Overview
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) is proud to be internationally accredited and maintain an ISO Property Protection Class 1 rating. OCFRD provides world-class fire rescue and full-service emergency medical services, to include transport, within the 800 square miles of unincorporated Orange County and four municipalities. OCFRD has 44 community-based fire stations. Orange County Fire Rescue is also the home department to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the country as well as the second largest convention center in North America. OCFRD serves a population of nearly 900,000 residents. As the theme park capital of the world, Orange County attracts over 200,000 daily visitors. Fire Rescue Recruits participate in training activities associated with preparing for the Florida State certification examinations for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Recruits who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining the Florida Minimum Standards Certification Examination for Firefighters and Florida EMT Certification within the required timeframe will be offered positions as Firefighter/EMT. This is an exciting opportunity to join the OCFRD family!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSTING IS CLOSING EARLY- NEW CLOSING DATE IS SUNDAY 2/8/26
Job Description
General Functions
Participates in training activities associated with preparing for the Florida State certification examinations for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Recruits who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining the Florida Minimum Standards Certification Examination for Firefighters and Florida EMT Certification within the required timeframe will be offered positions as Firefighter/EMT with Orange County Fire and Rescue Department (OCFRD).
Representative Duties/Assignments
- Attends and participates in the Florida Minimum Standards Certification classes.
- Attends and participates in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification classes.
- Performs physical training activities such as running, climbing, and crawling associated with firefighter training.
- Participates in ride-alongs with OCFRD Paramedics and/or EMTs.
- Participates in certification assessments to achieve Florida Minimum Standards and Florida EMT certification
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Applicants must meet all moral and criminal background guidelines and meet any and all additional requirements mandated by Florida Statutes for certification as a firefighter and as an emergency medical technician or paramedic.
Effective March 29, 2015, once the individual is hired and completed all the requirements to become a Certified Firefighter, the individual must successfully complete all State of Florida and local requirements to become a Certified Paramedic within three years from the date of meeting all requirements as a Certified Firefighter with Orange County Fire Rescue. The individual must serve as a paramedic for Orange County Fire Rescue. Possession and maintenance of Paramedic Certification is a condition of continued employment with Orange County Fire Rescue.
Must possess and maintain valid State of Florida Driver's License or possess the ability to obtain a State of Florida Driver's License by date of hire.
Must not have used tobacco products for at least one year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by a sworn affidavit of the applicant.
Applicants will participate in a series of assessments including but not limited to the following: Written Test; Physical Abilities Test; Behavior-based Interpersonal Skills Assessment; Polygraph; Criminal History Background Investigation; Physical Assessment.
Application Deadline
Open Date: 02/03/2026
Close Date: 02/08/2026
This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: 010 -- $ 20.90 per hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits
- 10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
- 18 days paid time off per year.
- Longevity bonus based on years of service.
- 6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
- Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
- Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
- Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
- Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
- Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Earn service time to forgive student loans.
Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements.
For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference
If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.
Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements
If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Notes
All candidates must pass the Ergometrics Fire Team Video Test and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) to participate in the hiring process. Applicants with a valid passing test score on file do not need to re-take these tests. The Fire Team test scores are valid for 2 years and the CPAT test scores are valid for 1 year. OCFRD also accepts passing scores of the Ergometrics Fire Team Video Test and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completed though the National Testing Network (NTN). For more information about NTN's testing process, you can visit their website at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. Scores will be accepted from applicants who have passed the Ergometrics Fire Team Test within 24 months, and applicants who have passed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within 12 months. Candidates who do not have a valid test score can obtain information on taking the CPAT and FireTEAM tests by contacting Orange County Fire Rescue Department at OCFRDCareers@ocfl.net.
