Fire Department · Career
Cary Fire Department
Cary, NC · Wake County
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Department careers page ↗The Cary Fire Department is a full-career agency serving the Town of Cary and the Cary Suburban Fire District, providing fire suppression, non-transport emergency medical service, and technical rescue. It protects roughly 192,000 residents across about 58 square miles.
The department runs nine stations plus an administrative office, fielding nine engine companies, four ladder companies, and three rescue companies. It employs around 245 people, including roughly 224 full-time suppression personnel.
Cary is organized into five divisions: Administration, Logistics, Operations, Training, and the Office of the Fire Marshal. It is one of a small group of departments nationwide holding both an ISO Class 1 rating and international accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Beyond structural firefighting, Cary firefighters are certified Technical Rescuers by the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal and staff a specialty Water Rescue Unit equipped with inflatable and aluminum boats.
Cary accepts firefighter applications only during open recruitment periods, and only online (no paper applications). Candidates who want to be notified when a recruitment opens can submit an electronic job interest card, which triggers an email alert when hiring begins.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications must pass a physical agility test (P.A.T.) built around fireground tasks such as climbing stairs, carrying tools, advancing hose, using a maul, deploying a ladder, and crawling through a tight, dark space while wearing a weighted vest. New hires attend an academy that runs about 10 months on a 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. schedule.
Requirements
- Applications accepted only during open recruitment periods
- Must pass a physical agility test (P.A.T.) of fireground-related tasks performed in a weighted vest
- Online application only (no paper applications accepted)
Hiring process
- Submit an electronic job interest card to be notified when recruitment opens
- Apply online during an open recruitment period
- Meet minimum qualifications
- Pass the physical agility test (P.A.T.)
- Attend the approximately 10-month new-hire fire academy
New hires attend an academy lasting about 10 months, running 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do I apply to become a Cary firefighter?
Applications are accepted only during open recruitment periods and only online. To be notified when recruitment opens, submit an electronic job interest card and you will receive an email when hiring begins.
What is the firefighter work schedule?
Suppression employees work a 53-hour workweek made up of three rotating 24.5-hour workdays.
Is there a physical test to get hired?
Yes. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications must pass a physical agility test (P.A.T.) of fireground tasks such as climbing stairs, carrying tools, advancing hose, using a maul, deploying a ladder, and crawling through a tight, dark space while wearing a weighted vest.
How long is the fire academy?
The academy for new hires typically lasts about 10 months and runs on a 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule.
How busy is the department?
Cary Fire averages about 28 calls per day, roughly 850 per month and about 10,200 per year, from nine stations.
Who can I contact about firefighter employment?
You can reach the Town of Cary Human Resources Department at (919) 469-4070, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.