Firefighter

Before applying please review the firefighter requirements under the log in section of the job opportunities web page. Failure to comply fully with the requirements will result in the applicant's disqualification.

Under close supervision, performs fire suppression and fire prevention duties to protect life and property; provides emergency rescue and basic medical treatment as required; utilizes various tools and power equipment in rescue operations; maintains department equipment; vehicles and facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

In order to participate in the process for Firefighter candidates must meet and upload the following requirements:

• Required to meet all qualifications in the Florida State Statue Number 633.34, "Firefighter; Qualifications for employment."
• High School diploma or GED. Education will be verified using the "Education Requirements" listed below.
• Valid State of Florida Driver's License - Valid driver's license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized upon application; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida driver's license on hire date.
• Must possess and maintain State of Florida Certification for Firefighter and EMT OR be enrolled in an accredited Fire/EMT program. MUST provide state certification by June 26, 2026 or you will be eliminated from the process. National Registry will not be accepted.
• Must have successfully completed the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test IAFF/IAFC National Standard) within six (6) months of application closing date. Must be between November 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026.
• Must possess and maintain valid Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card at the Health Care Provider level.
• Must possess and maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card (Paramedic Only).
• Must have documentation attesting to successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course(EVOC), or reasonable equivalent as approved by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services by June 26, 2026.
• IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System, IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction and IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction are required by June 26, 2026. Link to online training: https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx
• Completed City of West Palm Beach Firefighter Supplemental Application Part 2.
• Required documents uploaded to your iRecruitment account.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to meet Departmental physical standards.
• Must successfully pass the City of West Palm Beach Fire Department swim test.
• Have a stable work history free of repeated disciplinary actions, suspensions, terminations and resignations.
• Have not been dishonorable discharged from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Have not been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or reckless driving in the preceding five (5) year period in Florida or any other state.
• Have not had a Driver's License suspension under the point system in the past five (5) years, as provided in the Florida Statute, Chapter 322.
• Have not been convicted of three (3) moving violations in the preceding 36 months in Florida or any other state.
• Have not had more than one DUI (conviction or adjudication withheld) in Florida or any other state within the past ten (10) years. Refusal to submit to a sobriety test will be considered a DUI.
• All required certifications listed above and any other certifications, which may be required by the State of Florida or the City of West Palm Beach, must be maintained throughout term of employment to retain this classification.
• Body art is defined as tattoos, branding or body piercings. No visible body art shall be visible beyond the confines of the Class A or B uniform. Long sleeve T-shirts and/or dress shirts shall be worn on duty to satisfy this requirement. Body art on any area of the hands, fingers, neck, face or head are not permitted. The intent is to not have any visible body art while in a Class “A” or Class “B” uniform while representing the City or Department in an official capacity.
• Visible body piercing ornaments of any kind are not permitted.
• All employees hired after October 1, 1998 shall comply with Florida Statute 112 regarding tobacco products and during their term of employment shall remain tobacco free.
• Have not failed the background, psychological evaluation or post offer physical, drug and alcohol screening within one year from failure date.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in potentially hostile and/or unsafe work environments. Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of standing, reaching, lifting arms above shoulder level, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, working at heights, sitting, talking, hearing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus, and/or pulling or extremely heaving objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of a rescue operation or removing or pulling hose in training or on an emergency scene. When performing fire services and/or rescue operations, tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to occupational health hazards including, but not limited to, fire, extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, dryness, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, fumes, gases, odors, erratic or unpredictable human behavior, weapons, and explosives. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property. Personal protective equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment including, but not limited to, various types of containment suits, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment (SCBA), powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and safety gear.

CREDENTIALS REQUIRED: All applicants must upload and attach copies of current valid certifications, diplomas, and other supporting credentials as stated in the "QUALIFICATIONS" section of this announcement and complete an on-line employment application with a supplemental application packet. Do not submit additional certifications and licenses, only those that are required.

• a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or
• an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or
• an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidates must successfully complete multiple steps in the selection process. The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, swim test, CPAT(Candidate Physical Ability Test), practical scenario, structured oral interview, background investigation, psychological evaluation, polygraph, medical examination, or other assessment method.

HIRING PROCESS:

• On-line Application Process - Closing date is May 1, 2026
• Written Examination/Swim Test - Based on the Essentials of Firefighting 8th Edition and Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 12th Edition. You will be notified by e-mail if you meet the minimum qualifications to take the written and swim tests, which are scheduled for May 19, 2026. The swim test will consist of three events: surface dive and recover a 5-pound object from the bottom of pool; 50-yard non-stop swim with long pants on; and tread water for 5 minutes.
• Structured Oral Interview and Practical Scenario/Physical Agility Examination - Week of June 8, 2026. You will be notified by e-mail with your date and time to report to the Oral Interview and Practical Scenario/Physical Agility Examination.
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Medical Examination
• Final Offer of Employment
• Firefighter Orientation