Department:

Emergency Services

About Our Job

The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) employs highly motivated emergency services public servants to protect the citizens of beautiful Sarasota County. Opportunities within the department include marine operations, ladder operations, special operations, EMS bike team membership, honor guard membership, public education, special events, committees, fire and EMS training, and leadership opportunities.

SCFD responds to nearly 70,000 calls for service annually and serves a population of 335,539 residents, with more than a 20% increase during the season. Our service area includes urban and rural areas distributed across 472 square miles.

SCFD is an all-hazards, ALS transport agency that currently operates out of 25 fire station locations. Our highly trained personnel provide advanced patient care and transport to 10 resource hospitals, including one level II trauma center.
Apply to join our fire department and become one of the 500+ SCFD firefighters/EMTs and firefighters/paramedics proud to serve the residents and visitors of Sarasota County.

Application Process:

Applicants MUST complete the following to be considered for employment with the Sarasota County Fire Department:

• Candidates must complete an application with the National Testing Network (NTN). Please direct all questions regarding the NTN application and testing process to National Testing Network Customer Support.
• Candidates must share their current passing FireTEAM and CPAT test results with the Sarasota County Fire Department via the NTN website.
• Candidates must complete a Sarasota County application for employment in full.
• Candidates will be required to submit copies of their current and valid
  • State of Florida EMT and/or Paramedic license
  • State of Florida Firefighter Compliance certification

• Failure to complete any of the application process steps above could disqualify a candidate from consideration during this round of hiring.
• If you are a current or former Firefighter who works or worked for another Florida agency, a Public Records Request of your personnel file will be submitted.
• This position has been identified by Sarasota County Government as one that will require a pre-employment drug screen as part of the selection process. An applicant must successfully pass this test prior to the start of employment. External applicants who fail will be disqualified from employment with the County for a period of five (5) years. Internal applicants will be subject to the County’s policies and procedures on positive drug tests.

DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

(We will notify those who are invited to advance to the Panel Interviews)

Panel Interviews: Tuesday, 8/26/2025 – Thursday, 8/28/2025

Job Offer & Uniform Sizing: TBD

Start Date: 10/27/2025 (FY'26)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No minimum experience required.
• Must be able to meet the eligibility requirements of the Firefighter/EMS Apprenticeship programs as approved and recognized by the State of Florida’s Department of Labor.
• Must possess a current and valid Minimum Standards Certification, as issued by the Bureau of Fire Standards.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician License (EMT) or State of Florida Paramedic License.
• Must possess a current and valid State of Florida drivers license (or obtain within 30-days of hire).
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and annual National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1582 comprehensive physical, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
• Must meet all the requirements of Chapter 633.412 F.S.

Employees hired as a Firefighter shall be required to either be or become dual certified as a Firefighter/Paramedic as a condition of their employment within three (3) years of hire. Obtainment of a State of Florida paramedic license will be during off-duty hours but will be eligible for payment of education expenses in accordance with the current collective bargaining agreement.

Essential Job Duties:

• Responds to medical and trauma emergencies using up-to-date techniques in Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support.
• Responds to Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials, Rescue and Extrication incidents.
• Reports as ess