Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and practice before participating in the recruitment process, as competition is high and only a select few are hired. A written exam is no longer required, but candidates must exhibit a strong work ethic, responsibility, motivation, determination, and teamwork throughout the entire process. Prior firefighting experience is not necessary or required, as all required certifications will be provided during the Recruit Academy if selected for hire.

Applicants will be required to successfully complete the following testing and screenings:

• Strength and Agility Test: Applicants must successfully complete the JPAT in order to move forward. Once successfully completed, please do not attend additional dates.
• Department Panel Interview
• Chief Interview
• Passing results of English Placement test within past 12 months or passing of a College English course (100 or higher) in past 5 years *
• Criminal Background Investigation
• Driving History Check / Valid Driver’s License
• Personal and Professional reference check
• Pre-Employment Physical, Stress Test and Drug Screen **

* The course requirement for the EMT class is a CASAS Reading goal of 249 or higher within the 12 months, or College English 100 or higher within the past five years. Applicants must submit their passing score documentation to Human Resources, or transcript showing English credit by the posted due date. Scores can be obtained from the Admissions Office. Please visit the testing center website to schedule your exam, there is a $10 charge for this test.

** For the Pre-employment Physical, Wilmington Fire Department follows NFPA 1582 medical standards.

Note: Correspondence will be sent to candidates using only the e-mail address included on the application.

Please make sure your email is correct on your application and monitor your e-mail closely after the posted closing date as contact will be made after applications are verified. No phone calls or voicemails will be accepted or returned during this recruitment process, please email heather.miller@wilmingtonnc.gov with specific questions that cannot be answered after review of this page or the posting.

Minimum Requirements to Apply

• Legal to work in the United States
• At least 18 years of age by determined orientation start date in posting
• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license

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Application Process

• Applicants must pass the JPAT in order for application to be deemed qualified to move forward.

  • If candidate has not taken/passed the agility, candidate's application will disqualified.
  • Attach emailed verification to your application.
• Applications and documentation can only be submitted online during open post (paper/email will not be accepted).
• All documentation to support highest level of education, experience, and certifications must be uploaded with application for credit. See examples below. 
  • If you state you have previous active duty military experience, please attach DD214.
  • If you state you have education higher than a GED/Diploma, please attach transcript with hours/verification of degree awarded.
  • If you state you have FF or EMT, please attach proof of certifications.
  • If you state you have completed a high school fire course/program or the WFD Junior Fire Academy, please attached certification.

Important: Correspondence will be sent to candidates using only the email address included on the application. Please monitor your email closely after the posted closing date as notifications of process advancement will only be sent electronically. Check spam and junk folders as requests for reschedule or accommodation will not be made due to failure to view.

Firefighters need to be physically fit in order to perform their job safely.

Task #1: Run

Requirement: Complete 1½ mile run - 15 min

• Applicants pace themselves throughout the run and attempt to complete the 1½ miles by starting from the starting point and running to complete the course.

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Task #2: Job Physical Assessment

Requirement: Complete JPAT Course

• Victim Drag
• Ladder Raise
• High Rise Pack/Stair Climb/Hose Hoist
• Hose Drag
• Equipment Carry - Remove 2 pieces of equipment from elevated shelf and carry specified distance

Starting Salary

• Academy: $43,596
• After Graduation: $45,893

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Comprehensive Benefits Package

• UMR PPO or HDHP
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending
• Retirement: 4.5% contribution to 401k or 457 plans, and in lieu of social security, the city will contribute an additional 3% to the 457 plan. If you elect to contribute an additional 3% to the 457 plan, the city will match your 3% contribution after academy completion.
• Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Benefit options
  • Critical Illness
  • Cancer
  • Short Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • Identity Protection
• EAP Services
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Time
• Sick Leave Bank
• Education Reimbursement: $1500 PFY
• Education Incentive:
  • $1,000 - Associate Degree
  • $2,000 - Bachelor Degree

Visit the city's benefits page for more information.

Over the course of 6 months, each member completes hundreds of hours of training, along with more than 100 hours of physical training. During this time our recruits achieve state certifications for Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, Shipboard Firefighting, and Hazardous Materials Operations, as well as Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician. The class is also trained in Firefighter Rescue, Safety, and Survival.

I want to apply but cannot find a job posting to submit an application, what do I do?

The Wilmington Fire Department generally recruits once a year as these processes are dependent upon position openings within the department. The dates of which we post will not be the same and are not pre-scheduled or slated for specific times of the year. If it is not an active recruitment, you can submit a job interest card to be notified when it posts. If you email to request a date of the next process, you will be provided the same link. Applications are only accepted during an active recruitment process. During active recruitment, a post will be made live on our government jobs portal and you will then be able to apply. Emailed resumes are not accepted.

How long is the hiring process?

The hiring process in its entirety is about five months long. Ample time is needed in order to get those hired through the background and physicals portion in order to provide the candidates as much time as possible to move or provide employers with notice. Anticipated process dates and timelines will be included in the job posting.

If I am selected to move forward, how are interviews held? 

Applicants chosen to move forward will receive notifications to self-schedule their in-person interviews. Applicants scheduling their interviews will be a first come, first serve process. If there is a date or time that is preferred, you will need to make sure you immediately act upon receiving the email notification. The department tries to provide enough notice for candidates to plan their trip or request off from their employer. Once an applicant has selected their date and time, there is little room for change until the scheduling window has passed. In the event there are scheduling adjustments that need to be made for the department, applicants may receive calls to come in at a different time or date if it is possible. If an applicant is on or expected to be on active duty orders, they must email a copy of their orders to the email in the posting and request accommodations. The department will review and provide possible accommodations available within the already established timelines. All timelines and anticipated dates provided in the posting are subject to change.

Does the fire department provide housing during the academy?

No, the fire department does not offer or provide housing for personnel.

Is there a residency requirement?

No, there is not a residency requirement; however, if you move to NC, you must obtain a NC Driver's license within 60 days of employment.

How long is recruit academy and is it paid?

Recruit academy is typically six months long. If you are selected for employment, you will attend New Hire Orientation and you will be a paid employee from that day forward.

If I am already a firefighter somewhere else, can I transfer to you?

The Wilmington Fire Department does not accept lateral transfers. All interested applicants must go through the recruitment process and if selected for hire the applicant will start at base rate and attend the fire academy.

If I already have Firefighter certifications and EMT, do I have to sit through Academy?

Yes. All recruits receive the same training and education during our academy. Recruits must pass all required practical and testing phases. If the recruit already has EMT certification through the State of North Carolina, they will remain in class and must take the school exam but will not have to recertify with the state. Hours earned will be counted as counting education credits.