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Fire Rescue Jobs in Alachua County, FL (NOW HIRING)

Animal Services Officer

Lake City, FL ยท On-site

$40K - $53K/yr

Assists Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, and other agencies with animal issues such as house fires, drug raids, animal owner death/crime scenes, traffic accidents, livestock loose on roadways, etc.

Trimmer Climber-NON-UNION

Starke, FL

$15.25 - $20/hr

... fire departments when blocking streets or driveways. * Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and the public. * Trained to perform tree and bucket rescue.

Law Dispatcher I

Ocala, FL ยท On-site

$43K/yr

C. Properly fulfill requests from law enforcement personnel regarding support services such as rescue and EMS units, fire apparatus, wreckers, etc. D. Maintain complete and current status of all on ...

Fire Rescue information

See Alachua County, FL salary details

$28.2K

$96K

$166.5K

How much do fire rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire rescue in Alachua County, FL is $96,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $112,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire rescue?

Fire rescue jobs involve professionals who respond to emergencies such as fires, accidents, and natural disasters. Their primary duties include extinguishing fires, rescuing people and animals from dangerous situations, providing emergency medical care, and educating the public about fire prevention. Fire rescue personnel work in high-pressure environments and are trained in firefighting, first aid, hazardous materials handling, and technical rescue operations. These roles are essential for ensuring public safety and often require physical fitness, teamwork, and quick decision-making skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire rescue professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Fire Rescue, you need comprehensive knowledge of firefighting techniques, emergency medical procedures, and a high level of physical fitness, usually supported by relevant certifications such as EMT or Firefighter I/II. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems like radios and incident command software is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These capabilities are vital to effectively respond to emergencies, save lives, and ensure the safety of both the public and fellow responders.

What are some common challenges faced by fire rescue professionals during emergency responses?

Fire rescue professionals often encounter dynamic and high-pressure situations, such as rapidly evolving fires, hazardous materials, or medical emergencies. Challenges include maintaining clear communication with team members, ensuring personal safety while rescuing others, and making quick decisions with limited information. Additionally, they must adapt to various environments, from residential buildings to industrial sites, often while carrying heavy equipment. Strong teamwork and ongoing training help them manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Fire Rescue vs Firefighter?

AspectFire RescueFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certificationFirefighter I & II, EMT certification
Work EnvironmentEmergency response, rescue operations, fire suppressionFire suppression, rescue, emergency medical services
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services
Common Search IntentDifferences between fire rescue and firefighter rolesRoles and responsibilities of firefighters

Fire Rescue and Firefighter roles often overlap, with both requiring similar certifications and working in fire departments. Fire Rescue typically emphasizes rescue operations and emergency response, while Firefighters focus on fire suppression and prevention. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in emergency services.

What cities near Alachua County, FL are hiring for Fire Rescue jobs?

Cities near Alachua County, FL with the most Fire Rescue job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Rescue job openings in Alachua County, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,040 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Paramedic (Mobile Integrated Health)

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

Gainesville, FL โ€ข On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Salary : $51,911.39 Annually
Location : Alachua County, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY26-17310
Department: Fire Rescue Services
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Must successfully pass a Level 2 background check as specified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This positionrequires a screening through the Clearinghouse .
This is a grant funded positionEmployees are eligible for benefits but have no guarantee of permanent employment.
Upon submission of application, proof of the following must be provided:
1. Current State of Florida Paramedic certificate.
2. Current designation as an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider.
3. A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Successful applicants must meet all requirements for Drivers as listed in Florida Statutes 401.281.
Upon appointment to the position, the following must be completed and maintained as a condition of employment:
1. Certification by the Alachua County Medical Director within the first month of employment, and maintain this certification as a condition of employment
2. Successful completion of a department-sponsored certified sixteen-hour (EVOC) Emergency Vehicle Operator Course within the first month of employment.
Position Summary
This is responsible technical work in the Fire Rescue Department providing medical care to the critically ill or injured on a non-emergency and/or emergency basis.
An employee assigned to this classification is the lead worker on an ALS ambulance who is responsible for rendering initial evaluations of patients and performing advanced life support, and/or Critical Care procedures on the sick or injured.
Work is performed within standard guidelines and under physician's orders via telephone or radio. An employee is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment, based on technical training in the emergency medical field.
Work is reviewed by higher-level supervision through quality assurance, reports, and observation of results obtained. This position reports directly to a District Chief.
Paramedic Incentive Pay:
Alachua County Fire Rescue offers an $8,500 annual incentive in addition to the annual salary to all applicable bargaining unit employees who possess a State of Florida Paramedic certification and receive medical clearance certification by the Alachua County Medical Director.
Examples of Duties
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
Exudes a positive customer service focus.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
Responds to inter-facility and out-of-county transfer requests and other emergency and non-emergency calls.
Counsels employees as required, supervises and evaluates assigned driver.
Performs duties of a field training officer with probationary employees and acts as a preceptor for EMT and Paramedic students.
Utilizes all required safety measures when performing assigned job duties.
Determines extent of illness or injury, establishes priority for required care and performs triage.
Provides emergency medical assistance including but not limited to: airway control and maintenance, positive pressure ventilation, cardiac resuscitation, cardiac monitoring, intravenous therapy IV, pump operation, ventilator operation, invasive line placement and management and pharmacological therapy.
Provides control of hemorrhaging and limb and spinal immobilization; bandages wounds and treats other medical emergencies.
Transmits patient information to hospital via telephone or radio.
Assists in moving patients to emergency medical vehicles to transport to a medical facility.
Reports necessary information to emergency room upon arrival with patient and fully documents information on run report as required.
Initiates command procedures in compliance with the department's Incident Command System (ICS).
Supervises the delivery of critical patient care upon arrival at the scene to ensure proper care is administered.
Prepares and maintains records and reports as directed and in accordance with state and department's guidelines.
Inspects equipment and supplies daily to ensure that the assigned vehicle is in compliance with all state and local laws and requirements.
Performs routine maintenance of quarters, station, and grounds.
Provides in-home and community-based patient assessments, interventions, follow-ups, and referrals.
Administers and assists with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services for individuals with opioid or substance use disorders, in collaboration with medical direction.
Assists patients with applications for Social Security, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs.
Connects patients with food, housing, transportation, and other vital resources.
Collaborates with social workers, case managers, peer support specialists, and other healthcare professionals to support care plans.
Engages with patients post-discharge from hospitals, detox, or emergency departments to support recovery, continuity of care, and relapse prevention.
Educates patients and families on chronic disease management, overdose prevention, and harm reduction practices (including Narcan administration).
Participates in ongoing case conferences, quality improvement meetings, and outreach events.
Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of current emergency medical treatment procedures and departmental medical care protocols.
Thorough knowledge of emergency medical equipment, operation and maintenance.
Thorough knowledge of departmental Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to recognize life-threatening situations and react accordingly.
Ability to follow precise technical instructions from a physician via phone or radio.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to perform EMS related functions in emergency or non-emergency situations as necessary.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and representatives from other areas.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; in outside weather conditions; and with explosives, and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits
  • Medical/Health Insurance
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Florida Retirement System
  • Employee Assistance Program
Optional Benefits
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Deferred Retirement Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Roth IRA
  • Tuition Assistance Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits
You may also view regarding benefits.
  • FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
  • TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
  • HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows:
  1. New Years Day
  2. Martin Luther King Day
  3. Memorial Day
  4. Juneteenth
  5. Independence Day
  6. Labor Day
  7. Veterans' Day
  8. Thanksgiving Day
  9. Friday following Thanksgiving
  10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)
  11. Christmas Day
  12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)
  13. 2 Floating Holidays (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF - International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.
Vacation Leave - Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to .
Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.
01
I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I will NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.
  • Yes
  • No

02
If an applicant meets all minimum qualifications as posted he/she is referred to the appropriate hiring manager. The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for the ones with the specific experience he/she is seeking.Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.
  • Yes
  • No

03
I understand a Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question