Fire Engineer

City of Wilmington•Wilmington, NC

About The Position

The Wilmington Fire Department is hiring Fire Engineers to protect the lives and property of Wilmington residents. The Fire Engineer serves as second in command to the Company Officer, implementing, directing, and conducting tasks at emergency scenes and the fire station. The Engineer may lead in the Company Officer’s absence and carry out supervisory responsibilities, maintain documents, and maintain knowledge and training in firefighting principles and practices. The position also provides for the safe response of firefighting apparatus and personnel to fire and EMS alarms, and may temporarily assume incident-command roles such as Safety Officer, RIT Member, or Accountability Officer. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Battalion Chief. The role includes driving, maintaining, spotting, and operating fire apparatus; securing water supplies; supporting emergency-scene safety and operations; assisting with reports and training; and performing station, equipment, community-support, and administrative duties. External hires are expected to attend Engineer orientation on February 8, 2027. Continued employment is contingent on obtaining and maintaining required certifications and credentials within specified timeframes.

Requirements

High school degree or GED.
At least 4 years of full-time experience with a career fire department.
Valid driver’s license.
NCOSFM Certified Firefighter or IFSAC/Pro-Board-certified Firefighter.
NCOEMS EMT credential or National Registry EMT credential, with the ability to obtain North Carolina reciprocity.
Hazardous Materials Operations certification.
NIMS ICS 100, 200, and 700 certifications.
WFD Candidate School I attendance.
Fire Instructor I certification.
NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification.
Driver Operator & Pumps certification or IFSAC/Pro-Board equivalent.
External applicants must obtain a North Carolina Class B license within six months of hire.
External applicants must obtain Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification within six months of hire.
External applicants must complete the Engineer Task Book within six months of hire.
External applicants must meet Training Department apparatus certification requirements within six months of hire.
Internal applicants must possess a valid Class B license in their state of residence and a completed Engineer Task Book.
Internal applicants must meet Training Department apparatus certification requirements.
Internal applicants must have no more than two points on record for a preventable vehicle or nonvehicle accident within 12 months of the closing date.
Internal applicants must have no formal disciplinary action above a first written reminder within 12 months of the closing date.
Internal applicants’ most recent annual performance rating must be “Meets Expectations” or better.
Internal applicants must provide a recommendation letter from their immediate supervisor stating that they meet the job requirements and are ready for the position.
Applicants must submit a completed online employment application, Career Plan Report, Supplemental Questionnaire, and required documents by the posting deadline.
External applicants must upload certification or proof of each required qualification; resumes and certification numbers are not accepted in lieu of required application materials or uploaded documents.
Internal applicants must ensure certifications are in their training folder and submit a supervisor recommendation letter.
Candidates must pass each applicable testing phase with a score of at least 70% to move forward and be eligible for the final list.
External candidates receiving a conditional offer must provide required education documentation and undergo driving-history, personal and professional reference, fingerprint-based state and national criminal-record checks, a pre-employment physical, stress test, and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Serve as second in command to the Company Officer and implement, direct, and conduct tasks at emergency scenes and the fire station.
Assume the lead in the Company Officer’s absence and carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, tactical guidelines, and applicable laws.
Temporarily assume incident-command roles at emergency scenes, including Safety Officer, RIT Member, or Accountability Officer.
Assist the Company Officer with preparing accurate and timely reports and completing required forms.
Drive, maintain, spot, and operate fire apparatus.
Secure a water supply and support safety and operational needs at emergency scenes.
Attend ongoing professional and personal development training in areas such as fireground operations, EMT, search and rescue, driver/operator training, NIMS, physical fitness, hazardous-materials operations, water rescue, car-seat technician duties, SCBA technician duties, and fire boat operations.
Support operations and administration by facilitating fire-prevention education, fire-truck displays, station tours, smoke-detector installation, car-seat technician duties, and assistance to the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Assist the Company Officer with planning, organizing, conducting, and documenting training; maintaining training hours; keeping current with materials; instructing coworkers; and maintaining documentation.
Lead routine station duties and other functions, including housekeeping, grounds maintenance, equipment checks, and station and equipment maintenance.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus other insurance options.
Retirement benefits, including a city-provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment in the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System.
Employer-paid health and wellness clinic.
Free on-site city gym access.
Paid sick and vacation leave and 13 paid holidays per year.
Six weeks of paid parental leave.
Paid volunteer and blood-donation leave.
Flexible scheduling and telework availability, depending on position.
Professional development trainings and leadership initiatives.
Tuition assistance benefits.