Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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On 1/4/2016, Polk County made changes to the Career Portal which may require candidates to create a new profile to apply for positions. If you have applied for a position after this date, you should experience no issues. To create a new profile, just select “Option 2” in the application section.

Career Opportunities with the Clerk of Circuit Courts

Career Opportunities with Polk County Fire Rescue

Fire Company Captain - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

Job Title
Fire Company Captain - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY
Job ID
27055516
Description

FIRE COMPANY CAPTAIN

(Fire Rescue)

 *** This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement ***

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

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. 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

This is responsible supervisory and technical fire, emergency medical and rescue work supervising Fire Rescue Division employees usually on an assigned shift. Tasks include working in the areas of fire prevention, firefighting, fire training, hazardous materials handling, emergency medical and rescue activities in a working capacity of a Company Command Officer.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Work involves responsibility for directing and participating in the activities of company level personnel at the scene of a fire or other emergencies, to include responsibility for their safety and effective and efficient operation at the scene until relieved of command at the scene by a senior commanding officer. Work includes responsibility for conducting pre-incident surveys and limited code compliance inspections of buildings and other facilities within the County.

An employee in this class is responsible for the appraisal and performance evaluation of company level personnel under their jurisdiction and for participating in their training, safety and discipline. Work involves an element of personal danger and requires working on extended shifts. Work requires the exercise of considerable judgment, tact and initiative in dealing with individual work situations and the public. Although new or unusual problems may be referred to a supervisor for advice and assistance, work is ordinarily performed independently following well established procedures. Work is reviewed through conversation, observation and the analysis of submitted reports. May be assigned to supervise a specialized group of personnel assigned to teams. Other assignments may include; Training Officer, Fire Inspector, or Resource Officer. Inspects uniformed personnel and equipment at roll call, takes roll call; makes assignments, assigns equipment; briefs company personnel on current written communications and other important events.

Appear before community, civic, educational and professional groups to provide better understanding of the Fire Rescue Division’s activities; receives input from those present and explains and promotes diverse subjects including fire prevention, life safety and community relation.

Responds to fire alarms and other emergencies as Company Command Officer and, as such, is responsible for the supervision, performance and safety of assigned employees as well as to protect the welfare of any endangered citizens.

Plans, coordinates and participates in work assignments of fire company personnel, at emergency scenes, in the station, and in other situations. Supervises and participates in routine station maintenance, including light maintenance on equipment and vehicles. Responsible for the readiness and serviceability of tools, equipment, personnel and apparatus utilized in firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical activities.

Participates with supervisor in the selection, placement, promotion, training, safety and discipline of assigned employees; prepares employee performance appraisals and evaluations. Responsible for providing, attending and/or conducting continuous company training for assigned personnel and volunteers as directed by the safety and training division. Prepares reports and records, including personnel and payroll. Supervises and participates in the on-duty company physical fitness program. Aids in the evacuation of portions of the county during natural or other disasters. Supervises and participates in pre-incident surveys in buildings and installations as assigned. Determines cause and origin of fires and requests assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office when needed. Supervises and participates in the home inspection program. Acts in a higher capacity when assigned.

Performs related work as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of modern fire prevention, suppression and emergency medical and rescue methods, techniques and procedures, including identification and handling of hazardous materials. Considerable knowledge of fire department policies, rules and regulations. Working knowledge of fire alarm, detection, and automatic extinguishment systems. Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, apparatus and specialized materials. Considerable knowledge of first aid and emergency medical procedures and equipment. Considerable knowledge of the Federal and State laws and County ordinances that pertain to emergency medical services, fire prevention, and associated code enforcement.

Considerable knowledge of the roads and geography of the County, including principal buildings and fire hydrants.

Ability to analyze complex and dynamic situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action.

 

Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to plan, assign, motivate and supervise the work of subordinates. Ability to use communications equipment, computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to effectively supervise and direct numerous personnel under complex emergency situations which may involve civilian crowd control or evacuation. Ability to develop and conduct training programs which reflect the most modern up-to-date information on firefighting and emergency medical operations. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, in one-on- one situations and to sizable groups of people. Ability to counsel and discipline subordinates in a fair, respectful, and consistent manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work.

Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions. Ability to locate and evaluate existing and potentially hazardous conditions in buildings and installations.

 

Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 69A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements, and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office.

Must have a valid State of Florida Paramedic License:

  1. Note: incumbent employees promoted after March 13, 2017 must obtain and maintain a State of Florida Paramedic License within 3 years of appointment.

  2. Is at least 18 years of age

  3. Must have a minimum of four (4) years experience as a full time paid Firefighter in an organized, public sector, career Fire Department within the State of Florida.

  4. Meets the requirements in Florida Statute 401.281 as this position may be required to drive an advanced life support vehicle in the event of an emergency.

  5. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment. Maintaining a valid Florida driver’s license is a condition of employment.

  6. Has not, within the past three (3) years, been convicted of reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and has not had a driver's license suspended under the point system provided for in F.S.S. 322.

  7. Meet the following driving history requirements:

    • Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months.

    • Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 mounts.

    • Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years

    • Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/ drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior.

    • Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.

    • Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.

    • Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.

    • Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.

    • No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.

  8. Possess a valid American Heart Association CPR "BLS for Health Care Providers" card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card or American Heart Association (AHA) or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)

  9. Possess a valid Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16 hour course that is equivalent.

  10. Possess a valid State of Florida Pump Operator Certification

  11. Possess the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications:

    • ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System

    • ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

    • IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction

    • IS-800: National Response Framework, an Introduction

  12. Must possess a sixteen (16) hour NFA Incident Safety Officer or equivalent level of training.

  13. Must possess a Fire Officer I Certification by the State of Florida.

  14. Must hold the rank of Driver Engineer for Polk County Fire Rescue or have successfully passed the Polk County Fire Rescue Driver Engineer promotional process.

  15. No comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications or for the certificates and licensors unless such an accepted equivalent is approved by the Division of the State Fire Marshal of the Florida Department of Insurance, Florida Department of Health, or the Polk County Fire Rescue Division

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be approved to operate as a paramedic by the Polk County Fire Rescue Office of Medical Direction following paramedic orientation training.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure. Heavy work exerting in excess of fifty (50) pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of twenty (20) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Ability to cope with mental and emotional stresses of the job.

Must obtain and maintain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).  Employees hired into this position after January 1, 2013 must obtain and maintain this certification as a condition of employment. Must keep certifications and licensure updated as required for employment.

Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division as employee is subject to call in emergencies.

Applicants who have not been employed by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division in a firefighting capacity will be required to certify by affidavit that he/she has been a nonuser of tobacco or tobacco products for at least one year immediately preceding application as required by Florida State Statute 633.412.

External Candidates must successfully complete the following from the National Testing Network:

  1. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date

  2. Complete the FireTEAM testing and a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) at the time of application.

Must obtain Blue Card Certification within one year of appointment.

Must obtain State of Florida FSFC 703 Aerial Operations certification within one year of promotion.

 

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to those who meet the following driving history requirements:

  • Have not had two (2) failures to pay fines within 36 months.

  • Have not had two (2) seatbelt violations within 36 months.

  • Have not had three (3) lapses of insurance within 36 months.

  • No serious traffic violations such as leaving the scene or driving on a suspended license within 36 months.

Prefer candidates who have been qualified to ride up as a Fire Company Captain within the Fire Rescue Division

Job Closing Date: 12/26/2017 (Posting Maybe removed before or after without notice)

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The Polk County Board of County Commissioners is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Polk County Board of County Commissioners