Fire Department · Career
Goldsboro Fire Department
Goldsboro, NC · Wayne County
“Committed to Life Safety”
Top 5% of departments in NC and the U.S. (ISO Class 2)
The Goldsboro Fire Department is a fully-paid, career department serving roughly 33,600 residents across the 25 square miles inside the city limits of Goldsboro in eastern North Carolina. The department answers an average of about 3,230 calls a year, spanning structure fires, vehicle accidents, EMS responses, and alarm activations.
Operations run out of five stations housing six companies: one engine company per station plus a Tower (aerial) company based at Station 1. Station 1, at 204 S. Center Street, serves as headquarters, home to all command staff and administration.
The Operations Division is organized into three shifts (A, B, and C) totaling roughly 75 personnel, with each shift staffed by a chief officer, captains, engineers, and firefighters. The department carries an ISO Public Protection Classification of Class 2, ranking it in the top 5% of fire departments in North Carolina and the United States.
Goldsboro's fire service traces back to May 1881, when Goldsboro Fire Company No. 1 was organized; the city hired its first full-time chief in 1929 and became a fully-paid department in the 1930s.
MissionTo provide prompt, skillful, and cost-effective protection to life, property, and the environment.
The Goldsboro Fire Department hires entry-level firefighters; firefighter and EMT certifications are not required to be hired, though new members must obtain North Carolina EMT certification within a year. Applications are submitted online through the City of Goldsboro's employment portal and are reviewed by both the City HR Department and the Fire Department's Hiring Committee.
Qualified candidates move through a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), submission of criminal-history and driving records and a Work Keys job-skills certificate, and an interview with the Hiring Committee, followed by a conditional offer and drug screening. For details, applicants can contact the Assistant Chief of Training at 919-580-4260.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license with a good driving record
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
- Meet medical requirements of OSHA 1910.156, 1910.134, and 1910.120
- Firefighter and EMT certification not required to be hired, but must obtain NC EMT certification within 1 year of hire (or within 1 year of obtaining Firefighter Certification)
- Work Keys Job Skill Certificate (available from any NC Community College)
Hiring process
- Submit application online through the City of Goldsboro employment portal
- Review by City of Goldsboro HR Department and Fire Department Hiring Committee
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT); orientation highly recommended
- Submit criminal-history and driving records (last seven years) and Work Keys certificate
- Interview with the Hiring Committee
- Conditional offer of employment
- Drug screening with negative results required to be hired
Benefits
Eligible members participate in the North Carolina retirement system, with reduced-benefit eligibility at age 50 with 20 years of creditable service, or age 55 for firefighters with five years of service. The City also offers NC Supplemental Retirement Plans, 401(k), and 457 options.
New firefighters must obtain North Carolina EMT certification within one year of hire date or within one year of obtaining Firefighter Certification.
Do I need firefighter or EMT certification before I can be hired?
No. Firefighter and EMT certifications are not required to be hired, but you must obtain North Carolina EMT certification within one year of hire (or within one year of obtaining Firefighter Certification).
What are the basic requirements to apply?
You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver's license with a good driving record, have no felony convictions or moral-turpitude misdemeanors, and meet the relevant OSHA medical requirements.
What does a firefighter earn?
The hiring range is negotiable between $45,715 and $58,972 depending on your qualifications and experience.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the City of Goldsboro's employment portal at agency.governmentjobs.com/goldsboronc. For more information, contact the Assistant Chief of Training at 919-580-4260.
What does the hiring process involve?
After your application is reviewed by City HR and the Fire Hiring Committee, the process includes a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), submission of criminal-history and driving records and a Work Keys certificate, a Hiring Committee interview, a conditional offer, and a drug screen.
What is the Work Keys certificate?
Applicants must submit a Work Keys Job Skill Certificate, which can be obtained from any North Carolina Community College.