Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

Job Information

SARASOTA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
1660 RINGLING BLVD
SARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236
(941)861-5000
http://www.scgov.net

Updated: June 13, 2024

Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) employs highly motivated emergency services public servants to protect the citizens of beautiful Sarasota County.  Opportunities within the department include marine operations, ladder operations, special operations, EMS bike team membership, honor guard membership, public education, special events, committees, fire and EMS training, and leadership opportunities.

SCFD responds to nearly 70,000 calls for service annually and serves a population of 335,539 residents, with more than a 20% increase during the season. Our service area includes urban and rural areas distributed across 472 square miles.

SCFD is an all-hazards, ALS transport agency that currently operates out of 25 fire station locations. Our highly trained personnel provide advanced patient care and transport to 10 resource hospitals, including one level II trauma center.

Apply to join our fire department and become one of the 500+ SCFD firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics proud to serve the residents and visitors of Sarasota County.

Essential Job Duties:

• Respond to medical and trauma emergencies using up-to-date techniques in Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support.
• Respond to Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials, Rescue, and Extraction incidents.
• Reports as essential personnel to any callback related to a county-declared emergency.
• Inspects fire and rescue apparatus at the beginning of each tour of duty to ensure all tools and equipment are working and in their proper place.
• Reports deficiencies to ensure required maintenance and/or repairs are completed.
• Promotes and acts in a professional demeanor representative to the position represented. This includes maintaining one’s physical and mental welfare.
• Participates in and successfully completes all drills, EMS modules, firefighter modules, and continuing education programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No minimum experience required.
• Must be able to meet the eligibility requirements of the Firefighter/EMS
• Apprenticeship programs as approved and recognized by the State of
• Florida’s Department of Labor.
• Must possess a current and valid Minimum Standards Certification issued by the Bureau of Fire Standards.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida Emergency Medical
• Technician License (EMT) or State of Florida Paramedic License.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and annual National Fire Protection
• Agency (NFPA) 1582 comprehensive physical, Standard on Comprehensive
• Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
• Must meet all the requirements of Chapter 633.412 F.S.

Application Process:

Applicants MUST complete the following to be considered for employment with the Sarasota County Fire Department:

• Candidates must complete an application with the National Testing Network (NTN).
• Please direct all questions regarding the NTN application and testing process to National Testing Network Customer Support.
• Candidates must share their current passing FireTEAM and CPAT test results with the Sarasota County Fire Department via the NTN website.
• Candidates must complete a Sarasota County application for employment.
• Candidates will be required to complete the County’s application in full.
• Candidates will be required to submit copies of their current and valid:
  • State of Florida Firefighter Compliance certification.
  • State of Florida EMT and/or Paramedic license

Failure to complete any of the application process steps above could disqualify a candidate from consideration during this round of hiring.

**NOTE:  If you are a current or former firefighter who works for another Florida agency, a public records request for your personnel file will be submitted.

DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(We will notify those who are invited to advance to the Panel Interviews)

Panel Interviews: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – Thursday, August 1, 2024

Job Offer & Uniform Sizing:  August 13, 2024

Start Date: October 14, 2024

Hours/Days or Work Schedule:

• 40-hour training schedule: During the first ten weeks of employment, firefighters will be trained 40 hours weekly.
• 24/48 shift:  Upon completion of training, firefighters will be assigned 24-hour shifts, with 48 hours off between each shift.
• All Firefighters must have the flexibility to work on holidays and weekends.

Pay:

• Training Pay (40 hours per week for first ten (10) weeks of employment only): $23.59 per hour ($49,071.36 annually)
• Shift Pay (24/48 shift schedule):$19.66 per hour ($49,071.36 annually) up to $21.47 per hour ($53,589.12 annually) based upon experience
• Pay Additives Paramedic In Charge (PIC) pay additive of $13,250
• PIC Field Training Certification pay additive of $14,750
• Lead PIC on ALS Transport Unit – $1.75 per hour
• Lead PIC on ALS Non-Transport Unit – $1.00 per hour
• Hydraulic Maintenance Technician (HMT) – $1,922 annually
• Special Operations – $2,221 – $4,742 annually

Special Note: This position has been identified by the Sarasota County Government as one that will require a pre-employment drug screen as part of the selection process. An applicant must successfully pass this test prior to the start of employment. External applicants who fail will be disqualified from employment with the County for a period of five (5) years. Internal applicants will be subject to the County’s policies and procedures on positive drug tests.

Benefits:

• The 21-day work cycle of 24/48 shifts with a Kelly Day off every 7th shift
• 96 hours of Vacation Leave per year, increasing with longevity
• 120 hours of Holiday Leave per year
• 120 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year
• Longevity Pay based on 10, 15, and 20 years of service
• College Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• The county paid Annual NFPA 1582 Comprehensive Physical
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Uniform Maintenance and Shoe Purchase Allowance
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) “Special Risk” Pension Plan
• Retirement Health Trust – Retirement Health Insurance Premium Payment and Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• County-Paid Paramedic School