Fire Department · Career
Saint Cloud Fire Rescue Department
Saint Cloud, FL · Osceola County
St. Cloud Fire Rescue serves the city of St. Cloud in Osceola County, Florida, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services with transport, fire inspections, permitting, and fire and life safety education.
The department is in a period of rapid expansion, building new fire stations and hiring dozens of new personnel. It currently operates from an administrative office and several numbered stations (31 through 35), two of which are under construction.
The department frames itself around service to residents and visitors, and emphasizes commitment, integrity, and a passion for helping others in the people it recruits.
St. Cloud Fire Rescue is actively recruiting Firefighter/Paramedics through a federal SAFER grant, aiming to add 48 new firefighters as the department expands. Applicants must be Florida State Certified Paramedics, but no previous fire service experience is required — the department sponsors a fully paid Fire Academy for new hires.
Applications are submitted through the city's careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/stcloud. The department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applies Florida veteran's preference.
Requirements
- Florida State Certified Paramedic
- No previous fire service experience required
- Commitment, integrity, and a passion for service
Hiring process
- Apply online through governmentjobs.com/careers/stcloud
- Complete the department's selection process
- Attend the fully sponsored, paid Fire Academy
Benefits
- Pension with a 4% multiplier, vesting in 10 years; retirement at any age with 20 years of service
- Deferred Retirement Option Program (8-year DROP)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance plus a free employee clinic
- Tuition reimbursement
- Leave: 120 hours vacation, 144 hours sick, and 156 holiday hours annually
- Paid during Fire Academy training
Fully sponsored Fire Academy; candidates are paid during training and need no prior fire experience.
What certification do I need to be hired?
You must be a Florida State Certified Paramedic. That paramedic certification is the primary requirement for the Firefighter/Paramedic positions.
Do I need prior fire service experience?
No. The department states no previous fire service experience is required and sponsors a fully paid Fire Academy for new hires.
Is the department currently hiring?
Yes. St. Cloud Fire Rescue is actively recruiting Firefighter/Paramedics under a SAFER grant, working to add 48 new firefighters as it expands.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the city's careers portal at governmentjobs.com/careers/stcloud.
What shift schedule do firefighters work?
The department currently works a 24/48 schedule. City Council has been reviewing a possible transition to a 24/72 schedule.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include a pension (4% multiplier, vesting in 10 years, retirement at any age with 20 years of service), an 8-year DROP, health/dental/vision insurance with a free employee clinic, tuition reimbursement, and generous leave.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.