Fire Department · Combination
Nags Head Fire Rescue
Nags Head, NC · Dare County
“Courage, Commitment, Compassion”
population grows to over 45,000 in summer
Nags Head Fire Rescue serves the Town of Nags Head, one of the coastal communities that make up the Outer Banks of North Carolina, sitting adjacent to national and state parks and famous stretches of beach. It has been in operation for over 50 years and today runs as a combination department of roughly 27 career staff and about 10 volunteers.
The department operates from two stations: the Douglas A. Remaley Fire Station 16 (Headquarters) at 5314 South Croatan Highway, and Station 21 at 8806 South Old Oregon Inlet Road in South Nags Head. Crews respond to fire, rescue, and emergency medical calls, and the department also runs an Ocean Rescue division and a Community Risk Reduction program covering inspections, investigations, and public fire-prevention education.
The community it protects is highly seasonal: a year-round population of around 3,000 grows to over 45,000 during the summer months, giving firefighters a busy tourist-season workload in a coastal environment. The department operates within an Enhanced 911 system through Dare County Central Communications in Manteo.
MissionTo protect the people, property and environment of the Town of Nags Head with courage, commitment, and compassion.
The Nags Head Fire Department actively recruits qualified applicants interested in serving as a Firefighter/EMT for the town. Current openings are posted on the Town's Employment Opportunities page; applicants should meet the minimum education and certification requirements before applying.
After a posting closes, qualified candidates are contacted with a date for the Physical Ability Test (PAT) and Aerial Climb, followed by interviews (normally held on separate days). Successful applicants are subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment drug screening.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalency
- One to three years of public safety work desired
- North Carolina Class B driver's license required within 1 year of employment
- NC certification as Firefighter Level II required (out-of-state certifications accepted if NC reciprocity is obtained within 6 months)
- NC certification as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) required (out-of-state accepted with reciprocity within 6 months)
- NC Fire Inspector certification preferred
- Classified as essential personnel; must maintain duty assignment during storms and adverse conditions
Hiring process
- Apply for a current Firefighter/EMT posting on the Town's Employment Opportunities page
- Wait for the posting to close
- Complete the Physical Ability Test (PAT) and Aerial Climb
- Interview (normally held on a separate day from the PAT)
- Pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening
Benefits
The Town's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee-only coverage paid in full by the Town), life insurance equal to 1x salary, and participation in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System plus a 401k with a 5% employer contribution (no match required). Also included are paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, longevity pay after five years of service, an on-site employee fitness facility, and optional supplemental and deferred-compensation plans.
What are the minimum requirements to become a Nags Head firefighter?
A high school diploma or GED, NC Firefighter Level II certification, and NC EMT-Basic certification. A North Carolina Class B driver's license is required within one year of employment, and one to three years of public safety experience is desired.
What does the job pay?
The Firefighter/EMT salary range is $51,240 to $79,422 (as of 07/01/2023). It is normal policy to start employees at the beginning of the range.
What is the work schedule?
The department works a 24-hour on, 48-hour off schedule.
Will you accept out-of-state certifications?
Yes. Out-of-state Firefighter Level II and EMT-Basic certifications are accepted if North Carolina reciprocity is obtained within six months of employment.
What is the hiring process like?
After a posting closes, qualified candidates are invited to a Physical Ability Test (PAT) and Aerial Climb, followed by an interview on a separate day. Finalists must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.
How do I apply?
Check the Town of Nags Head Employment Opportunities page for current Firefighter/EMT listings and apply there.