Fire Department · Career
East Manatee Fire Rescue District
Bradenton, FL · Manatee County
Protects more than 100,000 residents across 346 square miles with about 41 firefighters per shift, 9 engine companies, 2 ladder trucks, and more than 70 vehicles and apparatus in total; grew substantially through the October 2021 merger with Myakka City F
No active openings right now
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Department careers page ↗East Manatee Fire Rescue District traces its origins to 1978, when residents east of the Braden River organized to bring dedicated fire protection to the area. The Florida Legislature officially created the Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District in 1980 as a 100-square-mile taxing district, operating early on out of a leased pole barn known as "The Tin House." The district hired its first full-time fire chief, Henry Sheffield, in 1983, transitioned to paid 24-hour shift staffing through the late 1980s and early 1990s, and grew from one station to four between 1997 and 2002. In 2005 the district was renamed East Manatee Fire Rescue District under legislation signed by Governor Jeb Bush.
The district expanded significantly in the following decades, opening Station 7 (dedicated to former Chief Henry Sheffield) in 2020 and Station 8 in 2021, then consolidating with Myakka City Fire Control District on October 1, 2021 -- adding roughly 230 square miles, two stations, and ten personnel. A hurricane-resilient rebuild of Station 11 in Myakka City was completed in 2024, and a new Station 9 in northeast Lakewood Ranch is planned. Today the consolidated district covers about 346 square miles and protects over 100,000 residents with roughly 152 employees, including about 129 firefighters (around 41 per shift), running 9 engine companies, 2 ladder trucks, and more than 70 vehicles and apparatus in total out of 10 stations, with an 11th under construction.
Since 2017 department leadership has focused on three priorities: upgrading facilities and equipment, developing personnel, and improving the level of service delivered to residents, citing gains in technology, professionalism, and response times. All East Manatee firefighters are cross-trained as Florida-registered EMTs or paramedics, providing an integrated fire-EMS response model across the district.
East Manatee Fire Rescue District's most recent posting was for Rookie Firefighter, with an application window of May 4 through October 7, 2026 (in-person drop-off accepted October 6-7, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at 3200 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard). Applicants must already hold Florida EMT/paramedic and Florida Firefighter II certification -- there is no in-house recruit academy referenced for this posting.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Florida driver's license
- Current Florida EMT certification (or paramedic, if applicable)
- Florida Firefighter II certification
- Current BLS CPR card
- New employees must sign an affidavit agreeing to abstain from tobacco and tobacco-like products during employment
Hiring process
- Complete the Employment Application form
- Gather all required documentation and certifications
- Submit application by email (Admin@emfr.org) or in person
- Applications are reviewed for completeness
- Accepted applicants are notified about testing procedures
- Written exam administered on a scheduled date
Benefits
Position is covered by the Florida Retirement System; a detailed benefits package document is provided with the job posting.
What is East Manatee Fire Rescue District's current job opening?
The district's current posting is for Rookie Firefighter, with an application window of May 4 through October 7, 2026.
What are the minimum requirements to apply as a firefighter?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid Florida driver's license, current Florida EMT (or paramedic) certification, Florida Firefighter II certification, and a current BLS CPR card.
How many stations does East Manatee Fire Rescue District operate?
The district operates 10 stations across 346 square miles, with an 11th station under construction.
When was East Manatee Fire Rescue District founded?
Its origins trace to 1978, and the Florida Legislature officially created it as the Braden River Fire Control and Rescue District in 1980; it was renamed East Manatee Fire Rescue District in 2005.
Is tobacco use allowed for new hires?
No -- new employees must sign an affidavit committing to abstain from tobacco and tobacco-like products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine products, during employment.