Fire Department · Combination
New Hanover County Fire Rescue
Wilmington, NC · New Hanover County
New Hanover County Fire Rescue offers a continuous application process for Deputy Fire Marshal with a salary range of $59,168 - $79,877. Benefits include employer-paid 401k contributions and comprehensive health insurance.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue offers a starting salary of $65,128 with excellent benefits including retirement, health insurance, and paid time off. Applications are accepted continuously.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue serves the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County on North Carolina's southeastern coast, a community with a year-round population of over 230,000 that swells substantially during the summer season.
The department responds to an average of more than 6,000 emergency calls per year, covering emergency medical response, fire suppression, technical rescue, and hazardous materials incidents. Its new Gordon Road station serves as headquarters.
New Hanover County holds an ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 2 for both its Northern and Southern districts, a significant improvement from the Class 4 rating it carried in 2012.
New Hanover County Fire Rescue hires primarily through its Firefighter Academy Program, a sponsorship and apprenticeship pathway that requires no prior firefighting experience. Candidates need only be legally authorized to work in the U.S., at least 18 by graduation, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver's license.
Selected recruits complete a roughly six-month academy at CFCC's North Campus that certifies them in firefighting, hazardous materials, basic EMT, emergency vehicle driving, and mayday/survival skills. Applications are submitted through GovernmentJobs.com, and the program leads to a small number of paid full-time apprenticeships plus additional unpaid part-time sponsorships.
Requirements
- Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- At least 18 years old by academy graduation
- High school diploma or GED (proof required)
- Valid driver's license
- No prior firefighting experience required
Hiring process
- Complete Fire Teams Testing
- Participate in a panel interview
- Submit a written essay (paid apprenticeship applicants)
- Pass the English Placement Test through CFCC (CASAS reading score of 249+ or completed English 111 within 5 years)
- Criminal background investigation and driving history check
- Pre-employment physical, stress test, and drug screen
Benefits
Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. Paid apprentices receive a starting salary of $50,000; the academy also certifies recruits in firefighting, hazardous materials, basic EMT, emergency vehicle driving, and survival skills.
Roughly six-month academy at CFCC North Campus (Blue Clay Road), Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, with EMS training the first six weeks followed by fire academy, plus 24 hours of station duty per month.
Do I need firefighting experience to apply?
No. The Firefighter Academy Program accepts candidates with no prior firefighting experience and certifies them through a roughly six-month academy.
What are the minimum requirements to join?
You must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., at least 18 by academy graduation, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver's license.
What does the starting pay look like?
Paid apprenticeship positions start at $50,000, with both full-time and part-time opportunities available.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through GovernmentJobs.com via the county's Become a Firefighter page.
What certifications will I earn in the academy?
Recruits are certified in firefighting, hazardous materials, basic EMT, emergency vehicle driving, and mayday/survival skills during the roughly six-month academy at CFCC's North Campus.
What is the academy schedule like?
The academy runs Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, with EMS training the first six weeks followed by the fire academy, plus about 24 hours of station duty per month.