Job Information

TARPON SPRINGS, CITY OF, FIRE DEPARTMENT
444 HUEY AVENUE
TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA 34689
(727)938-3737
http://ctsfl.us/FireRescue/FireRescue.html

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Updated: September 08, 2025

Classification: Firefighter/Paramedic

The City of Tarpon Springs is currently accepting applications for State of Florida Certified Firefighter/Paramedic. Paramedics who are currently enrolled in the Fire Academy or interested in being sponsored to attend the Fire Academy are encouraged to apply. Firefighter/EMTs who are enrolled in the Paramedic Program or Firefighter/EMT's who interested in being sponsored to the Paramedic program are encouraged to apply.

Applicants who meet these requirements may be sponsored by the department and full tuition will be paid for either course.

All candidates must register with the National Testing Network (NTN) and pass the Fire Team examination and physical agility test CPAT to be considered for the position.

Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue requires a completed Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). You can access this questionnaire through your candidate account.

Starting Pay as of October 1st, 2025 $65,055.24

Pay Range, $65,055.24 - 92,753.90

· Includes a Step Plan

· Firefighter/Paramedic Starting pay $63,779.79

· Top-out pay $92,753.90

Recruit Pay: $50,000

If the candidate is sponsored by the fire Department to attend the Fire Academy or Paramedic Program they will be paid $50,000 annually until the successful completion of the course and receive their State of Florida certification.

Benefit Information:

· 100% employee-paid health and dental coverage

Annual physical paid for by the department (Currently Life Scan)

24 hours of sick leave per month (288 hours per year)
136-224 hours of annual leave depending on years of service
13 paid holidays per year
12 hours straight time if the holiday is not worked
18 hours straight time if the holiday is worked
Employee healthcare 100% paid by the city
Dependent health care is available
Optional vision plan
Optional accident coverage
Optional life insurance coverage

Retirement:

· 25 years of service or age 50

· City Municipal 175 Pension Plan: 3.25 % multiplier for each year of service

· Employee funded 457 Deferred Compensation Program 10-year vested

· 5-year Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP)

· 2% COLA annually after 5 years of retirement

10 - Year vested

Educational Benefits:

· $750 - $1,500 educational reimbursement annually

· 112 hours of educational leave annually

· Bachelor’s Degree $1,320.00 annually

· Associate Degree $ 600.00 annually

Certificate Allowances:

· Fire Officer State Certification -$40.00 per month

· Fire Inspector State Certification - $40.00 per month

· CPR Instructor Certificate - $40.00 per month

· Department-paid certifications/license-required renewals

Assignment Pay:

· EMS Report Reviewer - $50.00 per month

· Field Training Officer – paid 5% of their base salary

Uniform allowance:

· The department will supply uniforms according to the IAFF contract

· $500.00 per year for maintenance of uniforms, accessories, and footwear

Specialty Teams:

· Water Extrication Team (WET)

· SCUBA Dive Team

· Bike Medic Team

Water Rescue Response Team

27’ Boston Whaler Fire Boat
16’ Shallow Water Rescue Boat
14' Jon Boat
16' Jon Boat
Acela 6x6 High Water Response Vehicle

Training, Education, and Career Development:

Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue provides access to classes, training, and mentorship programs necessary for promotion and career development.

· Fire Officer I

· Fire Officer II

· Fire Service Hydraulics

· Apparatus Operator

· EVOC Certification

· ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800

· Aerial Operator

· Fire Boat/ Marine Rescue Operator

Department information:

Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue is a full-service, progressive ISO Class 2 department with three stations that provide fire and ALS responses to over 6,000 calls annually. We are a proud organization with 3 frontline firefighting, medical, and specialty apparatus including an extrication-equipped Squad, 110 ft. Aerial Platform ladder truck, and an Engine Suppression unit. We are equipped with a 16 ft. shallow draft marine unit, a 27 ft. fireboat, and a 6x6 high water rescue vehicle.

We have an ALS Rescue currently used primarily for medical emergencies and is patient transport capable. We offer specialty training such as S.W.A.T Medic, Honor Guard, Bike Medic Team, Water Extrication Team, and SCUBA Team.

Our Mission is to protect the lives and property of our community through emergency response, prevention, and education. We are dedicated to providing services that provide for the safety and welfare of the public and the environment. We are committed to being prepared to respond to all emergencies and disasters. Members of Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue will continually represent themselves, their department, and the community in a professional manner, which will provide positive examples for others to follow.

City Information:

The city of Tarpon Springs, Florida is located on the beautiful gulf coast of northern Pinellas County, in the Tampa Bay Area. The city is approximately 17 square miles with an average of 26,000 residents.

Position Description:

Under general supervision provides emergency medical, firefighting, and related services. Assists with educating the general public on topics such as fire prevention and safety, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), etc.

Licensure:

· Valid Florida State Driver's License

· Florida Certified Firefighter II

· Florida State Certified Paramedic

Minimum Qualifications, Education, Training, and Experience:

· 18 years of age

High school diploma or equivalent

· Non-tobacco User- applicants must not have used any form of tobacco products for one year before the date of Florida Firefighter Certification

· Ability to read/ speak English

Must clear CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Service)

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers: No record of a conviction of a felony or a conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

The following must be obtained within (6) months of the hire date:

· Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS)

· Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS)

· Pinellas County Medical Operations Manual (MOM) Certification

· Pinellas County Paramedic Certification as required by the Pinellas County

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

· Protects life and property by acting as a first responder to fires and other related emergencies. Ensures effective operation of all safety, life-saving firefighting equipment. Ensures personal safety while executing those duties.

· Performs Advanced Life support procedures under the guidelines of the Office of the Medical Director. Inspect and maintain medical equipment on emergency vehicles. Performs minor repairs to maintain the functionality of the equipment.

· Ensures effective and proper operation of all safety, life-saving, and firefighting equipment. Restocks materials following emergency responses such as medical supplies, foam, absorbent, etc. Cleans and maintains station and grounds, housekeeping, and general maintenance.

· Attends continuing Medical Education classes as mandated by the Office of the Medical Director to maintain county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification. Attends all mandated Fire related training.

· Ensures safety while performing job functions. Has a thorough knowledge of the fire district streets, hydrants, and grids. Maintains good physical condition by participating in physical training programs.

Participates in fire prevention activities. Develops and reviews pre-fire plans and quick reference sheets. Provides information at the fire prevention presentations. Provides safety training to the public as directed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Training:

Candidate must have the ability to learn after a period of training a wide variety of firefighting and EMS methods and duties. The ability to conduct inspections, maintenance, and operation of firefighting equipment, apparatus, and other firefighting equipment. Ability to understand and follow oral and written commands or instructions. The ability to complete a basic course of fire and EMS training prescribed.

Physical Demands:

The candidate must be able to pass and meet the medical and physical standards according to NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. The ability to lift or carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds. The essential functions of the job require the ability to be able to operate in conditions that subject you to hazards of flammable and explosive gasses. Work in precarious or high locations (ladders etc.) Subject to varying and unpredictable situations during crises and emergencies.

Subject to many interruptions irregular hours and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.

Candidates must pass a psychological evaluation Sensory Requirements:

· The candidate must have the ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.

· Have good peripheral vision and distinguish colors and depth perception.

· The ability to hear and understand what others are saying in normal conversation and on the phone.

· The ability to speak professionally and communicate orally with others in person and on the phone.

· In compliance with NFPA 1582

Equipment, Machines, and Tools Used:

· Computer equipment

· Personal computer

· Network operations

General Office Equipment:

· Multi-line telephone

· Fax, photocopier, printer

· Software programs

Patient Care Equipment:

· Diagnostic equipment

· Life support equipment

Tools/Equipment/ Machines:

· Hand and power tools

· Light and heavy equipment operations

· Operate a motor vehicle

· Operate fire apparatus, fire pumps, saws, ventilation fans, lighting devices and emergency medical equipment

· Operate high-pressure fire hose lines, ladders, ropes, jacks

· Be proficient in the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

· Extrication equipment, Cutters, spreaders, rams, glass cutters

Candidate Contact Person: Richard Walsh

Deputy Chief of Administration / Training (727) 938-3737 Extension 1326 rwalsh@tsfr.us

sidents.

Job Requirements

Citizenship Required:
Yes

High School Grad / GED:
Yes

Driver's License:
Yes

Ability to Read/Speak English:
Yes

Vision:
Ability to see clearly at 20" and 20' or more, distinguish color and depth perception.

College:
No

Academy Certification:
Yes

Prior Experience:
No

Necessary Certifications:

Certified State of Florida Firefighter II
Certified State of Florida as a Paramedic
Paramedics must also be certified in ACLS, ITLS or PHTLS, and CPR.
Valid Florida Driver's License, Class D

Felony, Criminal Activity Disqualifiers:
Disclosure of any arrest, received a notice to appear, charged, convicted, pled nolo contendere or plead guilty to any criminal violation, regardless if the record was sealed or expunged.

Driving Disqualifiers:
Information concerning convictions will not necessarily disqualify an applicant unless the conviction record indicates that the applicant would not be suitable or desirable for employment in a particular position. An applicant who falsifies the application by failing to give required information concerning convictions will, if employed, be subject to dismissal.

Additional Disqualifiers:

Use of Tobacco products within one year.

Failure of any of the following pre-employment tests:

Psychological profile
Driving records check
Physical examination, including drug screening
Background check

Additional Information:
Qualified applicants must meet requirements of State Minimum Standards for Firefighter Certification, as authorized in Florida Statutes 633.34-35. Must also meet and maintain State requirements and Paramedic Certification.

Must have ability to perform prolonged and arduous physical work under adverse conditions.

Must work rotating shift assignments (56 hours a week).

Valid Florida Driver’s License.

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