Volunteer Firefighter (Rolling)

Description

The City of Fort Meade Fire Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded individuals to serve as Volunteer Firefighters. This is an ongoing recruitment, and applications will be accepted on a continuous (rolling) basis to establish and maintain a pool of qualified candidates.

Job Summary:

Volunteer Firefighters play a vital role in protecting the lives and property of our residents by responding to fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue, and other emergency incidents. Volunteers serve alongside career personnel and receive training, experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community. They also teach the public about safety and help out in other emergencies. Volunteers may serve in operational or support roles based on training, certification level, and departmental needs.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Serve your community in a meaningful way.
• Gain valuable emergency response experience and training.
• Work alongside a professional and dedicated fire department.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.

Requirements

Essential Functions:

• Respond safely to emergency calls and assist with fire, rescue, EMS, and disaster incidents.
• Do tasks to put out fires, rescue people, and give emergency medical help.
• Assist with firefighter rehabilitation, equipment deployment, traffic control, and incident support functions.
• Participate in required training, drills, meetings, and physical fitness activities.
• Take care of tasks at the station, make sure equipment is working properly, and fill out necessary reports.
• Take part in programs that help prevent fires, teach people about safety, and reach out to the community to spread important information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in required training, drills, and department activities.
• Commitment to serving the community with professionalism and integrity.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Certified firefighters must possess a Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance.
• Non-certified volunteers must complete required department training within one (1) year of appointment.
• Must successfully pass a background check, drug screening, and any required medical evaluation.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Florida driver's license required.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities, including lifting, carrying, climbing, crawling, and operating firefighting and rescue equipment, while working in extreme environments.

Work Environment:

Work involves exposure to fire, smoke, hazardous materials, infectious diseases, adverse weather, and emergency scenes during both routine and disaster operations.

COMPENSATION:

Volunteer Firefighters serve on a pay-per-call stipend basis. While this is a volunteer position, members receive a stipend for responding to emergency incidents, attending approved training sessions, and participating in authorized department activities, in accordance with the City's Volunteer Firefighter Pay Policy. Stipend amounts vary based on the type of response or activity and are not intended to constitute full-time or part-time wages.

RETIREMENT ELIGIBLE

This position is eligible to participate in the City’s retirement plan through the Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund (FMPTF).