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 with an estimated start date of July 29, 2024.
This position will be required to attend a 6 month, paid academy, where all certifications and trainings are provided. After successful completion of all training, and academy graduation, employees will then be transferred to city apparatus. This role encompasses the many responsibilities required on the emergency scene as well as the daily tasks of maintaining a fire station, cleaning and inspecting equipment, and participating in training.

• 
  Education: Minimum of H.S. Diploma or GED

• Age: must be at least 18 years old

• Must have a valid/active driver's license

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Application Procedure :
Applicants must complete the following steps in order to be considered for hire.

Step # 1 Successfully complete the Strength & Agility Test

• March 13 : Registration : 6:00 PM - 6:15 PM : Testing after
• March 20 : Registration : 6:00 PM- 6:15 PM : Testing after
• March 27: Registration : 6:00 PM- 6:15 PM : Testing after
• April 13: Registration :7:30 AM - 7:45 AM: 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.

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 submission

• Complete application with thorough and up to date information.
• The following documents must be attached for consideration in process. If you stated you have it, attach it:
  • Transcript or Diploma from the highest level of education completed.
    (Note, HS transcript will be required for EMT training and submitted before orientation.)
  • All relevant certifications received from the State, if applicable , must be attached for consideration(i.e. NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator)
  • DD214
  • JPAT Certificate if passed within a year of posting date.
• Supplemental questions answered thoroughly and supported in the application
• Please ensure the documents you attach are legible. If any of your attached documents are deemed illegible, they will not be used for credit

After application submission

After the closing period of the application has passed, applicants will be notified if they are qualified to move to the interview process by May 3, 2024.
Phone calls are not accepted, and voicemails are not returned during the recruitment timeframe; correspondence of all nature must be through email. Please make sure to check your SPAM and junk folder in your email.

Step # 3 Panel Interviews

Anticipated dates are May 13 - May 17
**Dates are subject to change**

The next steps are only for those candidates given a conditional offer of employment after the interview process has completed:
Step # 4 Required documentation submitted to HR by July 1, 2024

• Copy of a High School Diploma, High School Transcript or GED Certificate. Note: Copy of a College Diploma and/or official or unofficial transcript may be attached in lieu of High School Diploma and/or HS Transcripts. Continuing education credits are not accepted.
• Birth Certificate
• Valid Driver’s License
• Passing score on reading assessment
  Note : Passing results showing a 2024 CASAS Reading score of 249 or higher or successful completion of English 111 within the past (10) years must be obtained from Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) and are required to be submitted before the deadline. There is no charge for taking the English placement test through CFCC. The link to sign up for placement testing is available online at http://cfcc.edu/testing-services/placement-testing-and-waivers/. Plan to be on campus approximately 2-4 hours for testing.

Step #5 Criminal Background Investigation, Driving History Check, Personal and Professional Reference Checks
Step #6 Post-offer Pre-Employment Physical, Stress Test and Drug Screen

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) or 457 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.