Firefighter, Certified

City of Gainesville • Gainesville, FL

21d

About The Position

The Firefighter performs responsible technical work to protect life and property by responding to emergencies, providing basic or advanced emergency medical treatment, conducting rescue operations, and combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires. The role also includes maintaining fire department equipment and quarters. Employees report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision, with an emphasis on emergency medical treatment and firefighting.

Firefighters respond to fire incidents and alarms, perform interior fire attacks, operate hoses and ladders, use extinguishing agents and specialized tools, force entry, ventilate buildings, and open structures to support firefighting or rescue. They assist with rescues in hazardous environments and provide medical aid. They drive and operate fire apparatus, prepare and conduct pumping operations, monitor equipment during use, and report defects. Other duties include preparing incident reports, inspecting buildings and other structures for fire-code compliance, conducting pre-fire planning, delivering fire-safety education, maintaining certifications, and attending training. Employees also use station computers and are expected to attend work regularly. Additional duties may include receiving and dispatching alarms, maintaining department property and equipment, and handling hazardous materials.

Applicants must complete the required testing and video interview through Public Safety Answers by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. The position requires emergency call duty and compliance with the Gainesville Fire Department tobacco-use prohibition. Applicants must satisfy the stated age, education, character, medical, physical, citizenship or immigration-status, and other firefighter standards.

Requirements

• High school graduation or an acceptable equivalency diploma, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License, Class D or Commercial Driver License valid for driving emergency vehicles.
• Valid State of Florida Fire Fighter certificate of compliance.
• Valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.
• At least 18 years old by the date of hire.
• No disqualifying felony or misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude; applicable statutory conditions apply to felony convictions and probation.
• Fingerprints on file with the state division or its designated agency.
• Good moral character as determined by investigation.
• Good physical condition as determined by a medical examination; pre-employment medical examination and satisfactory drug screening are required.
• United States citizenship or permanent alien status.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Must not smoke, in accordance with the City of Gainesville firefighter tobacco-use prohibition policy.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
• Ability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
• Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable training period.
• Successful completion of each phase of the examination process, including the required testing and video interview.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate basic or advanced life support, deliver treatment, and document care.
• Respond to fire incidents and alarms with an engine or truck company; lay and connect hoses, conduct interior fire attacks, climb ladders, use extinguishing agents and specialized tools, force entry, and ventilate or open structures as needed.
• Assist with rescue operations in hazardous environments and provide medical aid when needed.
• Drive and operate ladder trucks, fire pumpers, and rescue trucks in emergency response.
• Prepare hydrant and hose connections, pump water at designated pressure, monitor apparatus operation, make adjustments, and report defects.
• Prepare written and computerized reports following medical and fire incidents.
• Inspect buildings, gasoline storage tanks, theaters, and other structures for compliance with fire-prevention laws.
• Conduct pre-fire planning for community target hazards and provide fire-safety and public-education presentations as assigned.
• Attend recertification classes, company training, drills, and other directed classes.
• Use station computers for report entry, email, calendar updates, and data entry or retrieval.
• Attend work on a continuous and regular basis.
• Receive fire alarms and other emergency calls, determine the nature and location of emergencies, and dispatch personnel and equipment by radio, as assigned.
• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs on department property and equipment; clean and test apparatus and related equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for eligible regular employees, including health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid holidays per year, a pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan.
• On-site fitness centers.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• On-site medical staff.
• Wellness program.
• Professional and personal growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED