CURRENT RECRUITING FOR BOTH FIRE MEDICS AND FIREFIGHTER/EMT

FIRE MEDIC ENTRY SALARY: $70,720.00 annually
FIREFIGHTER/EMT ENTRY SALARY: $59,280.26 annually

General firefighting and rescue work combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires and conducting advanced and basic emergency medical services.

Employees in this classification perform firefighting and emergency medical response activities of a difficult and responsible nature under general supervision of a Fire Lieutenant or higher level supervisor. Work involves providing rescue services and the protection of life through firefighting, fire prevention, first aid and prompt paramedical services with latitude for independent judgment and initiative within departmental, City, County, and State guidelines.

• Performs all duties of a Firefighter including search, rescue, and fire suppression operations.
• Performs emergency medical care within established standard operating procedures and protocols for the purpose of managing and stabilizing the critically ill and injured.
• Reads, understands, and responds to fire alarm dispatch from computer printout.
• Safely and effectively operates fire department vehicles.
• Performs search operations including removing victims from entrapments by carrying or dragging, crawling, and feeling.
• Locates fire using sense of heat, vision and sound.
• Verbally relays fire conditions, life hazards, and exposures to officer-in-charge.
• Understands and follows orders spoken or given by touch and/or visual signals.
• Pulls hose from apparatus and connects to hydrant or pump apparatus.
• Operates pump to supply and maintain water pressure.
• Selects appropriate hose nozzle pattern and operates water charged hose lines of various sizes.
• Positions and climbs or descends ladders carrying equipment and/or a victim requiring rescue.
• Operates hand and power tools including chain or circular saws or auto extraction equipment.
• Examines patients, diagnoses vital signs, and determines symptoms.
• Administers first aid including CPR. Stops and/or controls bleeding, cleans wounds, and applies dressings and bandages.
• Performs invasive procedures as approved by the Department.
• Adheres to local and state rules governing Advanced Life Support (ALS).
• Prepares reports and maintains documents as necessary.
• Maintains working knowledge of Medical Operations Manual (MOMS) and current medical procedures and pharmaceuticals.
• Attends and participates in daily drills and classroom instruction sessions including designated medical training.
• Operates, inspects, calibrates as necessary, and maintains medical equipment including bag valve mask, blood pressure cuff, and oxygen.
• Cleans, maintains, and replenishes equipment, sweeps water, and removes debris.
• Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire stations, grounds, quarters, and apparatus.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

FIREFIGHTER/EMT MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or G.E.D. Certificate
• Possession of a valid State of Florida certification as a Firefighter
• Possession of a valid State of Florida EMT Certificate
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Must obtain CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Clearance
• Candidate's hired into a Firefighter/EMT position must obtain a Pinellas County Paramedic Certification within 3 years of hire date.

FIREMEDIC MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or G.E.D. Certificate.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida certification as a Firefighter.
• Possession of a valid State of Florida certification as a Paramedic.
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Must obtain CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Clearance
• Candidate's hired into a Fire Medic position must obtain a Pinellas County Paramedic Certification within 1 year of hire date.

BENEFITS:

• 100% employee health care coverage
• City pension plan with a 2.75% multiplier per year of service and retirement eligible with 20 years of service for high-risk employees. Fully vested after 10 years of service
• Supplemental pension plan
• Unique work schedule with a Kelly Day every 9 shifts worked with 50-hour work week starting September 2026
• Merit Pay increase 3% per year up to maximum annual rate of pay
• Annual Personal Resource Allowance
• 144 hours of Vacation Leave for years 1-3, up to max of 288 hours at 25 years
• 4 Floating Holidays per year (will be an adjustment with Kelly Day change beginning September 2026)
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Tax-deferred 457 plan
• Tuition Reimbursement plan
• City health clinic that is free to all employees and family members who are on the city insurance plan
• AFLAC
• Annual physicals at no cost to the employee

Clearwater Fire and Rescue is an ISO Class 1 Fire Department whose objective is to advocate and sustain a leading emergency service organization with a focus on quality, cost-effectiveness and all-hazard mitigation that exceeds our customer’s expectation. Clearwater Fire and Rescue was established in 1897 and consists of 8 stations and more than
200employees. Emergency services are provided by almost 30 apparatus including 8 ALS engine companies, 5 ALS rescue units, 2 truck companies, 1 squad, 2 District Commanders, 1 fireboat, 1 rescue boat, 3 Jet Skis, and a Dive Unit. The department specialized teams such as the Marine Response Team, Dive Team, and SWAT medics. The department also is part of the Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team. The department has a state-of-art Training Center with a multistory training tower, extrication pad, training props, and updated classrooms. The Training Division consists of two chief officers, three dedicated Training Lieutenants, and adjunct instructors.

• Thorough knowledge of basic and advanced life support procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge of standard firefighting and fire prevention procedures.
• Ability to effectively administer first aid and basic and advanced emergency medical services.
• Ability to safely and effectively combat and extinguish fires.
• Ability to learn and comply with department rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and to learn the geography of the City, location of fire hydrants, and major fire hazards.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to remain calm and react quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to meet and maintain departmental requirements of health, physical, and mental condition as established by the Fire Department.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and obtain State of Florida class E license within first year of employment.

Eligibility Procedure:

• Candidates must submit an employment application and a copy of his/her State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Completion and EMT certification and/or Paramedic Certification card online @ www.myclearwater.com
• In addition, candidates must register with the National Testing Network (NTN) and complete a written examination and physical agility test (CPAT) by the close date of 7/22/2026; results of those assessments must be received by the city by the close date of 7/22/2026. Website can be accessed at: www.nationaltestingnetwork.com