Fire Cadet

This is beginning, training level firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) work for the purpose of becoming a Florida Certified Firefighter/EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) serving the City of St. Petersburg. Work involves sponsorship for academic and on-the-job/in-service training and development and requires: successful graduation from a State approved Fire Training Academy and EMT school, obtaining certification, and maintaining eligibility for timely promotion to a Firefighter/EMT position. While in training, work may include assisting Fire & Rescue personnel and instructors in the performance of a wide variety of duties. Examples include accompanying to assist in responding to fire and emergency alarms involving commercial, residential and multi-story structures; performing general maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of department apparatus, equipment, furnishings and structures; climbing stairs and ladders; carrying a myriad of firefighting tools or emergency medical equipment; learning and performing search and rescue techniques for locating building occupants; learning the operation and use of various building fire suppression systems controls; and, under supervision of a skilled EMT, administering emergency medical assistance. Work requires the performance of physically demanding duties and the ability to successfully react in emergency situations, acting quickly and calmly to objectively analyze situations and determine and execute a proper course of action. As skill and experience are gained in fulfilling routine duties, increasingly independent action may be authorized.

Salary: $43,927 – Entry Level

Close Date: 03-16-2025 (11:59 PM)

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must:

• Possess a valid high school diploma or GED equivalency.

• Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver License.

• Be Pinellas County residents at the time of application and if hired, must maintain Pinellas County residency while employed as a Fire Cadet.

• Have not used any tobacco products (either on or off duty) for at least one year prior to the time of application, and, if hired, must remain tobacco free as a condition of continued employment.

• Be able to successfully meet the requirements of the tattoo policy. Tattoos on the head, face, scalp or neck and that signify membership in, or affiliation with, any subversive group and/or activities are prohibited.

• Be able to successfully complete a written entrance exam, background investigation, and polygraph exam prior to any employment offer.

• Be able to satisfactorily meet the requirements for enrollment and pass the Minimum Standards Fire Training Academy and EMT standards for graduation achieving State of Florida certification as a Firefighter II and State of Florida EMT.

• Be able to successfully complete the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue orientation program, all within the prescribed time frames following appointment to the position.

• Be able to quickly learn and efficiently perform a wide variety of firefighting and EMS duties, methods, and techniques in compliance with applicable Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances, and the City’s policies, rules, and regulations.

• Be able to climb ladders, work at considerable heights, climb stairs in multiple story buildings, and carry heavy tools and equipment under physically demanding and adverse conditions.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred applicants:

• Have excellent interpersonal skills.

• Have experience working as a State of Florida Certified EMT or Paramedic.

• Have some professional experience working in a public service or customer service capacity.

• Have previously, successfully worked with team members under physically and mentally demanding conditions.

**Selection Process: Candidates that meet all the selection standards may be invited to participate in the pre-employment screening process to determine the most qualified applicants. The process includes a Review of Personal History, Background Investigation, Polygraph, Departmental Interview, and post-offer employment Medical Exam and Drug Test. Applicants must meet City of St. Petersburg selection standards for Cadets and Firefighters. Refer to the St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue Website for details at http://fire.stpete.org/hiring.html.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Selection Standards

**The selection process has recently changed. Please DO NOT complete and/or attempt to submit any documentation (other than a resume) unless you have been instructed to do so.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.

Apply online at www.stpete.org/jobs - Select Apply for Jobs/Register/View Job Postings. City employees must use the Current City Employee link or use a city computer to access iRecruitment Employee Candidate. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity employment and encourages individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply for posted positions. In accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes, qualified servicemembers/veterans and the spouses/family members of certain servicemembers/veterans receive preference/priority in employment. Eligible applicants are responsible to apply for Veterans’ Preference at the time of submission of any job application. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to apply, to interview for positions and to perform the essential job functions.