Firefighter/EMT

County of Volusia; Florida; On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Volusia is seeking Firefighters/EMTs to perform fire suppression, emergency medical and rescue services, and equipment upkeep. This role requires maintaining readiness and responding to alarms with the Fire Company.

Probationary EMT Firefighter base pay starts at $17.64/hour ($57,277 yearly) with progression for more years of verified firefighting experience. Applicants must meet NFPA requirements, hold Florida EMT and EVOC certifications, and pass the required exams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High School Graduate or GED.
• Ability to meet NFPA 1582 physical requirements and wear a respirator per NFPA 1500.

Responsibilities

• Responds to fire alarms with Fire Company.
• Lays and connects hose and directs water streams.
• Raises and climbs ladders.
• Ventilates buildings and openings to fight fires.
• Renders pre-hospital care when needed.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus including engines and pumpers.

Skills

Firefighting

EMT certification

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Firefighters/EMTs

This position will be responsible for suppressing, extinguishing, and preventing fires; protecting life and property; delivering emergency medical and rescue services and maintaining division equipment and facilities.

SALARY INFORMATION

Probationary Firefighter EMT - $17.64hr base (Salary -$57,277)* (*Salary Includes FLSA Overtime and Base Holiday Incentive)

Individuals newly hired into Volusia Fire Rescue with years of verified full-time paid firefighting experience will have their starting pay as follows:

• 3-9 years of verified full-time experience........... ($60,140)*
• 10+ years of verified full-time experience............ ($61,588)*

*Includes FLSA Overtime and Base Holiday Incentive

Probation

EMT/Firefighter new to employment with VCFR.

SELECTION PROCESS

IMPORTANT: CLICK HERE TO READ FOR SELECTION PROCESS AND DATES

Please reserve the date of Saturday, November 7, 2026 for Written Exam/ PAT/ Interview

In keeping with Division 7, Section 86-263 (2) of the County of Volusia Merit System Rules and Regulations (MSRR), selection will be based upon the “Rule of Five".

BENEFITS

(NOTE: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.)

• Responds to fire alarms with Fire Company.
• Lays and connects hose and directs water streams.
• Raises and climbs ladders.
• Uses bars, extinguisher, hooks, line and other equipment.
• Makes forcible entry into buildings when necessary.
• Ventilates buildings, opens walls and other structures to effectively fight fires.
• Renders assistance in response to fires and other hazardous locations. Renders pre-hospital care when needed.
• Receives fire alarms by telephone, radio or industrial alarm systems, and other emergency calls.
• Ascertains the nature of the fire or emergency, its location and dispatches necessary personnel and equipment to the scene.
• Performs salvage operations including but not limited to throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
• Performs overall operations as needed at all fire, rescue and emergency scenes.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of division facilities.
• Cleans and washes walls and floors.
• Makes minor repairs to facilities and equipment.
• Washes, cleans, repairs, polishes and tests equipment and apparatus.
• Performs tests on pumps, hoses, breathing apparatus and other equipment.
• Is subject to emergency call duty as part of the regular duties whether on or off duty.
• May be assigned duties as acting lieutenant.
• Attends company drills and scheduled in-service training exercises.
• Participates as required in all drills and training sessions involving both practical and classroom applications.
• Keeps current and up to date in all phases of job responsibilities through seminars and college courses, etc.
• Drives and operates fire apparatus including engines, pumpers, tankers, brush trucks, tractors, sedans, and other specialized equipment.
• Monitors the condition of motor and unit during operation and makes necessary adjustment or reports defects.
• Operates extrication and other specialized tools.
• Prepares for pumping operations by seeing that hydrant connections are made. Pumps water to fire at designated pressure.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County and Local ordinances.
• May be assigned to other locations based upon operational needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum 18 years of age

High School Graduate or GED

Ability to meet the physical requirements outlined in N.F.P.A 1582 and the ability to wear a respirator as prescribed by N.F.P.A.1500.

CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess, maintain, and attach the following documents:

• State of Florida Certificate of Compliance from the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Current students are eligible to test but will need the certification confirmation prior to the final offer.
• A valid State of Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire
• State of Florida EMT license. Current EMT students are eligible to test but will need certification confirmation prior to final offer.
• Proof of completion of an approved Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) in accordance with Florida Statutes. (This requirement will be completed in our New Hire Academy)

NOTE

• Must successfully pass physical medical examination including drug screening and physical ability test.
• Must not be excluded from participating as a health care provider in insurance programs including, but not limited to, Medicare and Medicaid prior to and during employment at the County of Volusia.
• It is this organization's policy that individuals hired after October 1, 1989, into special risk positions may not use any form of tobacco at any time, whether on or off duty, as a condition of employment. Candidates must be nicotine‑free by the time of physical/drug exam, including free of nicotine-containing products used in tobacco replacement therapies.

• Knowledge of the street system and geography of the County.
• Abilityto understand and follow oral and written instructions in a para-military command structure.
• Ability to perform prolonged, physical, mental and arduous work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.
• Ability to learn a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable training period.
• Maintain coordination and physical strength sufficient to pass a physical ability test.
• Skilled in mechanical aptitude and ability to learn and operate relatively complex equipment.
• Ability to perform fire suppression duties with skill and safety.
• Knowledge of pre-hospital Basic/Advanced Life Support methods and theories.
• Knowledge of various hazardous materials and proper procedures for identifying hazardous materials situations.
• Ability to utilize sound judgment, courage, decisiveness, quick reaction and remain calm in difficult situations.
• Abilityto work as part of a team either as the leader or a team member.
• Ability to read and understand complex materials and equipment pertinent to the job.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology including computers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in stressful situations.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands

Heavy to very heavy work. Ability to see (color, depth perception), peripheral vision, hear, talk, smell, lift, carry, push, and/or drag a minimum of 165 pounds; stand, climb, crouch, balance, handle, finger dexterity, walk, crawl, kneel, reach.

Environmental Demands

Both inside and outside work. Potential hazardous work conditions. Ability to tolerate heat, inclement weather (rain, cold, humidity), water, odors, dust, poor ventilation, fumes, toxic fumes.

Mental Demands

Ability to read and comprehend professional, technical and scientific journals, manuals and procedures; safety instructions, memos, letters, policies, and reports. Ability to perform shop math and general mathematical functions. Ability to write summaries and reports. Ability to speak clearly and concisely relating information, data and details to layman; conversant in theory and practices of discipline.

Volusia County is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.