Firefighter Academy

City of Wilmington • Wilmington, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for the upcoming Firefighter Academy. The recruitment process involves several steps including a Strength and Agility Test (JPAT), application submission with required documentation, departmental panel interviews, a Chief panel interview, and a pre-employment process including reference checks, background investigations, driving history checks, physical and stress tests, and drug screening. Specific deadlines are in place for submitting documentation and completing certain steps. The position requires candidates to be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the US, possess a High School Diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and meet English placement or CASAS test requirements. The academy involves training in firefighting, rescue techniques, emergency medical procedures, and hazardous materials handling. Upon graduation, individuals will serve as Firefighters with a rotating shift schedule and responsibilities including emergency response, fire suppression, medical assistance, apparatus operation, and community education.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old before November 2, 2026
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Minimum of H.S. Diploma or GED before October 8, 2026
• Valid/active US driver's license before October 8, 2026
• Passing College English or CASAS results before October 8, 2026
• Pass the WFD JPAT/ Physical Fitness Test within the last year - CPAT is not accepted
• Long pants or sweatpants, shorts may be worn for the run only.
• Closed toed athletic shoes must be worn in order to participate in the test course.
• Own pair of work/construction/mechanic gloves.
• Check in requires proof of valid driver's license/identification card.
• Candidates will be required to submit to baseline vitals prior to beginning the course.

Nice To Haves

• NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator
• HS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion
• DD214 to support active duty military experience
• Orders for current Active Duty
• Education pay resulting in an increase of $1,000 for an Associate Degree and $2,000 for Bachelor/Master Degree with the submission of required documentation.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Free on-site city gym access
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED