Fire Department · Combination
Indian River County Fire Rescue
Vero Beach, FL · Indian River County
Indian River County Fire Rescue is the countywide career fire and emergency medical service for Indian River County on Florida's Atlantic coast, headquartered in Vero Beach. The division delivers fire protection, emergency response, and lifesaving medical care across the community.
Alongside structural firefighting, the department runs a broad special-operations program that includes marine firefighting, dive rescue, airport (aircraft) firefighting and rescue, hazardous materials response, high-angle and rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, vehicle and machinery extrication, and structural collapse rescue.
The agency is also a transport EMS provider: its operations personnel are trained firefighters and paramedics/EMTs who assess, treat, stabilize, and transport patients at both basic and advanced life support levels to the appropriate hospital.
MissionOur mission is to prevent and suppress fires, educate and rescue citizens, provide emergency medical services, promote public safety and foster community relations.
Indian River County Fire Rescue hires dual-role Firefighter/Paramedics (and adjusted-scale EMTs, especially those enrolled in a paramedic program) who are already certified in Florida. Candidates apply through the county's online Job Application for Firefighter/Paramedic and must upload a complete set of required certifications and documents for the application to be considered.
The starting salary for a Firefighter/Paramedic is around $62,400 (EMTs start near $60,000), with substantial add-ons for holiday pay, a protocolled paramedic incentive, special-operations certifications, and a 14-step raise plan, plus Florida Retirement System membership.
Requirements
- Valid State of Florida Driver License
- High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (college degrees also accepted)
- Current valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance
- Current State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License
- Current State of Florida Paramedic License
- Current ACLS Certification
- EVOC/CEVO Certification (16 hours)
- Current CPR Certification
- FEMA certifications: IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800
- Signed and notarized Tobacco Affidavit
Hiring process
- Complete all parts of the Indian River County online Job Application for Firefighter/Paramedic
- Upload copies of all required documentation per the Firefighter/Paramedic Application Checklist (Florida licenses/certifications, FEMA certs, tobacco affidavit, etc.)
- Optionally include additional materials such as certifications, awards, and letters of recommendation
- Submit the completed application for review
Benefits
- Florida Retirement System (FRS)
- Medical, dental, vision, and additional deferred compensation plans
- $3,000+ added to base salary annually for holiday pay
- 4% cost-of-living increase effective October 2026
- $6,500-$7,000 protocolled paramedic incentive added to base salary
- 14-step raise pay plan
- Special Operations incentives for ARFF, Dive-Rescue, HazMat, and Technical Rescue
- Driver-Engineer and Rescue Sergeant career paths to Officer; Rescue Sergeant seat pay $2/hour
- Annual LifeScan physical and free employee health clinic
- Paid vacation and medical leave
Applicants must already hold a current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance plus EMT and Paramedic licenses; new hires can challenge a Protocolled Paramedic Apprenticeship during their first year of employment to receive an early incentive.
What positions does Indian River County Fire Rescue hire for?
The department hires dual-role Firefighter/Paramedics. EMT applicants, especially those registered in or attending a Paramedic Program, may also be considered at an adjusted pay scale.
What is the starting salary?
Firefighter/Paramedic starting salary is approximately $62,400 (before overtime, holiday pay, and incentives). EMTs start around $60,000. Additional pay includes $3,000+ in holiday pay, a $6,500-$7,000 protocolled paramedic incentive, and a 14-step raise plan, with a 4% cost-of-living increase effective October 2026.
What certifications do I need to apply?
You must already hold a valid Florida Driver License, a current Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, a Florida EMT License, a Florida Paramedic License, current ACLS and CPR certifications, EVOC/CEVO (16 hours), and FEMA IS 100/200/700/800, plus a high school diploma or equivalency and a notarized Tobacco Affidavit.
How do I apply?
Use the 'Apply Today' link on the Fire Rescue recruiting page to complete the Indian River County online Job Application for Firefighter/Paramedic. You must fill out all parts of the application and upload copies of every required document from the application checklist for it to be considered complete.
What special operations opportunities and incentives are available?
The department runs marine firefighting, dive rescue, aircraft (ARFF) firefighting, HazMat, and technical rescue programs, and pays Special Operations incentives for ARFF, Dive-Rescue, HazMat, and Technical Rescue certifications. Driver-Engineer and Rescue Sergeant career paths lead toward Officer.
What retirement and benefits are offered?
Employees participate in the Florida Retirement System and can enroll in medical, dental, vision, and deferred compensation plans. Benefits also include an annual LifeScan physical, a free employee health clinic, and paid vacation and medical leave.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.