​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​

Applications are ONLY accepted when there
is an active job listing on www.pbcgov.jobs

REQUIRMENTS TO BECOME A PBCFR FIREFIGHTER

​

  • Must be 18 years old or older
  • Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification 
  • Valid Florida Class E Driver's License 
  • Must have the following Certifications:
    1. ​​Current/Valid Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance (from the State of Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training)  

    2. Current/Valid Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification OR Florida Paramedic (PMD) certification. (NOTE: Please be aware that the National Registry EMT (NREMT) certification will not be accepted. Palm Beach County requires the Florida State-issued EMT or PMD certificate.​) 

    3. Certification/Authentication Letter of having passed an IAFF-sanctioned Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 1 year of the job listing closing date, as specified in the advertisement. (NOTE: If selected for hire, candidate must also have passed a CPAT prior to the hire date as specified in the advertisement) 

    4. Certification of having passed a 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) *that includes both a lecture/classroom portion as well as a practical component.

 

To receive an e-mail notification of an upcoming job listing, submit a "Recruiting Interest Card" ​HERE.​

​

NOTE: Failure to submit the required certifications with the application will result in disqualification from the selection process. Be sure to follow the application instructions included in the job advertisement. 

 

All employees of Palm Beach County may be required to work before, during and/or after a natural or man-made disaster or hurricane.​


In accordance with Affirmative Action requirements of Sec. 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and provisions of the Americans

with Disabilities Act of 1990, the County provides reasonable accommodation. If you need a reasonable accommodation for interviewing or initial

employment, please notify the Palm Beach County BCC Human Resources Department.

EO/AA Employer M/F/D/V; (DFWP)

​ 

FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS​


  • Starting Salary of $55,508.54 (subject to change) for Firefighter EMT/Paramedic - (12) Year Step Increase
  • State of Florida Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation - tax deferred savings program
  • Cafeteria Plan - Pre-taxed deductions for premiums on Health Insurance
  • Health Care Insurance       
    • Hospitalization
    • Major Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision Care
  • 120 Hours of paid sick leave (After completion of 1st six months will receive prorated number of sick hours for the remainder of the year.
  • 120 Hours paid Vacation earned the first year based upon 24 hour shift employees
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program - 100% reimbursement for a grade of "C" or better.
  • Promotional Opportunities
    • Available after successful completion of the required continuous service as a Firefighter, Driver, Lieutenant, and/or Captain
  • 3 Week Kelly Day Cycle - 48 hour workweek based on 24 on duty/ 48 hours off duty with an additional shift off after working 6 shifts (24 hours employee only)

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​​


1.    How can I apply to be a FIREFIGHTER EMT/PARAMEDIC (CERTIFIED) for Palm Beach County?

    • Applications are ONLY accepted online and only when there is an active job listing.  When there is an active job listing, you must apply online at www.pbcgov.jobs.  Applications submitted by any other method will not be accepted.  Be sure to pay attention to the instructions in the job listing and on the www.pbcgov.jobs website.

2.    How often does Palm Beach County post an advertisement for the FIREFIGHTER EMT/PARAMEDIC (CERTIFIED) position?

    • Advertisements are based on the needs of the Fire Rescue Department, and job listings for the position have typically been posted every 1-2 years.  To receive an e-mail notification of an upcoming job listing, submit a Recruiting Interest Card HERE.​

3.    Which Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) meets the application requirement?

    • Only IAFF-sanctioned tests meet the requirement.  Information about the IAFF-sanctioned CPAT can be found H​ERE.
       

4.    I have a Paramedic license, does this change anything in my application?

    • Yes; we are listing this advertisement with a preference for paramedics. If you currently have a PMD license you will take a different examination and will be given priority at the time of hire, contingent on passing all assessments and checks.

    • What do I need to do to get this preference? In your online application you will need to respond to a questionnaire and will be given the option to select which license you wish to use (EMT or PMD). You will be processed as the option you choose, and this cannot be changed after the advertisement closes.
      ​
    • NOTE: You MUST have the PMD certificate at the time of application, and it MUST be submitted before the closing date. You will NOT be awarded preference if you provide us the certificate at a later time. If you submit an EMT certificate, you will be processed as an EMT instead.
      ​

5.    I am currently in the process and have a new/updated certification. Do I need to provide it?

    • No; once a listing has closed, submitted applications cannot be changed, and documents (e.g., paramedic license, CPAT) cannot be added or replaced. If at any point an updated certification is needed, it will be formally requested by the Human Resources Department at the time you are being processed for hire.

 

​