Fire Department · Career
Clay County Department of Public Safety - Fire Rescue
Green Cove Springs, FL · Clay County
“Building careers, leaders, and the future of public safety.”
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Department careers page ↗Clay County Fire Rescue is the fire and emergency medical arm of the Clay County Department of Public Safety in northeast Florida, headquartered in Green Cove Springs southwest of Jacksonville. It is a full-service, all-hazards agency delivering fire suppression, emergency medical care, fire prevention, and life-safety services.
The department serves a growing community of more than 225,000 residents spread across a mix of urban, suburban, rural, and waterfront areas, including Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, and Keystone Heights. It operates from 14 fire stations, with new facilities such as Station 20 in Green Cove Springs added in 2025 to keep pace with growth.
As part of a Department of Public Safety that spans roughly 300 sworn and civilian personnel across Operations, Administrative Services, and Public Safety Administration, Fire Rescue is a career-based organization backed by volunteer support. The agency emphasizes professionalism, innovation, and a people-first culture, including a robust personal mental-wellness program with peer support and confidential professional resources.
Clay County Fire Rescue actively recruits motivated Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics who want to serve a fast-growing community. Candidates apply through Clay County's county jobs portal and test through the National Testing Network. Applicants must hold State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards certification and be certified by the Florida Department of Health as an EMT or Paramedic before hire.
The department is a drug-free workplace: a pre-employment drug screen and a criminal-history background investigation (per Florida Statute 112.011) are conducted prior to hire. An entry-level Public Safety Cadet track is also offered for those building toward certification.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old by date of employment
- Graduation from an accredited high school or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED)
- State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Certification
- Certified by the State of Florida Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic
- Valid and appropriate State of Florida Class E Driver's License
- Must complete a certified EVOC (emergency vehicle operations) program as required by law
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen (drug-free workplace)
- Pass a criminal-history background investigation (per Florida Statute 112.011)
Hiring process
- Apply through Clay County's county jobs / careers portal
- Complete testing through the National Testing Network (NTN)
- Criminal-history background investigation
- Pre-employment drug screen
Benefits
Benefits include the Florida Retirement System (FRS); medical coverage through Florida Blue with a choice of three Preferred Provider Option (PPO) plans for employees and eligible dependents; life insurance; long-term disability; and paid leave. The department also maintains a robust mental-wellness program with peer support and confidential professional resources. Certification and assignment incentives are available, including Florida Paramedic certification ($385 per pay period) and Special Operations/HazMat, Honor Guard, Fire Safety Inspector, and Incident Safety Officer pay ($31 per pay period each).
What certifications do I need to be hired as a firefighter?
You must hold State of Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Certification and be certified by the Florida Department of Health as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. You also need a valid Florida Class E driver's license and must complete a certified EVOC program.
What schedule do firefighters work?
Line personnel work a shift schedule of 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off (24/48).
How do I apply?
Apply through Clay County's county jobs / careers portal for the Firefighter-EMT or Paramedic position, and complete testing through the National Testing Network (NTN).
Is there a way in if I'm not yet certified?
Yes. Clay County offers an entry-level Public Safety Cadet position (about $15/hour, ~$31,200/year with benefits) as a pathway for those working toward firefighter and EMS certification.
What extra pay or incentives are available?
Certification and assignment incentives include Florida Paramedic certification at $385 per pay period, plus $31 per pay period each for Special Operations/HazMat, Honor Guard, Fire Safety Inspector, and Incident Safety Officer roles.
What is the pre-employment process?
Clay County is a drug-free workplace. Before hire you must pass a pre-employment drug screen and a criminal-history background investigation conducted under Florida Statute 112.011.