Fire Cadet

THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. City of Clearwater will not sponsor employment visas (e.g., H-1B, or any other work authorization status).

Position Description

ENTRY SALARY: $28.84/HR.

General fire rescue and emergency medical services work in a trainee capacity involving pre-certification duties, Pinellas County EMS Academy attendance, and Fire Academy attendance.

Employees in this classification are single-certified Paramedics hired through the Paramedic to Firefighter Sponsorship Program and may be assigned to duties in three primary areas: (1) general duties within Clearwater Fire & Rescue prior to attendance at a State-certified Fire Academy, including assignment to Fire Administration, Recruit School, the Pinellas County EMS Academy, and/or any ALS unit on a 40-hour work week (not counted toward minimum staffing on an apparatus); (2) attendance at the Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Course at a State-certified Training Academy approved or assigned by Clearwater Fire & Rescue; and (3) post-academy duties as assigned pending transition to the Fire Medic — Firefighter/EMT classification.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions : -- as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reports to assigned work locations including Fire Administration, Recruit School, Pinellas County EMS Academy, and/or ALS units on a 40-hour work week. Does not count toward the minimum staffing on an apparatus.
• Attends and successfully completes the Florida Firefighter Minimum Standards Course at a State Certified Training Academy approved by Clearwater Fire & Rescue within one year of hire date. The Fire Chief may approve extensions based on school schedules.
• Provides Basic & Advanced Life Support patient care in accordance with established standard operating procedures, protocols, and local/state regulations.
• Maintains working knowledge of the Medical Operations Manual (MOMS), current medical procedures, and pharmaceuticals.
• Participates in department orientation, onboarding, and required training activities.
• Upon obtaining the State of Florida Firefighter Certification, advances to the Fire Medic – Firefighter/EMT classification and performs all duties associated with that position
• Fulfills a minimum three-year employment commitment per the Post-Graduate Service Agreement.
• Maintains working knowledge of the Medical Operations Manual (MOMS), current medical procedures, and pharmaceuticals.
• Attends and participates in daily drills, classroom instruction, and designated medical training.
• Operates, inspects, calibrates, and maintains medical equipment, including bag valve mask, blood pressure cuff, and oxygen.
• Prepares reports and maintains required documentation.
• Performs general maintenance of fire stations, grounds, quarters, apparatus, and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver’s license is required. valid Physical Ability Test (PAT) from St. Petersburg College Firefighter Academy is preferred Must obtain CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Clearance

Depending on Area of Assignment:

Fire Medic Cadet

High School Diploma, or G.E.D. Certificate,  AND valid State of Florida Paramedic certification. Upon hire, the candidate must successfully complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course and obtain a State of Florida Firefighter Certification within one year of hire date. The Fire Chief may approve extensions pending school schedules. Applicants must sign a Post-Graduate Service Commitment Agreement as a condition of employment.

Firefighter Cadet (Lifeguard Sponsorship)

High School Diploma, or G.E.D. Certificate AND a valid State of Florida EMT certification. Upon hire, the candidate must successfully complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course and obtain a State of Florida Firefighter Certification within one year of hire date. The Fire Chief may approve extensions pending school schedules. Applicants must sign a Post-Graduate Service Commitment Agreement as a condition of employment.

Eligibility Procedure:

Candidates must submit an employment application and a copy of his/her State of Florida EMT AND/OR Paramedic Certification card online @ www.myclearwater.com

In addition, candidates must register with the National Testing Network (NTN) and complete a written examination and physical agility test (CPAT) by the close date of 07/16/2026; results of those assessments must be received by the city by the close date of 7/16/2026. Website can be accessed at: www.nationaltestingnetwork.com

Supplemental Information

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures in accordance with established protocols.
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively and record them clearly and completely.
• Ability to learn the principles, practices, and procedures of firefighting needed to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules of conduct and procedures and work within their scope.
• Ability to complete training necessary for successful performance of assigned duties, including successful graduation from a State-certified Fire Academy.
• Ability to remain calm and react quickly in emergencies.
• Ability to meet requirements of health and physical and/or mental condition as established by Fire Rescue and Human Resources Departments.
• Ability to safely and effectively operate fire department vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to maintain working knowledge of medical procedures, pharmaceuticals, and the Medical Operations Manual (MOMS).

FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE: Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards PART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE: Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards

SEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS.