Fire Department · Career
Hendersonville Fire Department
Hendersonville, NC · Henderson County
Assistant Fire Chief position at Hendersonville Fire Department requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of management experience in municipal fire departments. Salary details not provided.
Apply by June 30th for a Firefighter/EMT position at Hendersonville Fire Department with a salary range of $29 hourly, requiring EMT-Basic certification and firefighter certifications.
The Hendersonville Fire Department is the municipal career department serving the city of Hendersonville, the seat of Henderson County in the mountains of western North Carolina. It works from two stations: Station 1 downtown at 851 N. Main St. and Station 2 at 632 Sugarloaf Rd.
The department runs a compact frontline fleet, including Engines 9-1, 9-2 and 9-3, Tower 9 (a ladder truck) and reserve engines. Its stated values are Honor, Professionalism, Pride, Dedication and Teamwork.
Leadership emphasizes a homegrown culture. Fire Chief Justin Ward has served the department since 2007, rising through the ranks from firefighter to deputy chief before being sworn in as chief in early 2026.
Missionminimize risk to life, property, and the environment while creating a strong bond with our community
Hendersonville hires Firefighter/EMTs (full-time and part-time) and applies through the city's Oracle Cloud HR portal. Candidates should meet the department's baseline certifications and then move through a multi-step process of a written exam, a job-performance ability test and panel interview, chief interviews, and pre-employment checks.
Recruitment questions go to Jessica Pomerleau, the department's Recruitment and Retention Officer, at hremployment@hvlnc.gov or (828) 233-9154. The city advertises pay positioned in the top 75% of the area alongside a benefits package aimed at retention.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Valid Driver's License
- Firefighter Level II certification
- Hazardous Materials certification
- EMT Basic certification, or ability to obtain within one year
Hiring process
- Written Exam
- JPAT (job performance ability test) and Panel Interview
- Chief Interviews
- Pre-employment process including background check, drug screen, and physical
Benefits
- NC Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Pension and Local Governmental Employees Retirement System
- 2 weeks paid vacation, increasing with years of service
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 6 weeks paid family leave
- Health insurance with the city covering 100% of employee premiums (if wellness requirements are met)
- Free dental and vision insurance for employees
- Embedded mental health clinician
- Tuition assistance for continuing education
- On-site gym access
New hires go through an orientation phase lasting roughly 7-14 days, depending on the number of personnel onboarded.
What certifications do I need to apply?
Applicants need Firefighter Level II and Hazardous Materials certification, plus EMT Basic (or the ability to obtain it within one year). You must also have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18, and hold a valid driver's license.
What does the hiring process look like?
There are four stages: a written exam; a JPAT (job performance ability test) and panel interview; chief interviews; and a pre-employment process that includes a background check, drug screen and physical.
How do I apply?
Positions such as Firefighter/EMT are posted on the department's employment page, and you apply through the city's Oracle Cloud HR system via the Apply Now link. Recruitment questions can go to the Recruitment and Retention Officer at hremployment@hvlnc.gov or (828) 233-9154.
What is the pay like?
The city advertises firefighter pay as positioned in the top 75% of the area. Specific salary figures are not published on the department site.
What benefits are offered?
Benefits include state firefighter and local government pensions, city-paid health premiums (with wellness requirements), free dental and vision, paid vacation and 12 holidays, six weeks of paid family leave, tuition assistance, an on-site gym, and an embedded mental health clinician.
Is there an orientation or academy period?
New hires complete an orientation phase that lasts roughly 7 to 14 days, depending on how many people are brought on at once.