New Hanover County is accepting applications for full-time firefighter/apparatus operators, where selected applicants meeting the requirements for and successfully completing an assessment may be selected to fill current vacancies, or comprise an eligibility list which will be used to fill future vacancies. Duties include protecting life and property by responding emergencies; securing the scene; extinguishing the fire; salvaging structures and their contents; and providing basic emergency medical care as a first responder.  Responds as the primary apparatus operator to reports of emergencies which includes fires, emergency medical requests, technical rescue incidents, hazardous materials response and other types of situations that may present hazards or harm to people or property.  Other duties include performing maintenance of vehicles and fire stations, conducting pre-plan fire inspections, acting in the absence of the Company Officer on assigned shifts and representing Fire Services to the public at various events.New Hanover County Fire Rescue is comprised of a team of dedicated emergency response professionals who work to protect and educate citizens from the threats of fire and other emergencies.  Our employees stay committed to the County’s model of good governance working 24 hours a day in eight (8) fire/rescue stations, protecting 328 square miles of the County.  The department partners with Cape Fear Community College to sponsor internship students in the First Responder Academy and also offers a first class volunteer firefighter program.  These programs provide opportunities for those wishing to volunteer their time or start their own career in the fire industry.  Ideal candidates for this department combine the department’s values of honor, dedication, compassion, service and excellence with the County’s overarching shared values and vision of a vibrant, prosperous and diverse coastal community committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.New Hanover County strives to hire the best and the brightest employees who are committed to public service.  Our employees enjoy an innovative, energetic and employee-focused work environment with top down support that embraces bottom up ideas and engagement.  Our talented team of professionals have a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter.  Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers.  If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to come and be a part of the exciting, healthy and progressive team at New Hanover County.

HS diploma/GED and 4 years of related firefighting experience; or three years of related firefighting experience, including two years as a full-time firefighter with New Hanover County Fire Services.

Required at the time of application:

Hours: Rotating 24-hour shifts from 7AM-7AM, including weekends and holidays.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.  

The first part of the candidate assessment will be scheduled for mid-February  in 2017.  Candidates referred to the department for consideration should be prepared to attend this assessment.TRAINEES: Applicants meeting the minimum required education, but lacking certification requirements from the list below and/or lacking one of the required years of experience, may be considered at a trainee rate of $12.46 per hour and if selected will remain at the trainee rate until the minimum experience requirement and/or all required certification requirements are met.  All certification and minimum experience requirements must be met within one (1) year of employment.

• NC or National Registry EMT certification
• IFSAC or ProBoard accredited certification as Technical Rescue General;
• IFSAC or ProBoard accredited certification as Technical Rescue Vehicle Machinery Rescue;
• IFSAC or ProBoard accredited certification as Technical Rescue Ropes;
• IFSAC or ProBoard accredited certification as Driver Operator Pumps;
• IFSAC or ProBooard accredited certification as Driver Operator Aerial.

Employment references will be conducted on all applicants being considered for hire.  Candidates with previous military experience should attach a copy of their DD-214 (long form) to this application.  This will be accepted as one of your employment references.