Firefighter I / EMT

Winter Haven; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life ins.

Pension plan and Social Security

457 deferred plan

Education/tuition assistance

Training and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Winter Haven Fire Department is seeking a dedicated Firefighter I/EMT to join our team and protect the community. You will respond to emergencies, provide life support, and work with a skilled crew to ensure safety and rapid response.

This full-time role includes extensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Applicants must hold Florida Firefighter I/II, EMT certification, and related credentials as outlined.

Qualifications

• Must hold Florida Firefighter I and II certifications.
• EMT certification required; paramedic preferred.
• EVOC certification (16 hours) required.
• NFPA 1001; Florida statutes compliance.
• NIMS IS-100/200/700/800 certifications completed.
• Minimum 18 years old and high school diploma or equivalent.
• Background checks, drug test, and medical examination required.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Respond to all types of emergency incidents with firefighting equipment for fire suppression.
• Perform rescue, ventilation, and medical support including CPR and AED.
• Maintain equipment and ready apparatus; perform hydrant maintenance and testing.
• Assist with pre-fire planning and public education/community events.
• Prepare required reports documenting calls and responses.
• Support fire prevention activities and crisis mitigation as needed.

Skills

Physical strength

Stamina

Emergency response coordination

Communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Teamwork

Age 18+

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Florida Firefighter I and II certification

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification

Paramedic certification (preferred)

EVOC 16 Hours

NFPA 1001 standard

NIMS IS-100/200/700/800

State of Florida driver’s license

Job description

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Current Job Postings

All positions currently accepting applications are listed below. Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or [e-mail].

Would you like to be notified when we post new jobs?

• Application Closing Date: November 9, 2026
• FF I / EMT
  • $49,021 Annually (2,496 Hours /Year)
• Paramedic Incentive: $12,000/year
• Technical Rescue Team Pay - Additional $2,000/Year
• Annual Step for Performance Pay Plan
• 24/48 Hour Shift Work
• 17 Kelly Days Per Year
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year (an Additional $2,376/Year Benefit)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits – Day One
• Co-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Social Security Coverage
• 457 Deferred Plan Options
• Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – to Include Mental Health Assistance/Services

Are you passionate about serving the community and making a difference? We're looking for dedicated firefighters to join our dynamic, forward thinking department. As a part of our team, you’ll be supported by an organization that is committed to investing in both the fire department and the community we serve.

We provide on-going training, state-of-the-art equipment, and a supportive environment that encourages growth and professional development. Whether you're responding to emergencies or engaging in community outreach, you'll play a vital role in keeping our community safe and strong.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs skilled work in responding to all types of emergency incidents. Utilizes firefighting equipment to perform fire suppression tasks, including fire extinguishment, salvage and overhaul, building ventilation, and search and rescue operations. Assists in the control and abatement of chemicals at hazardous material incidents. Administers basic or advanced life support to patients, including implementing victim extrication procedures, checking and recording vital signs, stabilizing injured patients and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. Performs facility cleaning and sanitation duties, maintains fire equipment and ensures apparatus readiness. Participates in training drills and educational classes. Participates in commercial and multifamily residential pre-fire planning; assists with public education, community relations programs and other community events and services. Performs hydrant maintenance, flow testing and mapping. Assists in preparing required reports to document specific details of fire and emergency response calls. May be required to assist with fire prevention activities and local/state crisis mitigation events. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Sufficient knowledge of firefighting techniques and practices.
• Physical ability, strength, and flexibility sufficient to perform essential job functions without risking of endangering oneself or others.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in the course of rescue or fire suppression activities.
• Ability to operate fire equipment, and to work for long periods of time under adverse conditions.
• Ability to speak and write understandably in order to effectively convey information to others.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and react calmly and responsively during emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Must be a High School graduate or possess a state recognized equivalent diploma.
• Must have State of Florida Firefighter I and II certification in accordance with National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 1001, and Florida Statutes 633.34.
• Must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician in accordance with Florida Administrative Code Chapter, 64J-1008.
• Must have adequate knowledge of emergency medical technician procedures, including CPR and AED usage. (Paramedic certification in accordance with Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64J-1.008 and possession of ACLS is preferred.)
• Must have Emergency Vehicles Operator Course Certificate (EVOC) – 16 Hours.
• Must have completed National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor involving perjury or the making of false claims; must not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
• Must pass a physical examination with a drug screen; must demonstrate acceptable physical agility and strength; must have a good moral character.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a polygraph examination.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidate must currently be drug free and have not used illegal drugs for at least five years prior to the date the application for employment is submitted.
• Must pass a drug screen test as determined by the City of Winter Haven’s Standards.
• Must pass a physical examination in accordance with National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 1582, and Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications 2018 Edition.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver’s license and good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.

PHYSICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job function in the work environment.
• Ability to ambulate independently; to stand, walk, sit, and operate a vehicle safely for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue and firefighting activities.
• Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to speak and enunciate clearly to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the phone or over a radio.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
• All new probationary firefighters shall pass a Probationary Firefighter Physical Readiness Test during the twelve-month probationary period.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Enriching lifestyle through exceptional service.

Job ID Firefighter I / EMT Category Full Time Status Open Posted October 9, 2026 10:10 AM Closing November 9, 2026 5:00 PM

Physical Address
500 Third Street NW
Winter Haven , FL 33881