Fire Department · Career
Gastonia Fire Department
Gastonia, NC · Gaston County
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Department careers page ↗The Gastonia Fire Department is a fully career, municipal fire service protecting the city of Gastonia in Gaston County, North Carolina. It staffs eight fire stations spread across the city with 144 full-time personnel.
The department serves approximately 80,411 residents over a 53-square-mile response area. Beyond structural fire suppression, it maintains a Special Operations Division for more specialized incidents.
Gastonia sits in the Charlotte metropolitan area of the North Carolina Piedmont, and the department supports districts and stations organized across the city limits.
MissionSave lives and property, and to proudly serve the citizens and visitors of the City of Gastonia.
Gastonia hires firefighters through the City of Gastonia's online jobs portal at agency.governmentjobs.com/gastonianc. Candidates move through a multi-stage process including the Gastonia Physical Agility Test (GPAT), panel and Chief's interviews, a polygraph, verification of educational or certification credentials, and a medical exam with drug screening.
New hires do not need to be certified before starting: those without North Carolina Firefighter Certification or NC EMT certification are sent to earn them within 18 months. All new employees serve a one-year probationary period beginning with a 30-day orientation.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED at time of hire
- Valid driver's license required before employment
- Honorable military discharge (General discharge under Honorable conditions evaluated case-by-case)
- Ability to perform heavy work: lift up to 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, 20 lbs constantly
- ACT National Career Readiness Certificate, or a college transcript showing at least an associate's degree, or NFPA 1001 Firefighter or EMT certification
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
- No DUI/DWI conviction within 5 years; no more than 5 moving-violation points in the past 3 years
- Compliance with the department tattoo policy
Hiring process
- Gastonia Physical Agility Test (GPAT)
- Panel interview
- Chief's interview
- Pre-polygraph and polygraph test
- Verification of ACT NCRC, college transcript, or firefighter/EMT certification
- Medical exam, eye exam, and drug screening
Benefits
- 401(k) with 5% employer contribution
- NC Local Government Retirement System and NC Firefighters' & Rescue Squad Workers Pension
- Health and dental coverage
- Life insurance equal to annual salary
- Tuition assistance up to $2,000 per year
- 12 paid holidays plus sick leave and vacation
New hires who lack NC Firefighter Certification or NC EMT certification are sent to earn them within 18 months. Employment begins with a 30-day orientation (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday) and a one-year probationary period.
How do I apply to become a Gastonia firefighter?
Apply online through the City of Gastonia's jobs portal at agency.governmentjobs.com/gastonianc. A current list of openings is also maintained by Human Resources and posted on the City's website.
Do I need to be a certified firefighter before applying?
No. New hires who do not already hold North Carolina Firefighter Certification or NC EMT certification are sent to obtain them within 18 months of hire.
What are the basic requirements?
You must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license before employment, and meet the department's education/certification standard (ACT NCRC, an associate's degree, or firefighter/EMT certification). Heavy physical work capability is required.
What does the hiring process involve?
Six stages: the Gastonia Physical Agility Test (GPAT), a panel interview, a Chief's interview, a polygraph, verification of your credentials, and a medical exam with drug screening.
What benefits does the department offer?
A 401(k) with 5% employer contribution, the NC Local Government Retirement System and Firefighters' Pension, health and dental coverage, life insurance equal to annual salary, tuition assistance up to $2,000/year, and 12 paid holidays plus sick and vacation leave.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes. New employees begin with a 30-day orientation and remain on probation for one year from their hire date.