Fire Rescue

Special Recruitment & Training Program

The Alachua County Commission recently announced the new Alachua County Fire Rescue Services Special Recruitment & Training Program. The mission of the Program is to greater diversify the emergency services applicant pool by accepting applications from non-certified applicants. From this pool, applicants will be selected for training to become firefighters/emergency medical technicians.

If you are interested in a career in emergency medicine and firefighting with the Alachua County Fire/Rescue Services Department, you may qualify for paid training in fire and Emergency Medical Technician programs while earning $7.50 per hour and full benefits. Successful completion of these two programs and obtaining the required certifications will allow you to compete for an Alachua County firefighter/emergency medical technician position.

Successful applicants must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or GED and pass the following:

  • a physical agility test;
  • a reading comprehension and math test;
  • a medical screening;
  • a criminal background check with no felony convictions; and
  • a driver�s license check with no moving violations in the past six months, no driving under the influence of alcohol or reckless driving convictions; or suspensions within the past 3 years

A signed, notarized statement attesting to non-tobacco use is required. Those selected into the program must demonstrate an economic disadvantage and must sign a statement agreeing to reimburse Alachua County proportionately for program training costs if he/she voluntarily terminates employment within two years after obtaining a firefighter/emergency medical technician position. If employment is offered, you must pass a drug test.

You must complete an Alachua County employment application, provide some form of income verification (for example, 2000 tax return, W-2 form, Form 1099 or some other acceptable document) and provide copies of your driver�s license, high school diploma and social security card. Applications can be obtained via the Internet in our Employment section; by fax at 352-955-2243 (Extension 372) or in person from the Alachua County Personnel Office - County Administration Building, 12 Southeast First Street, Gainesville FL 32601. All applications and supporting documents must be returned to the Alachua County Personnel Office .

Please call Ms. DJ Ferguson (Special Recruitment Manager) at 384-3101 if you require additional information about the Alachua County Fire Rescue Services Special Recruitment & Training Program.

Applicants with disabilities will be accommodated in the application process. Preference and initial appointment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. All offers of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.

TDD 352-491-4431

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Download the Special Recruitment Brochure (pdf)