What are the responsibilities and job description for the Firefighter Cadet (Sponsorship for EMT & Fire Academies) position at Osceola County?
Starting Salary: $17.27 per hour
After Meeting All Firefighter Requirements: $50,494.08 Annually
After Meeting All Firefighter Requirements: $50,494.08 Annually
Annual Paramedic Incentive $10,500 after precepting
Academy Dates:
- EMT Program: May 11, 2026 – August 2, 2026
- Fire Academy: August 17, 2026 – November 10, 2026
(1) Be a high school graduate or the equivalent, as the term may be determined by the division, and at least 18 years of age.
(2) Neither have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, nor have pled nolo contendere to any charge of a felony. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony, such applicant must be in compliance with s.112.011(2)(b). If an applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor directly related to the position of employment sought, such applicant shall be excluded from employment for a period of 4 years after expiration of sentence. If the sentence is suspended or adjudication is withheld in a felony charge or in a misdemeanor directly related to the position or employment sought and a period of probation is imposed, the applicant must have been released from probation.
(3) Submit a fingerprint card to the division with a current processing fee. The fingerprint card will be forwarded to the Department of Law Enforcement and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(4) Have a good moral character as determined by investigation under procedure established by the division.
(5) Be in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination given by a physician, surgeon, or physician assistant licensed to practice in the state pursuant to chapter 458; an osteopathic physician, surgeon, or physician assistant licensed to practice in the state pursuant to chapter 459; or an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed to practice in the state pursuant to chapter 464. Such examination may include, but need not be limited to, provisions of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1582. A medical examination evidencing good physical condition shall be submitted to the division, on a form as provided by rule, before an individual is eligible for admission into a firefighter training program as defined in s.633.35.
(6) Be a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least 1 year immediately preceding application, as evidenced by the sworn affidavit of the applicant.
Pursuant to Florida 401.27 Personnel; standards and certification:
1. For an emergency medical technician, an emergency medical technician training program approved by the department as equivalent to the most recent EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum or the National EMS Education Standards of the United States Department of Transportation:
(b) Certify under oath that he or she is not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance;
(c) Certify under oath that he or she is free from any physical or mental defect or disease that might impair the applicant’s ability to perform his or her duties.
NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED
General Duties of the Firefighter Cadet Position:
To perform responsible protective service work in fire suppression and technical work in providing emergency medical services.
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
- Responds to alarms with fire company.
- Lays and connects hose and directs fog or water stream.
- Raises and climbs ladders.
- Uses extinguishers, bars, hooks, line, and other equipment. Makes forcible entry into buildings.
- Opens walls and other structures which are impeding the effective fighting of the fire.
- Assists in rescuing people from burning buildings.
- Renders first aid when needed.
- Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
- Performs overhaul work as needed at all fire and rescue scenes.
- Receives fire alarms by telephone, radio or industrial alarm systems, and other emergency calls.
- Drives and operates rescues, tankers less than 2,000 gallons, brush trucks, brush tankers, support vehicles and administrative vehicles. When operating the pump, the requirement will be only to the level of a Firefighter and not to the level of operation of an Engineer, unless qualified to Ride Out of Grade (ROG).
- Watches condition of motor and unit during operation and makes necessary adjustments.
- Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire apparatus, equipment, station and grounds.
- Makes minor repairs to buildings and equipment.
- Washes, hangs and dries hose.
- Washes, cleans, repairs, polishes, and performs tests on apparatus and other equipment.
- Operates emergency medical vehicles responding to accident or critical illness emergencies.
- Assists in determining the extent of the illness or injury.
- Assists Paramedics in the treatment of ill or injured persons.
- Assists in extrication, stabilization, and loading of patients.
- Assists with unloading and transferring patients.
- Attends company drills and scheduled in-service training exercises.
- Participates as required in all drills and training sessions.
- Keeps current and up to date in all phases of job responsibilities through seminars and courses.
- Conducts commercial fire prevention inspections and residential inspections under the supervision of a certified fire inspector.
Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
Certifications/Licenses:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Class E Florida Driver License.
Other Requirements:
Must obtain/complete the following upon hire:
- EMT Certificate Program;
- Minimum Fire Standards Training;
- Florida Minimum Standards Firefighting Certification;
- 16 Hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course approved by the State of Florida;
- Florida EMT or Florida Paramedic License;
- Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association;
- Any other program requirements.
- Knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures.
- Knowledge of fire prevention and pre-planning strategies and techniques.
- Knowledge of first aid methods and emergency medical techniques and procedures.
- Knowledge of the street system and geography of the County.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
- Ability to perform prolonged work under adverse conditions.
- Ability to learn a variety of firefighting duties and methods within a reasonable training period.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn and operate relatively complex equipment.
- Requires manipulative skills, dexterity and hand-eye coordination in the operation of fire and emergency apparatus, tools, trucks, equipment and vehicles.
Physical Demand Requirements
Physical Demand: Very Heavy
- 100 pounds lifting.
- Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
- Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
- Good eye sight for production or safety of self and others.
- Requires physical agility in climbing, kneeling, bending, stooping, crawling, and reaching.
- Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.
Environmental Factors:
- Requires exposure to extreme heat and adverse or hazardous atmospheres, as well as adverse weather conditions.
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