Firefighter-Ocoee, City of – Fire Department

Ocoee City Fire Department
150 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ocoee, FL
Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: 407-905-3154

Updated: September 03, 2024

Position Title: Firefighter
The Ocoee Fire Department is currently hiring for the position of Firefighter, with a preference for candidates who are also certified Paramedics. While Paramedics are preferred, EMTs may be considered with the requirement that they attain their paramedic certification and become a stand-alone paramedic within 36 months of their hire date.

National Testing Network FireTEAM & CPAT: Applicants must have valid FireTEAM and CPAT test scores through the National Testing Network (NTN) within 12 months of the job posting’s opening.
Application Process: Once the Ocoee Fire Department receives the FireTEAM and CPAT test scores from NTN, applicants will be contacted by invitation to complete the City of Ocoee online application.
Salary Information: Starting salary is $47,239.34, with an additional Paramedic Incentive of $9,500.

Benefits:
Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
$25/bi-weekly for health insurance
No premium for dental, vision, and life insurance
Health Reimbursement Account to reduce health deductible
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
On-site health clinic with no co-pay, many medications provided at no charge, X-rays, lab work, and more
Additional supplemental insurance coverage available through payroll deduction
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Pension multiplier of 3.25% per year
Vested at 7 years
Eligible for retirement at 25 years of service or age 55, whichever comes first
DROP plan available at 25 years of service or age 55, for up to 5 years
457 Deferred Compensation plan available
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual:1-5 years of service: 276.16 hours per year
6-10 years of service: 348.18 hours per year
11+ years of service: 396.00 hours per year
Holiday Pay
Years of Service Recognition Program
Firefighter’s supplemental compensation for relevant college degrees
Tuition reimbursement program for approved degrees
Employee Assistance Program
Incentive Pay opportunities
Department Overview:
The Ocoee Fire Department operates from four strategically located fire stations to provide rapid response throughout the city. The department is rapidly growing, offering excellent opportunities for advancement. Additionally, the Ocoee Fire Department provides protection to the Town of Windermere.

Area Information:
Ocoee is a demographically diverse community covering a 15.5 square mile area in West Orange County, Florida. It is part of the metropolitan Orlando area and is the third-largest city in Orange County.

Population: Approximately 50,000

Job Requirements:
Age: 18 years old
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Driver’s License: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license without any restrictions that may affect the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Academy Certification: Must possess a State of Florida certification as a Firefighter Minimum Standards.
Necessary Certifications:State of Florida certification as a Paramedic and Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC).
Candidates with a State of Florida Paramedic certification are preferred.
American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers and Advanced Cardiac Life Support cards.
Preferred Certifications/Degree:
State of Florida Paramedic certification.
A.A./A.S. Degree.
Hiring Process:
Complete CPAT & FIRETEAM: Candidates must register with the National Testing Network (NTN) and complete the FireTEAM written examination and CPAT physical agility test. Results must be received by the city before the interview process.
Complete Employment Application & Supporting Documents: Once the NTN CPAT & FireTEAM scores are received, an online application link will be sent to the candidate. The application must include:

Online application (link provided via email)
Proof of education (college transcripts if required)
DD Form 214 (if claiming veteran’s preference per Florida Statutes)
Interview, Background, Medical Evaluation, & Voice Analysis: Selected candidates will undergo additional assessments, including background checks, medical evaluations, and voice analysis, before receiving a conditional job offer.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Substantial knowledge of fire suppression, prevention, and safety principles and methods.
Knowledge of modern firefighting practices and procedures.
Skill in operating and maintaining various types of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
Knowledge of basic life support and emergency treatment techniques.
Familiarity with city geography, including the location of fire hydrants.
Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
Proficiency in operating heavy fire apparatus safely and efficiently.
Capability to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other fire agencies, and the public.
Essential Functions:
Responding to fire alarms with a fire company and preparing to fight fires.
Operating hand extinguishers and other equipment to extinguish fires.
Ventilating burning buildings to carry off smoke and gases.
Rescuing individuals and providing appropriate emergency medical assistance.
Performing salvage operations and operating pumps to maintain water volume and pressure.
Attending instruction sessions and participating in public education and community outreach programs.
Maintaining and inspecting fire equipment and vehicles, and performing custodial duties at the station.
Physical Requirements:
Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, including reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and lifting heavy objects (150+ pounds) during rescue operations.
Exposure to occupational health hazards such as fire, extreme temperatures, toxic agents, electrical currents, and hazardous materials.
Environmental Requirements:
Work is often performed in outdoor environments with potential exposure to disagreeable elements, hazardous conditions, and extreme temperatures.
The role requires heightened awareness of surroundings to ensure the safety of oneself, the public, and team members during emergency operations.