Careers with Fire Rescue

The North Port Fire Rescue District will open new applications for Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics on Oct 8. Please visit the City of North Port’s Human Resources Division's website or call the Human Resources Hotline at (941) 429-7200 to learn more and apply. 

Qualifications

Following are the basic qualifications for line positions with the North Port Fire Rescue District:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have a Firefighter certification in the State of Florida
• Must have a State of Florida EMT or Paramedic certification
• Must have a State of Florida driver’s license with “D” and “E” endorsements

North Port Fire Rescue has established a recruit firefighter program which is to boost recruitment for Firefighter/Paramedic positions. The preferred candidate must be a State of Florida certified Firefighter/EMT who is currently enrolled in paramedic school or a Florida state certified paramedic who is currently enrolled in fire school. As a condition of employment, the candidate will be required to sign a contract which commits the individual to three years of service which, if separation occurs before the end of the term, the individual will be required to pay back the City's share of tuition. Depending on existing certifications, the employee may serve as minimum staffing when not in class.

Certifications and Reciprocity

The State of Florida requires all fire department line personnel to be Florida certified as a firefighter. Because of this requirement, the North Port Fire Rescue District does not recognize reciprocity, national certifications or certifications from other states. 

For Information on learning how to become a certified firefighter, or if you are a certified firefighter from another state seeking information on challenging the state exam, visit the State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training website.

For information on obtaining the State of Florida EMT/Paramedic certification, or if you are an EMT or Paramedic from another state, visit the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance website.

Hiring Process

All applicants must meet the North Port Fire Rescue District's high standards for hiring eligibility. All elements of the selection process have been documented as job related and nondiscriminatory. Hiring requirements include successfully passing the following steps:

• Written Examination
• Physical Agility Test
• Oral Interview Board
• Background Investigation

Upon the successful completion of these steps, the applicant may be given a conditional offer of hire at which time the applicant will be required to complete the following examinations prior to employment:

• Medical Examination
• Drug Screen

Orientation

All new line employees participate in a three-week orientation to acquaint them with the policies, equipment and personnel of North Port Fire Rescue. Upon successful completion of orientation, personnel are assigned to a station and shift. The probationary period for new employees is one year.

The North Port Fire Rescue District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.