Firefighter Cadet Program

Job Posting End Date - Applications will no longer be accepted starting

08-06-2025

Job Summary

DESCRIPTION:

STARTING SALARY is $22.00 per hour while attending training certification courses (Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate Course and the Firefighter Minimum Standards Training Course at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida). After successful completion of training courses and upon transition to the position of Probationary Firefighter, the starting salary is $59,462 per year.

NATURE OF WORK:
This position is intended for individuals who do NOT possess Florida Firefighter Certification. DO NOT APPLY for this position if you currently possess Florida Firefighter Certification. This is a program where those selected will initially be hired as Temporary/Seasonal employees and will be paid by the City of Orlando-Orlando Fire Department to attend an EMT Certificate Course at Valencia College, then attend the Firefighter Minimum Standards Training Course at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. Upon successful completion of both training courses and any related certification exams, the individual will transition into the role of a Probationary Firefighter at the Orlando Fire Department. Costs related to tuition and materials will be paid for by the City of Orlando-Orlando Fire Department. The EMT Certificate Course will begin approximately January 2025 . The Firefighter Minimum Standards Training Course will take place after the EMT Certificate Course.

While attending the training certification courses at Valencia, individuals are expected to attend 40 hours of class weekly. There is a very strict attendance policy while attending the training certification courses. Candidates are expected to have no other employers other than the City of Orlando-Orlando Fire Department while attending the training certification courses (i.e., no second jobs).

General job functions include; (1) Firefighting - Emergency; (2) Firefighting - Non-Emergency; (3) Emergency Medical Services; (4) Work Related Activities. Upon transition to the Probationary Firefighter role, the position will be located in the Field Operations Bureau of the Orlando Fire Department and is under the general supervision of the Company Commander. Firefighters will perform individually and/or as a member of a firefighting team and will participate in fire suppression activities including firefighting, rescue, first aid, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, overhaul, and inspection practices.

THE CITY OF ORLANDO is looking for highly motivated, professional individuals who are seeking a long-term career in fire/rescue. The City of Orlando Fire Department (OFD) provides the community a full range of fire suppression, emergency medical service, hazardous materials management, dive rescue, high angle/below grade tactical rescue, and airport rescue services. The OFD also offers fire prevention/inspection services, city-wide disaster planning and coordination, and public education. The department answers more than 60,000 alarms each year and operates eighteen engines, eight tower-ladder trucks, eleven rescues, one heavy rescue and multiple other specialized units (dive, hazmat, arson/bomb, etc.).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates must be a US Citizen, be at least 18 years of age, and must be a high school graduate or the equivalent. Candidates MUST NOT possess Florida Firefighter Certification. Candidates must not have used any tobacco products from one year from date of application and must not use tobacco products through completion of all courses. Additional hiring requirements related to past employment, drug use, driving history, and criminal conduct are listed below. Candidates who possess EMT or paramedic certification may apply, however, these certifications are unnecessary to be considered for this program.

HIRING PROCESS :

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
After applying, certain candidates will be selected for an interview. After the interview, certain individuals will be selected for additional testing. This testing includes the following: FireTEAM Exam, and CPAT (physical abilities test) and the Public Safety Self-Assessment (PSSA) Part 1 through the National Testing Network (NTN). For these select individuals, the City of Orlando-Orlando Fire Department will pay for one administration of the FireTEAM Exam, one CPAT Exam, and one CPAT Practice Exam. There are no fees associated with the PSSA Part 1. Individuals selected for additional testing will be contacted by Human Resources as to how the City of Orlando will provide payments for costs associated with NTN testing and how to proceed with the testing process.

If you have already completed FireTEAM and CPAT, your results must have been completed within twelve months of the date of application. Those candidates who have previously passed FireTEAM and or CPAT with NTN within twelve months from the date you submit your Firefighter Cadet Program application, please contact Human Resources at 407.246.3286.

CPAT results from testing centers other than NTN will be accepted. If candidates have passed the CPAT exam via another entity other than NTN, you must upload documentation of your passing status to your online application.

The Orlando Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of firefighter through National Testing Network, Inc.

What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website:

• Detailed information about the testing process for both the entry level test and CPAT testing.
• Opportunity to take online practice tests at www.fireteamtest.com
• Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.
• National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing and CPAT testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the Orlando Fire Department’s responsibility and decision making in the testing process.
  
  Certain candidates will be selected for additional screening. In addition to the information listed above, selected candidates must also successfully complete polygraph exams, a background check, psychological exam and a medical exam.
  
  BENEFIT INFORMATION: Note-certain benefits listed below such as the Pension Plan will not be eligible, until transition to the Probationary Firefighter position. Most benefits are eligible after 30 days of employment.

INSURANCE: Life and health insurance available at 95% cost coverage for employee. Optional dental and vision insurance also available. Dependent coverage is available.

VACATION: Start to 2 years, 130 hours per year; 2 to 8 years, 156 hours; 8 to 18 years, 206 hours; 18 years to retirement, 250 hours per year.

HOLIDAYS: Twelve paid holidays. Shift personnel receive twelve hours of straight time pay for each holiday.

HOURS: 24 hours on, 48 hours off. 48-hour work week, additional 24 hours off (Kelly Day) each 8th working day plus two regular days off.

COLLEGE: 100% reimbursement of educational expenses including tuition and required books up to $1,800 per year.

EDUCATION INCIENTIVE: Additional money paid for college degree in Fire or EMS related field. AS, $50 per month; BS or higher, $110 per month.

PENSION: Retire at 68% of salary for 20 years of service or 85% of salary for 25 years of service. A 5% cost of living increase is provided every 3 years to those who retire with at least 20 years of service. A 5 year forward or back DROP is available.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP):

LONGEVITY: Annual longevity payment based on years of service: 5 to 10 years, $600; 10 to 15 years, $1100; 15 to 20 years, $1,600; 20 to 22 years, $2,000; 22 years or more, $2,300.

THIS IS A PART_TIME_POSITION WITH NO GUARANTEE OF A CERTAIN NUMBER OF HOURS AND NO BENEFITS. THIS POSITION INVOLVES WORKING ON A TEMP/SEASONAL CONTRACT WHICH CAN BE RENEWED ANNUALLY BASED ON PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS NEEED.

Important: To be eligible to proceed forward in the application process, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the position description. Please ensure your application provides details of all relevant experience related to the position. If you have questions or need clarification concerning the position or application process, please contact Human Resources at jobs@orlando.gov or 407.246.2062.

If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows:

• Two (2) years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• Four (4) years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
• Six (6) years of direct experience for a master's degree; or
• Nine (9) years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.

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• City of Orlando

• 407-246-2062

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