Firefighter Trainee 40 - Proactive Recruitment Training Program (PRTP)

Polk County Board of County Commissioners; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct Deposit

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

FRS Retirement

10 holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentives

Deferred Compensation Plan

Wellness Incentives

EAP

Free Gym

Free Health Clinic

Job summary

Polk County Board of County Commissioners announces a Firefighter Trainee in the Proactive Recruitment Training Program (PRTP) with Polk County Fire Rescue. This position provides full-time paid training to develop firefighting and EMS skills while pursuing State of Florida firefighter and EMT certifications.

The role demands discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and commitment to public service, with a Monday–Friday schedule and 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Graduate of an accredited high school or equivalent diploma.
• Must be a continuous Polk County resident for two years prior to application and maintain residency.
• Valid State of Florida driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Passes criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, medical and psychiatric evaluation.
• Physically capable of performing essential fire and EMS training duties.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Meets HUD low-income household guidelines with documentation.

Responsibilities

• Participates in full-time structured training in firefighting, rescue operations, and EMS.
• Attends classroom instruction and hands-on field training.
• Trains in fire behavior and suppression, EMS, and patient care methods.
• Participates in physical fitness evaluations and readiness training.
• Represents Polk County Fire Rescue at community outreach and recruitment events.

Skills

Physical stamina

Discipline

Teamwork

Communication

Moral character

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE 40 (PRTP) PROACTIVE RECRUITMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Fire Rescue

Pay Range: $16.40 Hourly rate

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (40 Hours/Week) Hours may vary depending on school schedule.

Employee Benefits

• - Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• - Medical, Dental, Vision
• - Life Insurance
• - FRS Retirement
• - 10 Paid Holidays
• - Paid Time Off
• - Tuition Reimbursement
• - Education Incentives
• - Deferred Compensation Plan
• - Wellness Incentives
• - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• - Free Employee Gym
• - Free Employee Health Clinic

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below. This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Responsible for technical, academic, and physical training work performed under the Proactive Recruitment and Training Program (PRTP) in partnership with Polk County Fire Rescue. This apprenticeship provides full-time paid training designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to obtain State of Florida Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Under the supervision of PRTP and Fire Rescue instructors, the trainee:

Training and Skill Development

• - Participates in full-time structured training in firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical services.
• - Attends classroom instruction and hands-on field training to develop discipline, teamwork, safety habits, and essential fire service skills.
• - Trains in fire behavior, suppression principles, emergency medical treatment, rescue procedures, and patient care methods.
• - Practices defensive driving, roadway familiarization, safe vehicle operations, and response modes.
• - Participates in realistic emergency simulations involving heat, smoke, confined spaces, heights, and physically strenuous tasks.

Emergency Skills Practice

• - Learns and practices tool selection, situational awareness, size-up, risk-reduction techniques, and emergency response procedures.
• - Learns apparatus operation and assists with driving and navigating equipment under supervision.
• - Participates in ladder evolutions, hose handling, ventilation tasks, live-fire drills, and multi-story operations.

Apparatus and Station Support

• - Assists with equipment maintenance, apparatus readiness, tool checks, and facility upkeep.
• - Keeps firefighting equipment, vehicles, and tools in proper working condition by performing routine safety and maintenance inspections.

Professional and Program Responsibilities

• - Participates in physical fitness development and scenario-based exercises preparing for Polk County Fire Rescue Fire Academy entry.
• - Participates in scheduled weekly physical fitness evaluations to assess progress and ensure readiness for the physical demands of fire and EMS training.
• - Engages in leadership training and public speaking development.
• - Represents Polk County Fire Rescue at community outreach, education, and recruitment events.
• - Demonstrates professionalism and integrity consistent with P.R.I.C.E. values throughout the program.
• - Performs other duties as assigned to support training and program operations.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• - Ability to learn and apply firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical principles and techniques.
• - Ability to analyze situations quickly and determine the proper course of action.
• - Ability to react calmly, effectively, and safely under emergency conditions.
• - Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, climbing, and operating in extreme environments.
• - Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions accurately.
• - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and function as part of a team.
• - Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with colleagues and the public.
• - Ability to maintain emotional control, sound judgment, and professionalism under stress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• - At least 18 years of age.
• - Graduate of an accredited high school or possession of an equivalent diploma.
• - Must be a continuous Polk County resident for two (2) years prior to application and maintain residency throughout participation.
• - Valid State of Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (no recent suspensions, major violations, or patterns of unsafe behavior). Must h ave not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.
• - Passes criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, medical evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation.
• - Physically capable of performing essential fire and EMS training duties, including successful completion of required agility testing.
• - Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• - Meets HUD low-income household guidelines (≤50% Area Median Income), based on the most current HUD Income Limits published for the applicable year, and provides required documentation.
• - Does not currently hold State of Florida Firefighter or EMT certification.
• - Demonstrates good moral character and ability to commit to the program’s expectations and values.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• - Must maintain an active cellphone for communication and scheduling.
• - Must successfully obtain and maintain FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security clearance.
• - Must obtain a State of Florida Paramedic Certification within three (3) years of completing the program (required for continued employment).
• - Upon selection for employment, must sign a reimbursement agreement covering program training costs if voluntarily leaving within two (2) years of achieving required certifications.
• - Must complete all training required for Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), State of Florida Firefighter II, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) certification.

All Polk County BoCC employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the county and its residents.