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Polk County

County government administering budgets and services

Firefighter - Emergency Medical Technician Trainee

Full-Time
$16.54/hr+ Education Incentives + Tuition Reimbursement
Entry
Florida, USA
In Person
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

About the job

Requirements
  • Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 69A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office.
  • Is at least 18 years of age.
  • Certifies under oath that he/she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance.
  • Certifies under oath that he/she 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.
  • Meet the following driving history requirements: Havenot accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months; Havenot been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 months; Havenot 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 36 months prior; Havenot had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months; Havenot had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months; Havenot had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months; No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on suspended license within 36 months; Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.
  • Possess a valid American Heart Association CPR BLS for Health Care Providers card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card or American Heart Association or American Safety and Health Institute.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.
  • Attend and successfully complete training as an Emergency Medical Technician.
  • Acquire and maintain a valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician license and paramedic license. Course will be scheduled through Polk County Fire Rescue. Attendance is mandatory when scheduled by Polk County Fire Rescue.
  • Certification of completion of Emergency Medical Responder.
  • Must obtain and maintain FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Employees hired into this position after January 1, 2013 must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment.
  • Applicant/employees 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.
  • Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure. Work requires lifting very heavy weight occasionally, heavy weight frequently and moderate weight constantly.
  • Ability to cope with mental and emotional stresses of the job.
  • Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject to call in emergencies.
  • Applicants who have not been employed by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division in a firefighter-emergency medical technician capacity will be required to produce documentation of successfully completing the National Testing Network Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or Ridge Physical Ability Test (RPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date.
  • Must have a valid Florida driver's license or be able to secure a valid Florida driver's license at time of employment.
Responsibilities
  • Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies; donts personal protective equipment; works in enclosed areas; lays and connects hoses; holds nozzles which direct water streams; raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment.
  • Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies in commercial, residential and multiple story structures; climbs stairs carrying a myriad of firefighting tools or emergency medical equipment; performs search and rescue techniques for locating building occupants; operates and controls building fire suppression systems; operates building elevators under fire service control.
  • Responds to alarms of fire or other emergencies often performing duties for an extended period of time while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus in high temperatures and with limited vision.
  • Ventilates structures in accordance with applied knowledge; removes victims from serious auto accidents, structures on fire, or other dangerous situations; emergency medical care to injured persons; performs property conservation (salvage) operations; assists in clean-up operation after the fire is suppressed.
  • May be assigned as a driver of a vehicle or apparatus; checks radio operability; responsible for maintaining apparatus, equipment, inventory and other logs; may communicate by radio from fire, rescue and other emergency scenes.
  • May be assigned as the operator of a heavy-duty diesel-powered pumper truck or aerial truck; directs hose connections at pump; operates pumps, making sure proper pressure and water flow is maintained; operates aerial ladder or snorkel power lift.
  • Operates fire apparatus to and from the fire or rescue scene on the optimal route at high speeds in the safest and most efficient manner in accordance with departmental policy.
  • Participates in the on-duty company physical fitness program.
  • Participates in fire drills and attends training classes in firefighting, emergency medical technique training and related subjects; participates in pre-fire surveys of industrial and other business buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and multi-family dwellings; prepares floor plans, records and locates key items on floor plans of facilities for departmental use in the event of fires, disasters or other emergencies.
  • Responds to a variety of emergency calls requiring the performance of a variety of emergency medical skills, such as administering oxygen, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency medical care and related tasks.
  • Performs general maintenance and cleaning work in the upkeep of apparatus, equipment, furnishings and structures.
  • Aids in the evacuation of portions of the county during natural or other disasters.
  • Assists law enforcement agencies in the investigation of arson cases.
  • Performs related work as assigned.

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 Jobs

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

Company News

Polk County
Nov 19th, 2025
Polk County Fire Rescue creating 50 new positions with SAFER Grant

Polk County Fire Rescue creating 50 new positions with SAFER grant. Bartow, Fla. (Nov. 19, 2025) - Polk County Fire Rescue was awarded a $16-million federal grant to fund 50 new positions. PCFR was awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the 50 positions. The program is designed to help fire rescue departments nationwide increase and maintain staffing levels. It also helps with response and operational standards compliance. PCFR Chief Shawn Smith is ready to start recruiting candidates for the new positions. "Polk County Fire Rescue is excited to bring new talent into our organization with the help of the SAFER grant," Smith said. "We are grateful for this new federal funding which will help us reach our staffing goals." The 50 new SAFER grant-supported firefighter positions are part of more than 100 positions PCFR is working to fill. The Polk County Board of County Commissioners recently approved funding for fire personnel positions. PCFR encourages anyone interested in a career in firefighting to reach out to the department or visit https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/fire-rescue/careers/.

Tryon Newsmedia, LLC
Nov 7th, 2025
Polk County names new leaders for Health and Human Services Agency

Polk County names new leaders for Health and Human Services Agency. - Robin Elliott was named Polk HHSA Director. POLK COUNTY - Polk County has announced the appointment of Robin Elliott as the new Director of the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency. In addition, Natalie Trachsel has been promoted to serve as Assistant Director of the agency. "Congratulations to both Robin and Natalie as they step into these crucial positions within the Health and Human Services Agency," said Polk County Manager Marche Pittman. "We are confident that their leadership will greatly benefit the Polk community." Pittman also expressed appreciation to the county's Human Resources Officer and the Polk County Health and Human Services Board for their role in the selection process and for helping identify the best candidates for these key positions. Both appointments will take effect on November 17.

Charter Communications
Jun 28th, 2024
Polk County creates mentally healthy spaces for its employees

Polk County board of county commissioners received a Bell Seal Award from Mental Health America the county offers various mental health resources like trainings, safe spaces and resources for employees and their family members Polk fire rescue offers mental health resources from the county in all its stations.

Tryon Daily Bulletin
Dec 1st, 2023
Polk County HHS team helps with Meals on Wheels

Polk County HHS team helps with Meals on Wheels.

New Day Market Research
Dec 1st, 2023
Friedlander Ranch May Become Part of Envisioned Plan's "Big Green Network"

The Friedlander parcel, located southeast of Lake Wales and north of Babson Park, lies entirely within the utility service area established by the City of Lake Wales through interlocal agreement with Polk County.