Firefighter / EMT

This is an entry level emergency response position that engages in protecting life and property through combating, extinguishing and preventing fires; and providing basic life support activity in the case of medical emergency.

CLICK HERE for Medical Approval: PGFD Candidate Physical Agility Test

TESTING INFORMATION: FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC (EMTs may apply and must obtain paramedic within 5 years of date of hire) Posting closes at 4:00pm on April 16, 2026. All requested documentation MUST be submitted to the City of Punta Gorda no later than 4:00pm on 4/16/2026. Testing dates will be 4/29/2026 and 4/30/2026. Times will be given individually. Both dates will be required for testing. 

TESTING REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Applicant must provide confirmation and commitment to test, as well as copies of the following required certifications or documents:

a. State of Florida Firefighter II – Certificate of Compliance (Pro Board will NOT be accepted).

b. State of Florida Paramedic Certification (EMT Certification if not a Paramedic yet)

c. Valid State of Florida Driver’s License (Class E minimum)

d. PGFD Physical Agility Test Medical Release Form

e. Resume

2. Applicant agrees to reside within the Southwest district encompassing Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Highlands, Hardee, and Desoto Counties.

3. Applicant will sign a contract agreeing to attend and pass the State of Florida Paramedic program within the first 5 years of hire date.

Should you have any questions pertaining to the testing process, please contact Tyler Canfield, Operations Chief, Punta Gorda Fire Department, (941) 575-5529. 

TESTING COMPONENTS: 

1. Swim Test and Physical Agility Test will occur on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026,  at 8:30am at the Punta Gorda Fire Department, 1410 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. You will be swimming and doing physical activities. Please bring appropriate clothing, towel, etc. Please note that at the completion of the physical agility testing, selected applicants will be assigned a time for their oral board.

2. Oral Board will be scheduled on Thursday, April 30, 2026, for those applicants who have been selected following the physical agility and swim testing.

3. Chief’s Interview will be scheduled for those applicants who have been selected following the oral board. This will be scheduled tentatively for Thursday April 30, 2026.

• Respond to fire and emergency alarms; perform all phases of fire suppression work including ventilation, overhaul, salvage and clean-up activities at fire scene; place fire hoses; set ladders; operate fire streams, ventilate and enter burning structures to extinguish fires and rescue victims; operate pneumatic and auxiliary equipment such as generators or pumps; operate rope systems, technical rescue and hazmat equipment.
• Provide emergency medical care and basic life support at emergency and accident scenes.  Perform vehicle extrications at emergency scenes.
• Respond to water rescue incidents and/or work on Special Assignments.
• Perform station routine maintenance; clean and maintain station living quarters in an orderly condition; perform minor repairs inside and outside of facilities.
• Operate, inspect and maintain emergency apparatus, fire engine and other fire equipment; perform minor repairs on equipment and vehicles or report deficiencies to proper staff for other disposition.
• Conduct and participate in drills and training exercises; develop skills in fire suppression, emergency medical aid, apparatus operation and other related areas.
• Stay abreast of new innovations relative to fire suppression and emergency medical services.
• Maintain all equipment issued (uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment, etc.) as directed or necessary.
• Participate in testing a variety of department equipment including protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
• Respond to hazardous material incidents and take appropriate actions at the 1st Responder/Awareness level.
• Make forcible entry into locked structures and/or vehicles.
• Other duties may be assigned as dictated by operational necessity

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience as a Firefighter or Firefighter/EMT highly desirable, but not required.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License Class D with E endorsement
• Must possess a State of Florida Fire Fighter II certification.
• Must possess a State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician certification, Paramedic preferred.

• No regular direct supervisory responsibilities, however this position does exercise indirect supervisory and training responsibilities for the volunteer firefighters.
• When serving in a Temporary Higher Classification (THC) as a Lieutenant the Firefighter/EMT has all the supervisory duties, authority and responsibilities typically associated with that position.

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of a fire suppression and emergency medical response program including appropriate safety precautions and procedures..
• Knowledge of procedures, techniques, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in modern fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical response
• Knowledge of geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area.
• Knowledge of appropriate medical treatment, diagnosis and evaluation procedures and techniques related to BLS medical response.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and monitoring equipment and proper utilization.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of handling hazardous materials at the “Hazardous Materials Awareness” level.
• Knowledge of office procedures and methods including computer equipment and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Skilled in the use of fire suppression equipment and techniques.
• Skilled in providing basic life support.
• Skilled in recognizing hazardous materials situations and requesting the appropriate assistance at the “Hazardous Materials Awareness” level.
• Able to perform a variety of fire suppression, emergency medical response and rescue activities including administering basic life support.
• Able to select and properly administer first aid and medical treatment appropriate to the emergency.
• Able to perform medical triage effectively and independently.
• Able to deal effectively with upset or emotional persons or patients and respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Able to perform mechanical work in the operations of fire equipment and operate and maintain associated fire suppression apparatus and equipment.
• Able to operate assigned vehicle, a fire truck or ambulance safely in varying traffic and weather conditions and to observe and follow safe firefighting work practices.
• Able to operate a standard shift heavy truck.
• Able to swim on surface of water a minimum of 200 yards and hold breath underwater for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• Able to work assigned shifts, on weekends or during holidays.
• Able to communicate clearly, orally and in writing and maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Able to prepare pre-fire plan drawings on the software provided for each application by the City.

Disclaimers:  
 
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Individuals who cannot perform some of the requirements because they pose health or safety risks to themselves, or other employees may be excluded from this position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by this supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Disclaimer:  The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

The City of Punta Gorda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City will not knowingly permit discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other conditions of employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or national origin.
 

Certain Service Members and Veterans, and the spouses and family members of such Service Members and Veterans, receive preference and priority, and that certain Service Members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.