Fire Department · Career
Broward Sheriff's Office Department Of Fire Rescue
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Broward County
more than 700 personnel serving most of unincorporated Broward County plus 8 contract cities
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗The Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) is the fire and EMS division of the Broward Sheriff's Office. With more than 700 operations, support and administrative personnel, it provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and public education programs across most of unincorporated Broward County.
Through contract agreements the department also serves the municipalities of Weston, Pembroke Park, Cooper City, Lauderdale Lakes, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, West Park and Hallandale Beach, and it protects Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
Operating from roughly two dozen fire stations plus training, fleet and logistics facilities, the department runs countywide specialty teams including Hazardous Materials, Air Rescue, Everglades Rescue and Technical Rescue. The Technical Rescue Team responds from Station 32 to any municipality or district in the county requesting its regional service.
Hiring is handled through the Broward Sheriff's Office career portal (NEOGOV/GovernmentJobs), where candidates register an account, build a profile and apply to posted Fire Rescue positions such as Certified Firefighter/Paramedic. Applicants must already hold their State of Florida certifications, so the department effectively hires certified and lateral firefighter/paramedics rather than uncertified trainees.
Qualified applicants move through an extensive multi-step screening process that runs roughly 10 to 12 weeks. Questions can be directed to the Recruitment Unit at recruitmentunit@sheriff.org. BSO also runs a Reserve Firefighter Program, Fire Rescue Cadets, and an academic internship program as pipelines into the department.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Current State of Florida Firefighter II certificate at time of application
- Current State of Florida Paramedic license
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) completed within 1 year of application (via National Testing Network)
- Swim test (Broward College or Fire Academy)
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification (American Heart Association)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (American Heart Association)
- PALS or PEPP certification (preferred)
- Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
- Valid Florida driver's license and certified DMV driving history from all states held within the last 10 years
- Court dispositions for any prior arrests; DD214 if claiming veteran's preference
Hiring process
- Register and apply through the BSO career portal
- Evaluation of training and experience
- Written test
- Computer-based test
- Interview
- Polygraph examination
- Psychological evaluation
- Employment record, fingerprint and background check
- Medical examination
- Drug screen
Applicants must already hold State of Florida Firefighter II certification and Paramedic license; the department hires certified firefighter/paramedics rather than uncertified trainees.
What certifications do I need to become a firefighter with BSO Fire Rescue?
For the Certified Firefighter/Paramedic role you must hold a current State of Florida Firefighter II certificate and a State of Florida Paramedic license at the time of application, plus BLS and ACLS certifications, a CPAT completed within the past year, EVOC, and a swim test.
Does BSO hire uncertified recruits or only certified firefighters?
Posted positions require applicants to already hold Florida Firefighter II and Paramedic certifications, so BSO hires certified and lateral firefighter/paramedics. BSO also runs a Reserve Firefighter Program, Fire Rescue Cadets, and internship programs as separate pipelines.
How much does a firefighter/paramedic earn at BSO?
A recent Certified Firefighter/Paramedic posting listed a base salary of $53,119.97 per year, rising to $59,759.96 with a 12.5% supplement.
What is the hiring process like?
Qualified applicants go through an extensive selection process that may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written test, a computer-based test, an interview, a polygraph, a psychological evaluation, a background/fingerprint check, a medical exam and a drug screen. It typically runs about 10 to 12 weeks.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the Broward Sheriff's Office career portal (governmentjobs.com/careers/browardsheriff): create an account, complete your profile, and apply to posted Fire Rescue positions. Questions can be emailed to the Recruitment Unit at recruitmentunit@sheriff.org.
Are lateral (already-certified) applicants accepted?
Yes. Because postings require current Florida Firefighter II and Paramedic certifications, already-certified and lateral applicants are exactly who the department is recruiting.