Aerial Firefighting Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

***Position open until July 11, 2026***

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function:

Under the direction of the Lieutenant, the Driver Engineer is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and readiness of fire apparatus, equipment, and assigned facilities. This position also performs all duties of a Firefighter and EMT/Paramedic, including emergency response, firefighting, rescue, and public service activities. The Driver Engineer ensures the safe transportation of personnel and equipment to and from emergency incidents while operating firefighting and support apparatus.

Essential Duties:

1. Operates, drives, and maintains fire apparatus safely and efficiently under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
   
2. Performs daily and periodic inspections of apparatus, equipment, and tools, ensuring operational readiness and reporting any deficiencies.
   
3. Performs all duties of a Firefighter and EMT/Paramedic, including but not limited to firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical care.
   
4. Assists in the maintenance and inventory of fire equipment, supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
   
5. Participates in fire prevention activities, public education, and pre-incident planning.
   
6. Completes required reports, maintenance logs, and checklists accurately and in a timely manner.
   
7. Operates fire pumps, aerial devices, generators, hydraulic tools, and other firefighting and rescue equipment safely and effectively.
   
8. Participates in regular training drills and continuing education.
   
9. May assume temporary incident command in accordance with department policy until relieved by a superior officer.
   
10. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Environment:

Work is performed in an office, station, and hazardous emergency environments with exposure to extreme weather, fire, smoke, hazardous materials, unstable structures, and infectious diseases. Exposure risk to traumatic or thermal injuries is possible; infectious disease; grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims, and death; loud noises; confined spaces; heights; chaotic situations; and chemical and electrical hazards.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance.

• State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License/Certification.

• State of Florida Pump Operator Certificate of Competency.

• 45 Hour Aerial Operations Course

• Minimum of one (1) year of full-time firefighting experience with a career department.

• Strong knowledge of fire apparatus operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

• Ability to perform complex hydraulic calculations and operate all types of fire pumps and aerial devices safely.
• Knowledge of fire suppression methods, rescue techniques, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical services.

• Good oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively as a team member under stressful conditions.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reporting systems.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 150 pounds and perform strenuous physical activities.

• Knowledge of City geography, hydrant locations, and street systems.

Preferred

• State of Florida Paramedic (PMD) License/Certification.
  
• State of Florida Fire Officer I Certificate of Competency.
  
• Associate's Degree in Fire Science or related field.

• Two (2) years of full-time firefighting experience with a career department.

Other Requirements:

• Valid Florida Class E Driver License (Class D License preferred).
  
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening, physical examination, and background check to include CJIS screening.
  
• Must maintain all required certifications for the duration of employment.
  
• Ability to work long periods, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
  
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
  
• Ability to perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies.
  
• Ability to remain up-to-date on Federal, State, and City regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards to implement best practices and policies affecting department activities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City and other public employees, public officials, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the general public.
  
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
  
• Must successfully obtain and maintain a State of Florida Paramedic Certification within 36 months of appointment. Employees must show continual progress through the program every three to six months or when requested.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

This position may be required to report for work during declared emergencies in Polk County.