Firefighter Academy

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for the upcoming Firefighter Academy

Start date : July 14, 2025

This competitive process will conclude with those chosen for hire attending a 6 month, paid academy, where all certifications and trainings are provided. While in academy, employees will be scheduled in a classroom type setting Monday- Friday, and will experience schedule fluctuation with night fire training and an out of town fire ground training event. After successful completion of all training and after academy graduation, employees will be promoted to shift and assigned to a city apparatus. Shift employees work an average of ten 24-hour shifts per month on a rotating schedule; to include holidays, hurricanes and other major events.

Please Note : Timelines are arranged but subject to adjustment based on weather or unforeseen circumstances. Phone calls are not accepted and voicemails will not be returned during the recruitment process. Correspondence of all nature must be through email. Questions can be directed to Heather.Miller@wilmingtonnc.gov. Please make sure to check your SPAM and junk folder in your email as this is the only source of communication from the city. If military orders prevent in-person attendance, candidates must email an accommodation request with military orders attached. Scheduling or rescheduling requests made outside of the provided timeframes will not be approved for failure to view notifications or personal/work conflicts. Notifications will come from an email address containing @wilmingtonc.gov.

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  Must be at least 18 years old before July 14, 2025

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

• Education: Minimum of H.S. Diploma or GED before June 23, 2025

• Valid/active driver's license before June 23, 2025

• Passing College English or CASAS results before June 23, 2025

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Step # 1 Attend and successfully complete the Strength & Agility Test

• February 12: Registration : 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM : Testing after
• February 19: Registration : 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM : Testing after
• February 22: Registration : 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM : Testing after
• February 26: Registration : 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM : Testing after

The test course is located at our Safety Training Center on Cape Fear Community College, North Campus at 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne, NC. Long pants or sweatpants and closed toed athletic shoes must be worn in order to participate in the test course, shorts may be worn for the run. Check in requires proof of valid driver's license/identification card.

Candidates are required to bring their own pair of work/construction/mechanic gloves. Candidates will be required to submit to baseline vitals prior to beginning the course.

Step # 2 Application

• Complete application with thorough and up to date information
  • In order for education, certifications or experience to be considered, proof of completion must be attached. If you state you have it, attach it:
    • Transcript or Diploma from the highest level of education completed.
      (Note, HS transcript is required for EMT training and must submitted before June 23, 2025)
      • If credit hours selected, transcripts must be added to support hours (CE credits do not count)
      • All transcripts (HS and College) must indicate graduation/completion date for consideration.
    • All relevant certifications received must be attached for consideration (i.e. NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator)
      • HS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion must be attached
  • DD214 to support active duty military experience must be submitted
  • JPAT Certificate
• Supplemental questions must answered thoroughly and supported within the work history/text of the application
  • If you state you have ANY firefighter/responder experience (Volunteer, Part time) it must be listed under your work history with location
• Please ensure the documents you attach are legible and comply with the above needs

AFTER POST CLOSE

Applicants will be notified by email before March 15, 2025 if selected to move forward in the interview process.

Step # 3 Department Panel Interviews : March 24 - April 3

Step # 4 Chief Panel interviews : March 31 - April 11

IF PROVIDED CONDITIONAL OFFER

• Personal and Professional Reference Check
  • Please provide email and phone numbers of references (at least 5)
  • if you attend the Chief's panel, please notify your references of possible future contact
• Criminal Background Investigation
Driving History Check

• Local Physical and Stress Test - Out of city/state applicants must return to Wilmington
• Drug Screen
• Uniform sizing

Step # 7 Required documentation submitted to HR by June 23, 2025

• Copy of a High School Diploma, High School Transcript or GED Certificate.
• Valid Driver’s License
• English Placement / CASAS Results - Required by CFCC for EMT-B
  • Submit Transcript showing completion of College English (course 100 or higher) within the past five (5) years
    or
  • Submit Passing results on the CASAS of 249 or higher within the last 12 months.
    • There is a $10 charge for this test.
    • The link to schedule the CASAS Reading Goals is available online at https://cfcc.edu/testing-services/placement-testing-reservation-calendar/
    • Plan to be on campus approximately 2-4 hours for testing.
    • If another location for testing is needed, please call the community colleges in your area for direction. if none please email criggs@cfcc.edu
    • If local and a new date is needed, email : testing@cfcc.edu

Typical Tasks

• Develops qualifications for Firefighter position; receives training and instruction in firefighting, rescue techniques, emergency medical procedures, medical lifesaving, handling of hazardous materials and fire life safety education.
• Attends classes; completes physical training; gains knowledge of equipment and equipment operations, rescue materials and supplies.
• Observes professional firefighter duties in the performance of firefighting and the provision of emergency medical services; attends emergency events, and gains knowledge of related duties.
• Gains knowledge of department standards, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned

• Maintains readiness to respond to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance and for the protection of life and property; participates in continuous professional development, participates in required education, crew-based training, and physical fitness.
• Responds to emergency situations and provides fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical assistance; assesses situations and establishes action priorities; selects and deploys appropriate equipment and medical interventions.
• Assists in mitigating release of hazardous materials and responding to related incidents.
• Drives, operates, maintains, and spots fire apparatus.
• Maintains equipment and facilities and ensures operational readiness for emergency and non-emergency response; performs general facility maintenance and cleaning, yardwork, and upkeep; inspects, identifies, repairs and/or requests equipment maintenance to meet operational standards.
• Perform inspection and maintenance on fire hydrants in accordance with Fire/Emergency Management Department policy.
• Performs operational and administrative duties to prepare and complete training/activity record reports, conducts pre-incident surveys, identifies hazards and potential threats, and documents findings.
• Provides tours of facilities and demonstrates fire equipment; participates in community education on fire and life safety and related topics to children and adults.
• Follows all policies and procedures of the City of Wilmington, Fire/Emergency Management
• Provides support to other agencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Paid sick and vacation leave 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.