Firefighter Trainee ; PDRTP - Proactive Diversity Trainee Program

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

Bartow, FL, United States

FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE 40 (PDRTP) PROACTIVE DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Pay Range: $16.18 Hourly rate

** Internal Candidates should apply via Polk One - Me Section**

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (40 Hours/Week) Hours may vary depending on school schedule.

Employee Benefits

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

** 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.

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.

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

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.

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 revolutions, hose handling, ventilation tasks, live‑fire drills, and multi‑story operations.

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.

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.

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.

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…