How to get hired at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue hires already-certified Firefighter EMTs and Paramedics, not untrained recruits. Applicants need a Florida firefighter certificate, Florida EMT or paramedic certification, a recent IAFF CPAT and a 16-hour EVOC. Applications are accepted only online at pbcgov.jobs while a listing is active, typically every 1 to 2 years. Candidates can submit a Recruiting Interest Card to be notified.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- Age 18 or older src
- High school diploma or equivalent src
- Valid Florida Class E driver's license src
- Current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance src
- Current Florida EMT or Paramedic certification (NREMT alone not accepted) src
- IAFF-sanctioned CPAT passed within 1 year of the listing closing date and again before hire src
- Completed 16-hour Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) with classroom and practical parts src
- No tobacco use for at least 1 year before applying or during employment src
- Required certifications must be uploaded with the application or the applicant is disqualified src
Certifications
- EMT: required at application
- Firefighter I/II: required
Source: official page
Tests
- CPAT (physical): IAFF-sanctioned only; must be within 1 year of the listing close and again before hire src
Hiring process
- Submit Recruiting Interest Card
- Apply online at pbcgov.jobs during an active listing, with certifications attached
Source: official page
Starting pay
Starting $60,650/yr (Firefighter EMT/Paramedic), subject to change src
Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in Florida.