Fire/EMT Trainee

City of Burlington NC•Burlington, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Burlington Fire Department is hiring motivated individuals to train for a career in public service as professional firefighters and EMTs. No previous firefighter or EMT experience or certification is required. Trainees are paid while attending Fire Academy and EMT training, at no cost to the employee, to earn North Carolina Firefighter and EMT certifications. Upon successful certification, trainees are placed in the Burlington Fire Department as Firefighter/EMTs and respond to emergencies to protect lives and property. The role includes hands-on training with experienced firefighters, learning emergency response procedures, developing physical and mental readiness, and maintaining and inspecting equipment. The position offers a path for professional development, certification stipends, annual pay increases, and promotional opportunities. Trainees work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; after moving into a firefighter shift, the schedule is 24 hours on and 48 hours off. This is a physically demanding role and is classified as weather-essential personnel.

Requirements

At least 18 years old.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Ability to obtain a North Carolina Class B license during training.
Willingness to learn, train, and meet certification requirements.
Commitment to serving others in high-pressure situations.
Team-oriented and dependable.
Physically and mentally prepared for demanding work.
Professional in interactions with the public and coworkers.
Ability to lift heavy equipment, including loads of 100 pounds or more at times.
Ability to work in extreme conditions such as heat, cold, smoke, and confined spaces.

Nice To Haves

No prior firefighter or EMT certification is required; training is provided.

Responsibilities

Attend Fire Academy and EMT training to earn North Carolina Firefighter and EMT certifications.
Train alongside experienced firefighters through real-world scenarios and drills.
Learn to respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and other critical incidents.
Develop hands-on skills operating hoses, ladders, and life-saving equipment.
Build the physical and mental readiness required for emergency response.
Maintain and inspect equipment to ensure it is ready for use.
After certification, respond to emergencies as a Firefighter/EMT and help protect lives and property.
Respond to emergencies in all weather conditions.

Benefits

Paid Fire and EMT Academy training at no cost to the employee.
Starting pay of $46,125–$48,460, with promotion to Firefighter/EMT upon successful certification at a starting pay of $46,125.
Pay increases at 6 and 12 months for acceptable performance; pay of $48,460 after 12 months.
Educational pay incentives after the probationary period and stipends for various certifications.
Annual pay raises of 4–5% until the midpoint of the pay range, according to the department pay plan.
Free medical health insurance for the employee.
Employee Occupational Health Clinic for employees and covered dependents.
Health, dental, and annual eye exam coverage.
Paid parental leave.
Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System.
401(k) with a 5% city contribution and no match required.
Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave accruals.
Longevity pay when eligible.
Milestone leave of 40 hours at 8, 15, and 25 years of service.
City-provided life insurance.
Tuition reimbursement.
Education incentive.
Language incentive.
Ability to transfer North Carolina local-government earned sick leave.
Voluntary flexible spending account.
Voluntary short-term disability, accident, and cancer insurance.
Sick-to-service-time conversion for LGERS retirement.
Other voluntary insurance and deferred compensation plans.
Training culture and commitment to personal development.
Modern apparatus and state-of-the-art firefighting equipment.
Community engagement opportunities.
Promotional opportunities throughout a career in the Burlington Fire Service.