Firefighter

Summary


Before applying please review the firefighter requirements under the log in section of the job opportunities web page. Failure to comply fully with the requirements will result in the applicant's disqualification.

Under close supervision, performs fire suppression and fire prevention duties to protect life and property; provides emergency rescue and basic medical treatment as required; utilizes various tools and power equipment in rescue operations; maintains department equipment; vehicles and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.


Salary


The starting salary for a Firefighter EMT is $63,651, with opportunities for significant increases through paramedic incentives, professional qualification incentives, specialty certifications, and annual raises.


Fully authorized paramedic incentive shall be 15% of base pay, not to exceed $461.54 per pay period.


Qualifications


In order to participate in the process for Firefighter candidates must meet and upload the following requirements:

• Required to meet all qualifications in the Florida State Statue Number 633.34, "Firefighter; Qualifications for employment."
• High School diplomaor GED. Education will be verified using the "Education Requirements" listed below.
• Valid State of Florida Driver's License - Valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver's license onhire date.
• Must possess and maintain State of Florida Certification for Firefighter and EMT OR be enrolled in an accredited Fire/EMT program. MUST provide state certification by January 8, 2027 or you will be eliminated from the process. National Registry will not be accepted.
• Must have successfully completed the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test IAFF/IAFC National Standard) withinsix (6) monthsof application closing date. Must be between April 30, 2026 - October 30, 2026.
• Must possess and maintain valid Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card at theHealth Care Provider level.
• Must possess and maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card (Paramedic Only).
• Must have documentation attesting to successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course(EVOC), or reasonable equivalent as approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services by January 8, 2027.
• IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System, IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction and IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction are required. Link to online training:
• Completed City of West Palm Beach Firefighter Supplemental Application Part 2.
• Required documents uploaded to your iRecruitment account.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet Departmental physical standards.
• Must successfully pass the City of West Palm Beach FireDepartment swim test.
• Have a stable work history free of repeated disciplinary actions, suspensions, terminations and resignations.
• Have not been dishonorable discharged from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Have notbeen convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or reckless driving in the preceding five (5) year period in Florida or any other state.
• Have not had a Driver's License suspension under the point system in the past five (5) years, as provided in the Florida Statute, Chapter 322.
• Have not been convicted of three (3) moving violations in the preceding 36 months in Florida or any other state.
• Have not had more than one DUI (conviction or adjudication withheld) in Florida or any other state within the past ten (10) years. Refusal to submit to a sobriety test will be considered a DUI.
• All required certifications listed above and any other certifications, which may be required by the State of Florida or the City of West Palm Beach, must be maintained throughout term of employment to retain this classification.
• Body art is defined as tattoos, branding or body piercings. No visible body art shall be visible beyond the confines of the Class A or B uniform. Long sleeve T-shirts and/or dress shirts shall be worn on duty to satisfy this requirement. Body art on any area of the hands, fingers, neck, face or head are not permitted.The intent is to not have any visible body art while in a Class A or Class B uniform while representing the City or Department in an official capacity.
• Visible body piercing ornaments of any kind are not permitted.
• All employees hired after October 1, 1998 shall comply with Florida Statute 112 regarding tobacco products and during their term of employment shall remain tobacco free.
• Have not failed the background, psychological evaluation or post offer physical, drug and alcohol screening within one year from failure date.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in potentially hostile and/or unsafe work environments. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of standing, reaching, lifting arms above shoulder level, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, working at heights, sitting, talking, hearing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus, and/or pulling or extremely heaving objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of a rescue operation or removing or pulling hose in training or on an emergency scene. When performing fire services and/or rescue operations, tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to occupational health hazards including, but not limited to, fire, extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, dryness, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, fumes, gases, odors, erratic or unpredictable human behavior, weapons, and explosives. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property. Personal protective equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment including, but not limited to, various types of containment suits, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment (SCBA), powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and safety gear.

CREDENTIALS REQUIRED: All applicants must upload and attach copies of current valid certifications, diplomas, and other supporting credentials as stated in the " QUALIFICATIONS " section of this announcement and completean on-line employment application with a supplemental application packet. Do not submit additional certifications and licenses, only those that are required.


Education Requirements : To be considered valid (or verified) for position qualification purposes, and consistent with City Hiring Policy 4-5, a High School, GED or equivalent diploma, and all higher education degrees or certifications must have been issued by:

1. a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or
2. an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or
3. an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
4. an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.

International degrees will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy qualification requirements .


Additional Details


SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidates must successfully complete multiple steps in the selection process. The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, swim test, CPAT(Candidate Physical Ability Test),practical scenario, structured oral interview, background investigation, psychological evaluation, polygraph, medical examination, or other assessment method.


HIRING PROCESS:

• On-line Application Process - Closing date is October 30, 2026
• Written Examination/Swim Test - Based on the Essentials of Firefighting 8th Edition and Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 12th Edition.You will be notified by e-mail if you meet the minimum qualifications to take the written and swim tests, which are scheduled for November 10, 2026 . The swim test will consist of three events: surface dive and recover a 5-pound object from the bottom of pool; 50-yard non-stop swim with long pants on; and tread water for 5 minutes.
• Structured Oral Interview and Practical Scenario/Physical Agility Examination - Week of November 30, 2026 .You will be notified by e-mail with your date and time to report to the Oral Interview and Practical Scenario/Physical Agility Examination.
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Medical Examination
• Final Offer of Employment
• Firefighter Orientation

How To Apply


If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button at the end of the job posting. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required documentation is uploaded and included with the application.Failure to comply fully with the requirements will result in the applicant's disqualification.

PLEASE NOTE:

We will only conduct electronic communication for all correspondence and it is your responsibility to update your applicant account with the most current information where we can reach you and to monitor the status of your account and communication. If an electronic message is sent out and we do not hear from you within the timeframe required, your application will be terminated.


The City of West Palm Beach is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City values the service of veterans to our country, supports recruitment of veterans and veterans' preference will be given in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes for those who met the minimum requirements of the position. Background investigation and physical is required as a condition of employment. Drug and alcohol screening may be required depending on the position.

Currency USD


Closing Date 30-Oct-2026


Amount of Travel


Work At Home