Firefighter/EMT

County of Volusia•Various locations throughout Volusia County, FL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The County of Volusia is hiring Firefighters/EMTs for the Division of Fire Rescue. The position suppresses, extinguishes, and prevents fires; protects life and property; provides emergency medical and rescue services; and maintains division equipment and facilities. Employees may be assigned to other locations according to operational needs and may be assigned to act as a lieutenant. Emergency call duty is part of the regular duties, whether on or off duty. Probationary Firefighter EMT base pay is $17.64 per hour, with a stated salary of $57,277 including FLSA overtime and base holiday incentive. For individuals with verified full-time paid firefighting experience, starting salary is $60,140 for 3–9 years and $61,588 for 10 or more years, including FLSA overtime and base holiday incentive. The selection process is based on the Rule of Five. The notice asks candidates to reserve Saturday, November 7, 2026 for the written exam, PAT, and interview. Candidates must pass a physical medical examination, drug screening, and physical ability test. Employees hired into special-risk positions after October 1, 1989 must not use tobacco at any time, on or off duty, and candidates must be nicotine-free by the physical/drug examination, including free of nicotine-containing tobacco-replacement products.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Meet the physical requirements outlined in NFPA 1582 and be able to wear a respirator as prescribed by NFPA 1500.
Possess a State of Florida Certificate of Compliance from the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training; current students may test but must provide certification confirmation before a final offer.
Possess a State of Florida EMT license; current EMT students may test but must provide certification confirmation before a final offer.
Obtain a valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.
Provide proof of completion of an approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) in accordance with Florida Statutes; this requirement will be completed in the New Hire Academy.
Successfully pass a physical medical examination, drug screening, and physical ability test.
Not be excluded from participating as a health care provider in insurance programs including Medicare and Medicaid before or during County employment.
Be nicotine-free by the physical/drug examination; special-risk employees hired after October 1, 1989 may not use tobacco at any time, on or off duty.
Know the County's street system and geography, or be able to apply the required geographic knowledge.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions in a paramilitary command structure.
Be able to perform prolonged, arduous physical and mental work under stressful or dangerous conditions, sometimes involving personal risk or risk to others.
Be able to learn firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable training period and maintain sufficient coordination and physical strength to pass a physical ability test.
Have mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn and operate complex equipment.
Be able to perform fire suppression duties skillfully and safely.
Have knowledge of pre-hospital Basic/Advanced Life Support methods and theories, and hazardous materials and procedures for identifying hazardous-material situations.
Use sound judgment, courage, decisiveness, and quick reactions, and remain calm in difficult situations.
Work effectively as part of a team, either as a leader or team member.
Read and understand complex materials and equipment information pertinent to the job.
Have knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be able to work in stressful situations and relocate to other county locations based on operational needs.
Meet the listed physical demands, including the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or drag at least 165 pounds and perform the stated mobility and dexterity activities.
Tolerate indoor and outdoor work and potentially hazardous conditions, including heat, inclement weather, water, odors, dust, poor ventilation, fumes, and toxic fumes.
Read and comprehend professional, technical, and scientific journals, manuals, procedures, safety instructions, correspondence, policies, and reports; perform shop math and general mathematical functions; write summaries and reports; and communicate information clearly to laypeople.

Responsibilities

Respond to fire alarms with a fire company; lay and connect hose, direct water streams, raise and climb ladders, and use firefighting equipment.
Make forcible entry when necessary and ventilate buildings and other structures to fight fires effectively.
Provide assistance at fires and other hazardous locations, and render pre-hospital care when needed.
Receive fire alarms and emergency calls, determine the nature and location of the emergency, and dispatch required personnel and equipment.
Perform salvage operations, including deploying salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
Carry out overall operations as needed at fire, rescue, and emergency scenes.
Maintain division facilities and equipment, including cleaning, making minor repairs, and washing, repairing, polishing, and testing apparatus and equipment.
Test pumps, hoses, breathing apparatus, and other equipment.
Attend company drills, scheduled in-service training, and required practical and classroom training; keep current in job responsibilities through seminars, college courses, and other learning.
Drive and operate fire apparatus and specialized vehicles, monitor their condition, make adjustments, and report defects.
Operate extrication and other specialized tools; prepare for pumping operations by ensuring hydrant connections are made and pump water at designated pressure.
Attend work on a continuous and regular basis and comply with applicable federal, state, county, and local ordinances.
Perform emergency call duty as part of regular duties, whether on or off duty.
Perform other duties as assigned.