Fire Lieutenant

City of Wilmington•Wilmington, NC

About The Position

The Fire Lieutenant protects the life and property of Wilmington residents through supervisory and technical work in fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials incidents, personnel training, and public relations. The position requires sound judgment in making critical fire- and life-safety decisions, supervising personnel, maintaining readiness, overseeing housekeeping and equipment maintenance, and taking responsibility for fire apparatus. The Lieutenant may act as Fire Captain and performs other duties as assigned at the discretion of the Battalion Chief. The role supervises and develops personnel, commands fire-ground operations during emergencies, and ensures the safety and accountability of personnel and citizens. It also includes non-emergency and public-facing work, administrative duties, equipment and apparatus testing, hydrant inspections, monthly training coordination, committee service, report writing, and participation in departmental policy and procedure reviews. The City’s recruitment process includes application screening and staged assessments. Candidates must attend a virtual WFD Candidate School II session. Candidates who advance complete a Fire Problem, Management Problem, and Presentation; a score of at least 70% is required to advance through the applicable phases. The process produces a ranked certified roster. For external candidates selected for hire, the anticipated Lieutenant orientation date is February 8, 2027. Internal and external applicants have different education, experience, and certification requirements. Continued employment is contingent on obtaining and maintaining required credentials within specified timeframes. External candidates selected conditionally are subject to required documentation, background and reference checks, and post-offer physical, stress test, and drug screen. The City offers a competitive benefits package that includes insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, wellness resources, professional development, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

Associate’s degree.
Internal candidates: at least two years as an Engineer in the Wilmington Fire Department, or graduation with a WFD internal certificate and at least three years of service; must also meet a minimum of 61 Career Planning Report points in Formal Education and Experience.
External candidates: at least six years with a career fire department, including two years as an acting company officer.
Valid driver’s license by the application closing date.
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.
Pro Board/IFSTA Hazmat Operations certification.
NIMS ICS 100, 200, and 700 certifications.
WFD Candidate School II attendance.
Pro Board/IFSTA Fire Officer 1 certification.
Internal applicants must possess a Class B license in their state of residence, Blue Card certification, NFA Safety Officer certification, and a completed Lieutenant Task Book.
Internal applicants must have no more than two points on record for a preventable vehicle or non-vehicle accident within 12 months of the closing date, no formal disciplinary action above a first written reminder within that period, and a most recent annual performance rating of “Meets Expectations” or better.
Internal applicants must provide a recommendation letter from their immediate supervisor confirming they meet the job requirements and are ready for the position.
External applicants must obtain an NC Class B license, NFA Safety Officer certification, complete the Lieutenant Task Book, obtain Blue Card certification, NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification, Driver Operator & Pumps or IFSAC/Proboard certification, and Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification within six months of hire.
Continued employment depends on obtaining and maintaining required certifications and credentials within specified timeframes.
Submit a completed online application, Career Plan Report, Supplemental Questionnaire, and required documents by the posting deadline. External applicants must upload proof of each required qualification; resumes and certification numbers are not accepted in place of the required application materials or uploaded documents.
Attend one of the required virtual WFD Candidate School II sessions.
External candidates selected for conditional employment must provide required documentation and complete driving history, reference, fingerprint-based criminal record, pre-employment physical, stress test, and drug screen checks.

Responsibilities

Protect the life and property of Wilmington residents.
Supervise personnel by assigning and prioritizing tasks, monitoring completion, conducting performance evaluations, identifying training needs, coordinating and presenting training, administering discipline under City policy, responding to complaints and grievances, maintaining personnel records, communicating with personnel, and maintaining readiness.
Command fire-ground operations during emergencies and direct subordinates in fire-ground activities, including use of apparatus and equipment for fire suppression and control.
Ensure the safety and accountability of personnel and citizens during emergency operations.
Perform non-emergency operations and public relations work, including assisting the Fire and Life Safety division and working with the public to protect life and property.
Perform administrative work, including writing reports, serving on committees, maintaining records, and participating in reviews of departmental policies and procedures.
Oversee housekeeping duties and equipment maintenance and assume responsibility for apparatus.
Test equipment and apparatus and inspect hydrants.
Coordinate monthly training and attend ongoing professional training.
Act as Fire Captain when required.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus other insurance options
City-provided 4.5% contribution to a 401(k) each pay period
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
13 paid holidays per year
Six weeks of paid parental leave
Paid volunteer and blood donation leave
Flexible schedule and telework availability, depending on position
Professional development trainings and leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance