Fire Department · Career
Fayetteville Fire/Emergency Management Department
Fayetteville, NC · Cumberland County
“Brave the Fire”
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Department careers page ↗The Fayetteville Fire/Emergency Management Department traces its roots to 1791, when it was chartered by the North Carolina Legislature, making it one of the oldest organizations in the state. It became a fully paid, 24-hour department in 1947 and today operates 17 active fire stations staffed across three shifts by 356 personnel.
The department delivers all-hazards service to the City of Fayetteville, including fire suppression, emergency medical care, and code enforcement. More than 72% of its calls are medically related; every firefighter maintains NC EMT-Basic certification and supplements Cumberland County EMS advanced life support.
Fayetteville earned an ISO Class 1 rating in 2015 and is a nationally accredited agency (reaccredited in 2021). Specialized capabilities include a regional Hazmat team covering a 12-county area and a multi-agency Collapse, Search and Rescue (USAR) team.
MissionPrepare for, reduce, and mitigate all risks facing the City of Fayetteville while serving with R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Fayetteville opens firefighter recruitment each fall through a six-step process: online application, a third-party written cognitive exam, a Physical Ability Test, a panel interview, placement on a ranked eligibility list, and final academy selection with background, drug, medical, and reference checks. Candidates can subscribe to job postings on governmentjobs.com to be notified when recruitment opens, and the department offers fall/winter orientation sessions with practice PAT opportunities.
New hires attend a paid Fire Academy on a Monday-Friday schedule, earning firefighter and NC EMT-Basic certification before transitioning to shift work. Questions can be directed to Recruitment Officer Captain Stephen Shakeshaft.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age at time of application
- U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must achieve NC EMT-Basic certification within one year of employment
- Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and no suspension within the past year
- No felony convictions (limited misdemeanor convictions permitted)
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening and physical exam
- Original birth certificate, high school diploma/GED, and valid driver's license required
Hiring process
- Submit online application during the open recruitment period, including a 10-year work history
- Pass a third-party written cognitive exam (reasoning, memory, problem-solving, reading comprehension, mechanical reasoning)
- Complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT), including a 77-foot aerial ladder climb within 5 minutes
- Panel interview assessing communication, work ethic, and ethical decision-making
- Placement on a ranked eligibility list (valid until August 31st following the testing year)
- Academy selection with background checks, drug testing, reference verification, and medical evaluation
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance; NC State Retirement System plus a 401(k) with 3% city contribution; accrued paid vacation and holidays; unlimited sick leave accumulation; paid Fire Academy; and educational incentive pay.
Paid Fire Academy on a Monday-Friday schedule; physically and mentally demanding with daily fitness training. Recruits earn firefighter and NC EMT-Basic certification before transitioning to shift work.
What are the basic requirements to become a Fayetteville firefighter?
You must be at least 18 at the time of application, be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license with an acceptable record, and have no felony convictions. You must also achieve NC EMT-Basic certification within one year of employment.
How do I apply and when is recruitment open?
Recruitment opens each fall. Applications are submitted online during the open period, and you can subscribe to job postings on governmentjobs.com to be notified. Reach Recruitment Officer Captain Stephen Shakeshaft at (910) 676-1716 or StephenShakeshaft@FayettevilleNC.gov.
What is the hiring process?
It's a six-step process: online application, a written cognitive exam, a Physical Ability Test (including a 77-foot ladder climb within 5 minutes), a panel interview, placement on a ranked eligibility list, and academy selection with background, drug, medical, and reference checks.
What is the starting salary and benefits?
Starting salary is $45,000 (as of July 2024). Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; NC State Retirement plus a 401(k) with 3% city contribution; paid vacation and holidays; unlimited sick leave accumulation; a paid academy; and educational incentive pay.
Do I need to be certified before applying?
No. You do not need EMT certification to apply, but you must earn NC EMT-Basic certification within one year of employment. Recruits complete firefighter and EMT-Basic training during the paid Fire Academy.
What is the work schedule?
The department operates around the clock across three shifts. Recruits first attend the academy on a Monday-Friday schedule, then transition to shift work after completing firefighter and EMT certification.