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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: National Registry EMT certification will not be accepted) 

    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 by PBCFR at that time) 

    4. Certification of having passed a 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC)

 

To receive an e-mail notification of an upcoming job listing, submit a "Recruiting Interest Card".   http://survey.pbcgov.com/s3/FR-RecruitingInterestCard​

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. 

 

FIREFIGHTER BENEFITS​

  • Starting Salary of $52,321.15 (subject to change) for Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (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​​

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. Applications are ONLY accepted when there is an active job listing.  To receive an e-mail notification of an upcoming job listing, submit a "Recruiting Interest Card".   http://survey.pbcgov.com/s3/FR-RecruitingInterestCard.

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 here: https://www.iaff.org/cpat/

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) 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.

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