Firefighter Trainee Sponsorship

JOB SUMMARY
The Firefighter Trainee Sponsorship Program is a temporary, entry-level opportunity for high school graduates residing in the City who aspire to become certified Firefighter/EMTs. Trainees will be sponsored to attend and complete both the Firefighter Recruit Academy and EMT Academy at Eastern Florida State College.
Under the guidance of Fire Department leadership, trainees assist with fire, EMS, and administrative duties while developing the skills and knowledge required for certification. This non-sworn position prepares individuals for full-time Firefighter/EMT roles upon successful completion of the Florida State Firefighter Exam and the EMT National Registry.
Trainees must maintain progress through all required coursework. Failure to meet deadlines or certification requirements may result in termination of sponsorship.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participate fully in all required training activities as part of the Firefighter Recruit Academy and EMT Academy.
• Successfully pass the State of Florida Fire Certification Exam and the National Registry EMT Exam as a condition of continued employment and transition to a sworn Firefighter/EMT position.
• Assist with day-to-day administrative tasks such as document management, phone support, and general office operations during non-training hours.
• Attend supplemental training sessions and participate in observation events to gain field exposure.
• Maintain regular, punctual, and dependable attendance throughout the duration of the training program.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency. 
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of department rules and regulations, department written directives, fire report writing, and fire and ems procedures and operations.   

• Maintain a high level of professionalism at all times, as all interactions and performance, will represent the City of Cocoa and the Cocoa Fire Department.

• Skill in the use of a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and various other office equipment.  
• Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  
• Ability to write technical reports and correspondence, observe and record events accurately and completely, and pay attention to details. 
• Ability to read wide range of technical literature.        
• Ability to handle routine public contacts and maintain a sense of personal integrity. 
• Ability to follow verbal directions with little or no supervision.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED certificate and enrolled in at EFSC Fire or EMT academy.
Special Qualifications:
Must be at least 18 years of age and must be capable of passing a comprehensive background investigation and drug screen. Must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.   Must meet the minimum qualifications according to the Florida Statute 943.13.  Must complete the Fire academy and EMT academy and pass both exams within one year of starting an academy.  
Employee must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally medium and may require exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: 

• Balancing: Ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Climbing: Ability to ascend or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and poles, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. 
• Crawling: Ability to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. 
• Crouching: Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. 
• Kneeling: Ability to frequently bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. 
• Lifting: Ability to frequently lift and move objects
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions. 
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 100 pounds.  
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. 
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. 
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech. 
• Standing: Ability to stand for sustained periods of time. 
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision. 
• Walking: Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances and for moving from one work site to another. 
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