Firefighter EMT/Paramedic

Salary : $72,568.84 - $90,638.13 Annually
Location : North Port, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2027-002
Department: Fire Rescue Department
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


General Description
PLEASE READ ENTIRE JOB POSTING PRIOR TO APPLYING. THERE WILL BE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS NOTED WITHIN THE JOB POST.
General Job Description

There are 135 (Including District Chiefs, Lieutenants, Firefighter/Paramedics, and Firefighter/EMT's) line positions, not including administrative staff.

North Port Fire Rescue covers just over 104 square miles and an approximate population of 93,000+ from seven fire stations. Our daily line staffing covers four ALS Engines, three ALS Quints, one Tanker (Tender), eight ALS Rescues, and two District Chiefs.

The duties of firefighter/EMT and firefighter/paramedics include but are not limited to: Respond to both fire and medical emergencies, performing fire suppression activities, providing emergency medical care to injured or sick individuals on scene, operating firefighting and medical equipment, and participating in rescue operations, all while maintaining fire station upkeep and undergoing continuous training to stay proficient in both firefighting and emergency medical techniques.


Salary

• Firefighter/Paramedic is $72,568.84 - $110,638.13.
• Firefighter/EMT salary is $61,960.09 - $90,638.13 both including FLSA overtime.

Competitive benefits include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance for employee, spouse, and family (Portion of City coverage is dependent upon employee elections).
• Florida Retirement System (FRS).
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Department provided annual physical evaluation in accordance with NFPA 1582.
• Training opportunities and Career Advancement Opportunities.
• Travel opportunities for Training and/or Committee Involvement.
• Tuition reimbursement for college.
• Ability to trade up to ten (10) shifts per quarter.
• 24/48 schedule.
• Paid Days Off (PDO) (Universal Leave) time accrues at 372 hours per year to start (15.5 shifts). Bereavement leave, Military Leave, Personal Days. Additional PDO accruals of 48 hours possible as a sick-leave incentive (12 hours per quarter). Ability to convert 120 hours of PDO to salary paid once per year at overtime rate with the ability to sell back an additional 120 hours at straight time. (Parameters outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Minimum Qualifications/Education:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and background check.
• Must hold a current State of Florida Firefighter I and Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance.
• Must be certified by the State of Florida EMT or Paramedic

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to fire and emergency medical calls; evaluates situations and assists with administering medical treatment per Emergency Medical Services (EMS) guidelines.
• Drives and operates apparatus and equipment safely in response to and in the mitigation of emergencies.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions including but not limited to fire, chemicals, heat, smoke, gas, moving vehicles, confined spaces, heights, and flood waters.
• Stretch hose lines and direct fire streams to extinguish and contain fires; raise and climb ladders to perform search and rescue procedures along with ventilation of burning structures.
• Proactively cleans and maintains fire station facilities and equipment and other related apparatus.
• Operate emergency radios.
• Participates in drills, classes and schools in firefighting, emergency medical treatment and other fire service-related areas.
• Operates equipment as used for the control and extinguishment of fires such as: fire hose, nozzles, ladders, ropes, axes, water tools and appliances, aerial ladder devices, rescue equipment, power and manual hand tools, self-contained breathing apparatus, firefighting protective clothing ensemble, hazardous materials protective clothing and related tools and equipment.
• Operates equipment required for treatment of the sick and injured including bandages, splints, blood pressure monitoring equipment, spinal immobilization equipment, hydraulic power tools for extrication purposes and other medical treatment hand tools.
• Non-emergency related duties include but are not limited to conducting readiness inspections of apparatus and equipment, pre-fire planning of buildings, lift assists, smoke detector assistance, report writing, and public relations details.
• Compliance with North Port Fire Rescue Rules & Regulations, Policies and Procedures, Standard Operating Guidelines, and Emergency Medical Protocols.
• Adopt and embody the mission statement: Provide exceptional public safety services in a safe, compassionate and professional manner.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• In addition to the requirements listed in the License and Certificates section, graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma is required.
  
  
  
  • Progressive knowledge and application of firefighting and emergency medical skills.
  • Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions promptly, effectively, and efficiently under varied and difficult conditions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working skills and knowledge.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and interpret English.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
  • Computer literate - must possess the skills necessary to use word processing type programs and basic computer operations.
  • Work under stress while performing at a high level.
  • Ability to maintain a high level of physical fitness while wearing appropriate PPE including but not limited to SCBA, turn out gear, and wildland gear.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications
Minimum Qualifications/Education:

• • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Must be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
  • Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and background check.
  • Must hold a current State of Florida Firefighter I and Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance.
  • Must be certified by the State of Florida EMT or Paramedic

To be considered for employment as a Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM) or FF/EMT with the City of North Port, please follow these steps:

Part 1

1. Fire Team Test- Applicants must achieve a passing score on the Fire Team Test. Scores will be averaged and ranked accordingly.
2. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) - Must have taken and passed the CPAT within the past 12 months. To fill out an application and schedule a test, go to and click Firefighter jobs. Select North Port Fire District, read all requirements and, if qualified, select a testing location on the CPAT icon on the main page of the website and then follow the instructions.
3. Make sure you have selected North Port Fire Rescue so that we have access to your scores . Your application cannot be processed if you do not follow this step.

Part 2

1. City of North Port Application - Complete the application in its entirety. All information provided on your application (as well as in all other phases of the employment process) must be true, current, accurate and without omission.

(a) CPAT and Fire Team must be successfully completed prior to application submittal.

(b) Submit your supporting documents . Your application will not be complete until you submit legible copies of each of the documents listed below . These documents are required to be electronically attached to your application. Documents must be uploaded BEFORE submitting the application.

• North Port Fire Rescue Supplemental Application - Download the fillable PDF document at The document is located under the Hiring Process tab. Please electronically fill out the form, save it and attach it to your application.
• Valid EMT and/or Paramedic License issued by the State of Florida
• Valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance/Minimum Standards
• Current BLS Card and Current ACLS Card (Paramedic Only)

Part 3

Human Resources will notify candidates if they have been chosen to move onto step three of the hiring process.

1. Ability Test: Successfully complete the mandatory North Port Fire Rescue ability test. (November 12, 2026)
2. Interview : Attend panel oral interview and Fire Chiefs interview. (November 17, 2026)
3. Background: Complete background check including driving history.
4. Physical : Be deemed fit for duty by a Life Scan Physical Exam including but not limited to physical exam, blood work, drug screen, chest x-ray, cardiac stress test, eye exam and hearing test.
5. Start date : January 11, 2027

Please direct all application questions to the City of North Port Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. You may call Human Resources to review your application to ensure it is complete.


Preference to interview will be given to:

• Veterans
• Local candidates.
• State of Florida Paramedics or those in paramedic school.
• Those holding a journey worker certificate.

Emergency Response Responsibility
Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.

Veterans Preference Statement

The City of Nort Port, FL is an Affirmative Action/ADA/Veterans' Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply.
All benefits are effective the 1st of the month following 30 days.

Aetna - Health Insurance

The City offers eligible employees the choice of 3 Open Access In Network plans and 1 Open Access PPO plan. Premiums and co-pays are dependent upon your plan choice.

Cigna - Dental Insurance

The City's dental plan is a PPO plan providing eligible employees with in network or out of network options. You are entitled to two (2) preventive care treatments per calendar year (6 months apart). There is a $1,500 lifetime maximum for Orthodontia (children up to age 19). Premiums will depend on which tier you choose.

EyeMed Vision Care - Vision Insurance

The City's vision plan allows eligible employees to stay in network or go out of network. Your co-pays will vary depending on the network you use. You are entitled to an exam, frames and lenses once every 12 months.


Cigna - Life, Voluntary Life, Dependent Life Insurance

The City offers eligible employees a basic term life insurance benefit equal to their annual salary up to a $75,000 maximum at no charge. You can purchase additional life insurance for yourself and your dependents.


Cigna - Short Term Disability

The City provides short term disability coverage to all eligible employees at no cost to the employee. This coverage is used in the event of an accident or illness outside of work. The plan pays 66.67% of your weekly salary up to a maximum of $1,000. Benefits begin on the 31st day of your disability. The City offers a buy-up to the Short Term Disability Benefit with a 7 day wait period.

E-Flex - Flexible Spending Account

A flexible spending account helps you pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, eye care, daycare and other expenses, with tax deferred money deducted from your paycheck each payroll. The maximum annual election is $2,500.00. Over-the-counter medications must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription although other medical supplies will still be eligible for reimbursement. This is a voluntary benefit.


Trustmark- Supplemental Polices


Trustmark Insurance Company offers voluntary supplemental Critical Illness/Cancer, Accident and Universal Life policies which are paid for by the employee.

LifeLock Benefit Solutions

Protect your personal information and defend against attacks with 24/7, proactive identity theft protection from LifeLock. This is an employee paid voluntary program.

VPI - Veterinary Pet Insurance

The City offers Pet Insurance as a voluntary benefit. This benefit is not payroll deducted. .

ICMA-RC - Deferred Compensation Plans


The City offers eligible employees the opportunity to enroll in a deferred retirement plan. The money that is deducted from your paycheck each payroll is put into this account and is tax deferred at the end of the year. One-on-one meetings with each company are held quarterly so employees can speak with the representative confidentially on preparing for their retirement. This is a voluntary program.

Florida Retirement System

Eligible employees are enrolled in the Florida Retirement System with an 8 year vesting period. Employees contribute 3% of their gross earnings per payroll which is subject to change with the IRS.
Cigna - Employee Assistance Program

The City offers this program to all employees. This is a confidential counseling program for employees and their families. The City pays for 3 visits and if you choose to continue, you would use the specialist co-pay on your insurance plan. Counseling can include stress, alcoholism, family problems, marriage difficulties, financial trouble, depression, work/life and more.
Educational Assistance Program


Employees are eligible for job-related or degree required educational assistance reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year (subject to the availability of funds).
Paid Days Off

The City will grant Paid Days Off (PDO) that combine the days normally granted for annual leave, holidays and sick leave (which includes family and personal leave). This benefit is available to all regular full-time personnel.


Your monthly accrual is based on your years of service.

Bereavement Leave

In the event of a death in an employee's immediate family, the employee will be permitted to take time off, with pay, for up to 5 consecutive days. Employees should check the Personnel Policy Manual for the definition of an "immediate family member".