Job Description
PALM HARBOR FIRE RESCUE
250 WEST LAKE RD.
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA 34684
(727)784-0454
Updated: March 11, 2025
***Please submit your application through the link provided (where more information and links are included), to be considered for this position.***
***IMPORTANT DATES***
Closing date will be Monday, March 31, 2025.
Classification: Firefighter/Paramedic
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue is accepting applications for State of Florida Certified Firefighter/ Paramedic positions. Current members of the North Pinellas Fire Cadet Program who meet the minimum qualifications are also encouraged to apply.
*Veterans' Preference: PHFR provides preference in initial appointments to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans (DD-214 up-load required)
Salary Information: Paramedic $66,282 Annually per the IAFF Union Contract (Top out after 10 years $97,641)
Benefit Package Includes:
· 100% Employee Health Care Coverage paid by the department.
· 90% Dependent Health Care Coverage paid by the department.
· PHSFCD Pension: 4% multiplier with a 7.6% employee contribution. Twenty-five years of service or age 55.
· Employee-funded tax-deferred 457 plan.
· Health Savings Account (HSA) funded by the department with additional funding options.
· Post-Employment Health Plan (PEHP): Department Annual contribution with additional conversion opportunities
· 24/48 work schedule with a Kelly Day.
· 144 hours of Vacation Leave up to 304 hours based on years of service.
· 1 Floating holiday per year
· 12 paid holidays per year (24 hours pay if a holiday is worked)
· Tuition Reimbursement plan
· AFLAC
· Annual physicals at no cost to the employee
· Employee Fitness and Wellness Initiative
· Sick Leave: Earn 144 hours per year, sick leave incentives available.
· Education Leave 72 hours annually.
Educational Incentives Per Labor Agreement:
· Florida Fire Officer I: $75.00/month (only one)
· Florida Fire Officer II: $75.00/month (only one)
· Florida Fire Inspector: $75.00/month
· Florida Fire Instructor (one only): $50.00/month
· Florida Fire Investigator: $75.00/month
· Florida Apparatus Pump Operator: $50.00/month
· Car Seat Technician (2 per shift max) $50/month
· Cadet Advisor (max of 6) * $50/month
· Hazmat Team $50/month
· Hazmat Team Drone Operator $25/month
· Managing Fire Officer Certification through the National Fire Academy $75/month
Other Insurance:
· $75,000 Accident and Specified Sickness/Disease Coverage
· $20,000 AD&D (on and off duty)
· $15,000 Life, doubles for accidental death (on and off duty)
· Long Term Disability
· $25,000 Firefighter Cancer Bill/ $75,000 Cancer Death Benefit after five years of service as a firefighter
Department Information: Palm Harbor Fire Rescue (PHFR) is a full-service organization committed to reducing community risk and protecting our citizens. We are a four-station department with a hazardous materials response, marine rescue response, and an ALS service utilizing ALS engines and a non-transport rescue unit. Palm Harbor Firefighters work a 24/48 shift schedule with an additional Kelly day. Palm Harbor is an unincorporated district in Pinellas County governed by its board of Fire Commissioners. Established in 1956 as a volunteer organization, it was originally known as the Ozona, Palm Harbor Crystal Beach (OCP) Fire Department. Rich in history and small-town community life, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue continues to be a leader in cultivating top firefighter employment.
Position Description
Full-time general firefighting and rescue work combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires and conducting advanced and basic emergency medical services. Firefighters perform firefighting and emergency medical response activities of a difficult and responsible nature under the general supervision of a Fire Lieutenant or higher-level supervisor. Work involves providing rescue services and the protection of life through firefighting, fire prevention, public education, first aid, and prompt paramedical services.
Minimum Qualifications
Age: 18
Citizenship Required: Lawfully work in the United States
High School Grad/GED: Required
Valid FLORIDA State Driver's License: Possession of a valid class "E" Driver's License
Ability to read/speak English: Required
Vision: Vision correctable to 20/40 or better in both eyes
Academy Certifications: Current State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate and Current State of Florida Paramedic Certificate
Tobacco Policy: Palm Harbor Fire Rescue is a Drug-Free Workplace, EOE, and requires that new employees be non-users of tobacco.
Must Clear CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Service)
Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: No record of a conviction of a felony or a conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
Additional Disqualifiers:
· Applicants must not have used any form of tobacco products for one year before the State of Florida Firefighter certification date.
· Able to meet and maintain departmental requirements of health, physical, and mental condition.
Job Requirements
Function: Performs basic life support initially on his/her own at the scene of an emergency. Performs advanced life support functions under the direction of a licensed physician. Works as a member of a team in search and rescue operations at the scene of a fire. Works as a member of a combat team in the prevention of fire damage and protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires. Work is reviewed by observation, quality improvement processes, and review of methods used.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Responds to fire alarms with fire company; enters burning building with hose lines; operates hose lines and applies a stream of water on fires; operates hand fire extinguishers and similar equipment in extinguishing fires; raises, lowers, and climbs ladders; ventilates burning buildings to carry off smoke and gases; removes and rescues persons from danger; answers emergency alarms; performs salvage operations such as placing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris.
· May be assigned as driver of a fire engine, a rescue truck, and related fire equipment and apparatus; responds to fire alarms and returns equipment to the station; operates pumps to maintain an adequate water volume and pressure.
· Performs maintenance of fire equipment; lubricates, refuels, and makes minor adjustments to fire apparatus and equipment; cleans and maintains station and grounds, makes a variety of minor repairs to the fire station, and performs a variety of manual tasks as assigned.
· Participates in company drills; attends instruction sessions in such subjects as firefighting methods, equipment operation, first aid, and street hydrant locations; may be assigned to perform fire prevention inspections.
· Performs advanced life support functions such as defibrillating a pulseless, non-breathing patient; administers intravenous electrolyte, and endotracheal intubation; performs esophageal intubation.
· Administers certain drugs as prescribed in standing orders or direct orders from a medical director or a medical doctor, subject to the provisions of EMS rules.
· Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to learn, after a period of schooling and training, a wide variety of firefighting duties and methods. Ability to learn, after a period of training, the inspection and operation of firefighting apparatus, equipment, and tools. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to readily acquire a knowledge of the street system and physical layout of Palm Harbor. Ability to complete a basic course of fire training prescribed. Some mechanical aptitude is required.
Job Profile:
Work Environment: 25% inside a climate-controlled building. 75% outside which may include driving.
Physical Requirements: The essential functions of the job require the ability to sit, stand, or walk for undetermined periods. The work requires frequent: bending/stooping, climbing, fine manipulations, grasping, pulling, pushing, reaching, and lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to 75 pounds, with crawling, kneeling, repetitive motion, and lifting/carrying of objects weighing 45 pounds and over. All employees must meet the NFPA 1582 medical/physical standards.
Must pass a psychological evaluation
Sensory Requirements: Hearing: Ability to understand what others are saying in normal conversation in person and on the telephone, and the proper equipment operation. Speaking: Professionally communicate orally with others in person and on the telephone. Seeing: Ability to see and read computer monitor screens, operate a vehicle, and read normal and fine print. In compliance with NFPA 1582 medical/physical standards.
Driving Requirements: The work requires frequent driving and possession of a valid Florida Class "E" Driver's License.
Office Machines: The work requires operating the following office machines: multi-line telephone, Fax, photocopier, printer, computer, radio, and calculator—software programs.
Other Machines: The work requires the ability to operate the following machines: fire apparatus, fire pumps, chainsaws, ventilation fans, lighting devices, and emergency medical equipment.
Tools: The work requires proficiency with the following tools: jaws of life, saws, ladders, ropes, jacks, EMS equipment, and pressure water hoses.
Job Requirements
Citizenship Required:
Yes
High School Grad / GED:
Yes
Driver's License:
Yes
Necessary Certifications:
State of Florida Certified Firefighter
State of Florida Certified Paramedic
Disqualifiers:
Felony
Overview of Position:
Full-time professional firefighter and medical practitioner whose general responsibilities include, but are not limited to, combating and extinguishing fires, rescue, first-aid, basic life support and advanced life support procedures as appropriate, protection of life and property, prevention of fire through enforcement of district, county, state and federal laws on fire prevention, and the maintenance of department equipment, apparatus, and properties.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 66,282.00 97,641.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Felony friendly, Shift work,