Don’t just join a department. Help build one.
We’re looking for experienced, service-driven fire professionals who want to be part of something from the beginning.
This is more than an opportunity to take the next step in your career. As a Driver Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your experience and technical expertise to a new Fire Rescue Department while helping establish the standards, traditions, and culture that will shape its future.
Why join us from the start?
- Be a Founding Team Member — Join during a defining moment and help build the foundation of a new Fire Rescue Department.
- Bring Your Expertise — Use your experience and technical knowledge to help establish strong standards for apparatus operations, readiness, and safety.
- Help Shape the Culture — Be part of a team built around professionalism, service, accountability, safety, and teamwork.
- Make an Immediate Impact — Your skills and preparation will directly support your crew and the community we serve.
- Build Something That Lasts — Help establish practices, expectations, and traditions future members will inherit.
- Grow With the Department — Join an organization at the beginning of its story and be part of its continued development.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:
As a Driver Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in getting our crews and equipment where they need to be—safely, efficiently, and ready to perform.
In a new department, you’ll also have the opportunity to help establish a strong foundation for apparatus operations, equipment readiness, safety, and teamwork.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for experienced fire service professionals who understand that being a Driver Engineer is about much more than getting the apparatus to the scene.
The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and operational readiness. We’re looking for professionals who take pride in their apparatus and equipment, remain composed under pressure, work well as part of a crew, and understand the responsibility that comes with safely transporting personnel and operating critical equipment during emergency incidents.
Joining a new Fire Rescue Department also requires adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to help establish — not simply inherit — the standards and traditions that guide the organization.
If you take pride in being prepared, dependable, technically proficient, and ready when your crew and community need you, we encourage you to apply.
Salary/Step Placement: The salary range listed for this position reflects the full range of the applicable salary step schedule. The starting salary and step placement for the selected candidate will be determined based on verification of the candidate’s current salary step, relevant experience, education, certifications, qualifications, and other applicable factors. Placement within the salary range is not guaranteed and may vary based on the selected candidate’s verified qualifications.
Candidates receive further communication via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Purpose of this position is to perform skilled firefighting and emergency medical services work while safely driving, positioning, operating, inspecting, and maintaining Fire Rescue apparatus and equipment.
The Driver Engineer may function as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic based upon certification and assignment.
This class works under the general supervision of a company officer and exercises independent judgment in the safe operation and placement of emergency apparatus and associated equipment.
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Responds to fire, emergency medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents as assigned.
- Safely drives and positions fire apparatus during emergency and non-emergency operations and selects appropriate routes based on traffic, road, and incident conditions.
- Operates pumps, aerial or platform systems, and other apparatus systems; establishes and maintains appropriate water supply and fire flow as required.
- Inspects apparatus, vehicles, tools, and equipment at the beginning of each shift and after use; identifies deficiencies and reports needed repairs.
- Maintains apparatus and equipment in a clean, serviceable, and response-ready condition and assists with inventory and replacement of equipment and supplies.
- Performs firefighting, rescue, and other operational duties consistent with training and assignment.
- Provides emergency medical care within the scope of the employee’s current State of Florida EMT or Paramedic certification and department medical protocols.
- Completes required apparatus, equipment, incident, patient care, inspection, and maintenance documentation accurately and timely.
- Participates in company training, drills, pre-incident planning, public education, community engagement, station duties, and other departmental activities.
- Inspects apparatus and equipment at beginning of each shift and after each run, making sure that all visible parts, as well as brakes, ignition, cooling system and radio are in good working order, and that the levels of gasoline, oil and water are proper. Checks batteries and records hydrometer reading on appropriate records daily.
- Reports to Company Commander all repairs needed to the apparatus.
- With assistance of personnel assigned by Company officer, cleans the apparatus and equipment according to an established schedule, and as otherwise needed.
- Maintains knowledge of department response areas, streets, hydrants, water supply systems, policies, procedures, and safe emergency vehicle operations.
- Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must possess the education, training, and two (2) years’ experience as a Driver Engineer in a fire rescue department.
- Successful completion of a recognized Driver/Operator, Apparatus Operations, or equivalent fire apparatus operator training program acceptable to Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue.
- Valid State of Florida driver license and any additional driver/operator qualifications required by the City or Fire Rescue Department, Class E Endorsement.
- Current State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) card;
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) card for employees certified or functioning as a Paramedic.
- Must maintain all required certifications as a condition of employment.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Associate degree or higher in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Safety, or a related field preferred.
- Additional apparatus operations, fire service, or EMS certifications and experience are preferred.
- State of Florida Paramedic certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of fire service hydraulics, apparatus operations, emergency vehicle driving, firefighting practices, EMS procedures, and department policies and procedures.
- Ability to safely operate and maintain fire apparatus and equipment; perform under emergency conditions; communicate effectively; exercise sound judgment; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, partner agencies, patients, and the public.
- Knowledge of the geography of Deerfield Beach and surrounding response areas, including street systems, traffic patterns, key buildings, landmarks, hydrants, and other water sources.
- Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and practices related to the care and operation of firefighting apparatus, equipment, and tools.
- Knowledge of the mechanical principles governing the operation of fire apparatus, including engines, pumps, priming devices, and related mechanical equipment.
- Ability to safely and efficiently drive, operate, and position firefighting apparatus under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
- Ability to safely and effectively operate fire pumps and other apparatus systems and equipment.
- Ability to perform routine inspections, operational checks, and basic maintenance of firefighting apparatus, equipment, and tools.
- Ability to identify and report apparatus or equipment deficiencies and ensure operational readiness.
- Possess the physical strength, stamina, and agility necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Ability to get along with fellow employees under conditions of close proximity for extended periods of time.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
- Performs heavy physical work associated with firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, and apparatus operations, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and perform essential duties under emergency conditions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
- Work is performed in fire stations, emergency vehicles, roadways, training environments, and emergency scenes. The employee may be exposed to fire, heat, smoke, hazardous materials, infectious materials, extreme weather, noise, traffic hazards, confined spaces, unstable structures, and other hazardous conditions.
WORK HOURS
Operations personnel work assigned shift schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be required to work overtime, callbacks, or during declared emergencies based on operational needs.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.
The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.