Fire Department · Career
Chapel Hill Fire Department
Chapel Hill, NC · Orange County
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Department careers page ↗Chapel Hill Fire Department protects the Town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus with fire suppression, basic rescue, and first-responder medical services delivered from five fire stations spread across town, backed by a career staff of roughly 79 uniformed personnel. Beyond emergency response, the department runs an active fire prevention and life-safety program, including a permits-and-inspections service for businesses and a public education arm that schedules school visits, teaches residents to use fire extinguishers, helps install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and checks that child car seats are installed correctly.
The department is led by Chief Jay Mebane, who took over the department in mid-2026 after previously serving as fire chief of the City of Burlington, NC; he began his fire service career as a volunteer with the City of Mebane's fire department in 2007. Chapel Hill FD periodically recruits new firefighter-recruits as well as certified lateral hires, sending recruits through a training academy to earn both EMT and firefighter certification before they staff the line.
Chapel Hill Fire Department hires both firefighter recruits, who attend an academy to earn EMT and firefighter certifications before serving on shift, and certified/lateral firefighters at a rate commensurate with experience. Recruit hiring runs on periodic cycles (e.g., a Firefighter – Recruit posting for 2026) with a published application deadline, an agility test, panel interviews, and conditional job offers leading to an academy start date.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma, GED, or accredited high school equivalency
- Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License (or equivalent)
- Must meet medical standards under NFPA 1582
- No prior firefighting experience required for the recruit track
Hiring process
- Application review
- Physical agility test
- Panel interviews
- Conditional job offer
- Fire/EMS training academy (recruits earn EMT and firefighter certification)
Benefits
Health and dental insurance effective on the first day of employment, short- and long-term disability coverage, employer-provided life insurance, participation in the NC Local Government Employees' Retirement System (6% employee contribution) plus a 401(k) with 5% employer match and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan, a Retirement Health Savings Plan, 12–26 vacation days a year based on tenure, 12 sick days a year, six weeks of paid parental leave, 12 paid holidays, three personal days a year, tuition assistance after probation, credit union access, longevity pay starting at year five, and a housing assistance program.
Firefighter recruits complete a training academy to obtain both EMT and firefighter certification before assuming full duties.
What areas does Chapel Hill Fire Department serve?
The department provides fire protection, basic rescue, and first responder medical services for the Town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina.
How many fire stations does Chapel Hill Fire Department operate?
Five fire stations located throughout Chapel Hill (Stations 1 through 5).
Does the department offer public education services?
Yes — the department schedules school visits, fire extinguisher training, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation help, and child car seat safety checks.
Who is the current fire chief?
Jay Mebane serves as Chief of the Chapel Hill Fire Department.
How do I get a fire permit or inspection?
Businesses and residents can apply for a fire permit and inspection through a request form on the department's website.