Job Information

APOPKA FIRE DEPARTMENT
175 East 5th Street
Apopka, Florida 32703
(407) 703-1752

Updated: August 8, 2024

Position Title: Firefighter

The Apopka Fire Department is hiring for the position of Firefighter. Applications are being accepted for Firefighter/Paramedics and Firefighter/EMTs. However, EMTs are required to obtain their paramedic certification within three years of their hire date.

Requirements:

Completion of the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
Submission of a department application with copies of all required certifications by September 8, 2024.
Salary Information: $46,600 annually (with an additional $8,000 paramedic incentive).

Benefits:

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Retirement Pension with the following multipliers:
3% per year for years 1-10
3.5% per year for years 11-20
4% per year for years 21 and up
Top-out pay for various grades:
Firefighter: $81,205
Engineer: $89,326
Lieutenant: $98,258
Captain: $118,893
District Chief: $130,782
Division Chief: $143,860
Fire Chief: $158,246
Vested at 10 years; eligible for retirement at 22 years of service or age 55, whichever comes first
DROP plan available for up to eight years at 22 years of service or age 55
Employee Health & Wellness Center with on-site health clinic services
Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual: 162 hours in the first year, 324 hours annually, plus an additional 24 hours for every five years of service
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Fire Inspector Incentive pay
Holiday Pay
Education reimbursement
Department Overview:
The Apopka Fire Department is an ISO Class One department operating from six fire stations with 126 shift personnel. The department prides itself on utilizing state-of-the-art equipment for fire and EMS services and has its own training facility with a four-story tower, burn rooms, and more.

City Information:
Apopka is the second-largest city in Orange County, Florida, encompassing an area slightly larger than 34 square miles with a population of 53,632.

Job Requirements:

Age: 18 years or older
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required
High School Grad/GED: High school diploma or equivalent as recognized by the State of Florida Department of Education
Driver's License: Valid Florida Driver's License
Language: Effective communication in English
Necessary Certifications:

State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance
State of Florida Paramedic or EMT License
BLS and/or ACLS Certification
EVOC (16 Hour)
EMT candidates must obtain a Florida Paramedic certification within three years of hire
Hiring Process:

Complete the CPAT through the National Testing Network.
Apply for the Firefighter position on the City of Apopka website.
Firefighter First Class Job Overview: This position involves specialized work in Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Prevention. Responsibilities include extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals from danger, and providing medical aid. The role requires the ability to take initiative and make decisions under the guidance of a supervisor. The position operates under direct supervision but may require independent action consistent with established guidelines.

Job Duties:

Respond to emergency calls and alarms
Enter burning buildings and hazardous environments to extinguish fires and perform rescues
Operate fire hoses, hydrants, and other equipment
Conduct salvage and overhaul operations to prevent further damage after extinguishing fires
Participate in training, station and equipment maintenance, public education, and fire prevention activities
Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent certification
Valid State of Florida driver's license, Class D
Florida Fire Standards and Training certification
Current State of Florida Paramedic or EMT license
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Understanding of municipal street systems and geography
Ability to follow instructions and react quickly in emergencies
Basic knowledge of fire suppression and emergency medical practices
Physical Demands:

Frequently required to carry and operate heavy equipment and perform physically demanding tasks
Exposure to various environmental hazards including fire, smoke, and extreme temperatures
Environmental Conditions:

Indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and explosive situations.