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

Putnam County, FL BOCC

Public Safety Trainee

Palatka, FL · On-site

$33K/yr

Responsible technical and skilled work/apprenticeship in the Fire Rescue field, working and studying to complete the required training program(s) and gain practical experience necessary to become a ...

Citrus County, FL

Fire Instructor

Lecanto, FL · On-site

$24.17/hr

Fire Rescue Opening Date: 07/11/2025 Closing Date: Continuous General Description The Fire Instructor performs work on a part-time basis with work schedule varying Monday through Saturday. Oversees ...

Pinellas County Government

Firefighter/EMT

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$46K/yr

This is specialized airport crash/fire/rescue work protecting life and property at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. Employees in this class serve as uniformed airport firefighters ...

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All JobsFire Rescue JobsFire Rescue Jobs in Polk County, FL

Fire Rescue information

See Polk County, FL salary details

$27.7K

$94.5K

$163.7K

How much do fire rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire rescue in Polk County, FL is $94,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $110,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are fire rescue jobs?

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 cities near Polk County, FL are hiring for Fire Rescue jobs? Cities near Polk County, FL with the most Fire Rescue job openings:
Fire Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Rescue job openings in Polk County, FL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,465 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Firefighter/EMT/Paramedic

St Johns County Board of County Commissioners

Saint Augustine, FL • On-site

$51K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top-rated public-school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation's oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!
St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking full-time (24/48) Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics for our multidiscipline Fire Rescue Department located in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. The next recruit class will begin January 11, 2027.
St. Johns County is located in the northeast part of the State and is bordered by the St. Johns River to the west and 42 miles of ocean to the east. St. Johns County is 609 square miles and is protected by 18 stations. Our apparatus includes ALS Rescues, ALS Engines, Tankers, Heavy Rescue Squads and Aerial Apparatus.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue (SJCFR) currently employs 525 personnel. In 2023, St. Johns County Fire Rescue responded to 64,000 calls for service. Of those calls, 75% were EMS related. Employees working for SJCFR have an opportunity to be part of our Urban Search and Rescue Team. Hazardous Materials Team, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), Marine Rescue and Wildland Firefighting. We pride ourselves on being a progressive, professional fire rescue department dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of the community.
Applications due August 13, 2026.
  • Firefighter Benefits - St. Johns County
  • 2026 SJC Fire fighters 2448 St. Johns County Benefits & Perks
  • local-3865-iaff-rank-and-file-cba-2023-2025-fy-25-amendments.pdf

Examples of Duties:
The ideal Firefighter candidate must possess St. Johns County's core values of Dedication, Openness, Adaptability, Visionary, Fiscal Responsibility, Integrity, Humility and must work well in a collaborative team environment. Some of the specific tasks include but are not limited to:
  • Administers appropriate patient care in emergency situations based upon department protocols and procedures.
  • Protects life and property through safe and effective fire suppression techniques, including hose stream application, water supply, forcible entry, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul, and ventilation operations.
  • Protects life and property through safe and effective vehicle extrication techniques utilizing specialized training and equipment.
  • Protects life and property through safe and effective marine rescue techniques utilizing specialized training and equipment.
  • Assists in performing scheduled mechanical inspections of all fire, medical and other equipment in an assigned unit; assists with replenishment, replacement and repairs; documents and notifies supervisor of operational defects.
  • Operates vehicles in a safe and lawful manner and according to department policies and procedures.
  • Participates in special duty community service activities.
  • Participates in required training.
  • Performs pre-fire planning and structure mapping.
  • Assists in the completion of fire and EMS reports.
  • Coordinates the service, repair and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment, as assigned; coordinates the repair and maintenance of station facilities; receives and tracks shipments of parts; assists in the purchase of tools and equipment; assists in tracking departmental fixed assets.
  • Maintains a full-time presence on the job.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates for Firefighter are encouraged to apply if they meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • State of Florida EMT or Paramedic certification as issued through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH).
  • State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance.
  • Ability to meet current requirements set forth in Florida Statue #633, Division of State Fire Marshal Administrative Rules 69A-37.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
  • Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
  • Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
  • Must be able to operate a computer

Salary Range:
$51,425.92 -$61,676.16
Department:
Fire Rescue
St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.

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