, and emergency response procedures.
- Learn apparatus operation and assist with driving and navigating equipment under supervision.
- Participate in ladder evolutions, hose handling, ventilation tasks, live-fire drills, and multi-story operations.
- Assist with equipment maintenance, apparatus readiness, tool checks, and facility upkeep.
- Keep firefighting equipment, vehicles, and tools in proper working condition by performing routine safety and maintenance inspections.
- Participate in physical fitness development and scenario-based exercises to prepare for Polk County Fire Rescue Fire Academy entry.
- Participate in scheduled weekly physical fitness evaluations to assess progress and readiness for the physical demands of fire and emergency medical services training.
- Engage in leadership training and public speaking development.
- Represent Polk County Fire Rescue at community outreach, education, and recruitment events.
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity consistent with the program’s values throughout the program.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support training and program operations.
- Work before, during, or after an emergency, including temporary assignments outside the normal position scope, location, or work schedule as needed by the county and its residents.
About the company
Polk County is governed by the Board of County Commissioners elected by residents, and they adopt the annual budget that funds public safety, infrastructure, health and welfare programs, libraries, parks, housing, waste and water services, and transportation. The Commission sets policies, enforces zoning and building codes, and oversees development plans and public works such as roads and fire protection. It coordinates a wide range of services under one local government to meet residents’ needs. Goal: maintain essential public services and infrastructure to support safe, healthy, and thriving communities in Polk County.
Company Size
N/A
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$10K
Headquarters
Winter Haven, Florida
Founded
N/A
Get referred to Polk County
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- County leaders approved 54 new positions and 2% raises for FY 2026-2027.
- Polk County's population topped 725,000, sustaining demand for housing, roads, and services.
- West Polk Wellfield construction started in 2026, expanding future water supply capacity.
What critics are saying
- Florida's 2026 homestead exemption vote threatens up to $100 million in 2027-2029 revenues.
- Water scarcity constrains growth; officials call water Polk County's biggest long-term bottleneck.
- Fort Meade's 1.2-gigawatt data-center fight faces lawsuits, recalls, and SWFWMD permitting delays.
What makes Polk County unique
- Polk County built a $3.91 billion FY 2026-2027 budget around public safety and retention.
- Polk County Fire Rescue received a $16 million SAFER grant for 50 firefighter positions.
- Polk County manages 2,750 roadway miles while building nine new fire stations.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Professional Development Budget
- Wellness Program
- Mental Health Support
- Deferred Compensation Plan