Firefighter Trainee 40 (PDRTP) - Proactive Diversity Recruitment Trainee Program

**This position may require a physical ability/agility test**

Must possess the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

MAJOR FUNCTION

Responsible for technical, academic, and physical training work performed under the Proactive

Diversity Recruitment and Training Program (PDRTP) in partnership with Polk County Fire Rescue. This apprenticeship provides full-time paid training designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to obtain State of Florida Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

certification.

Trainees progress through structured coursework, supervised field experiences, physical conditioning, and scenario-based activities while upholding the core PDRTP values of Pride, Respect, Integrity,

Courage, and Excellence (P.R.I.C.E.). The position prepares individuals for transition into Firefighter- EMT roles with Polk County Fire Rescue.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Under the supervision of PDRTP and Fire Rescue instructors, the trainee:

Training and Skill Development

• Participates in full-time structured training in firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical services.

• Attends classroom instruction and hands-on field training to develop discipline, teamwork, safety habits, and essential fire service skills.

• Trains in fire behavior, suppression principles, emergency medical treatment, rescue procedures, and patient care methods.

• Practices defensive driving, roadway familiarization, safe vehicle operations, and response modes.

• Participates in realistic emergency simulations involving heat, smoke, confined spaces, heights, and physically strenuous tasks.

Emergency Skills Practice

• Learns and practices tool selection, situational awareness, size-up, risk-reduction techniques, and emergency response procedures.

• Learns apparatus operation and assists with driving and navigating equipment under supervision.

• Participates in ladder evolutions, hose handling, ventilation tasks, live-fire drills, and multi-story operations.

Apparatus and Station Support

• Assists with equipment maintenance, apparatus readiness, tool checks, and facility upkeep.

• Keeps firefighting equipment, vehicles, and tools in proper working condition by performing routine safety and maintenance inspections.

Professional and Program Responsibilities

• Participates in physical fitness development and scenario-based exercises preparing for the Recruit Physical Ability Test (RPAT) and Fire Academy entry.

• Participates in scheduled monthly physical fitness evaluations to assess progress and ensure readiness for the physical demands of fire and EMS training.

• Engages in leadership training and public speaking development.

• Represents Polk County Fire Rescue at community outreach, education, and recruitment events.

• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity consistent with P.R.I.C.E. values throughout the program.

• Performs other duties as assigned to support training and program operations.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Ability to learn and apply firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical principles and techniques.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and determine the proper course of action.

• Ability to react calmly, effectively, and safely under emergency conditions.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, climbing, and operating in extreme environments.

• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions accurately.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and function as part of a team.

• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with colleagues and the public.

• Ability to maintain emotional control, sound judgment, and professionalism under stress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age.

• Graduate of an accredited high school or possession of an equivalent diploma.

• Must be a continuous Polk County resident for two (2) years prior to application and maintain residency throughout participation.

• Successful completion of CASAS Adult Basic Education Exam (10th-grade reading & math) OR accredited college degree, verified by a Human Resources Division representative.

• Valid State of Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (no recent suspensions, major violations, or patterns of unsafe behavior).

• Passes criminal background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, medical evaluation, and psychiatric evaluation.

• Physically capable of performing essential fire and EMS training duties, including successful completion of required agility testing.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

• Meets HUD low-income household guidelines (≤50% Area Median Income), based on the most current HUD Income Limits published for the applicable year, and provides required documentation.

• Does not currently hold State of Florida Firefighter or EMT certification.

• Demonstrates good moral character and ability to commit to the program’s expectations and values.