Fire Department · Career
Wilmington Fire Department
Wilmington, NC · New Hanover County
The Wilmington Fire Department protects North Carolina's largest coastal city from a network of stations anchored by Fire Headquarters (Station 1) at 801 Market Street, a 32,000-square-foot facility built in 1999 that also houses fire administration, the marine/dive division, and apparatus maintenance.
The department has earned the highest marks in the fire service: it holds a Class 1 ISO Public Protection Classification and is an internationally accredited fire department, signaling that it meets or exceeds industry standards and best practices.
Beyond structural firefighting, Wilmington fields specialized teams for its riverfront and coastal setting, including a marine/dive division based at Headquarters and a hazardous materials response team housed at Station 7 that answers local and regional hazmat calls.
Wilmington hires at the entry level as Firefighter/EMT (Recruit), and prior firefighting experience or specialized fire education is not required to apply. The application is entirely online through the department's website, and a written exam is no longer part of the process. Competition is strong and only a select few are hired, so candidates are encouraged to prepare and practice for the recruitment steps.
Successful applicants complete a paid, six-month Recruit Academy where they learn everything needed for the job. After graduating, recruits are assigned to shift work on a rotating 24-hour schedule.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- Strong work ethic, responsibility, determination, and teamwork
- Firefighting experience and/or specialized fire education not required
- Application submitted online
- No written exam required
Hiring process
- Apply online through the department's website
- Complete the recruitment/selection process (competition is high)
- Complete the paid six-month Recruit Academy
- Transfer to shift work on a rotating 24-hour schedule
Benefits
Wilmington firefighters receive job security, group health and life insurance, North Carolina Local Government retirement, a 401(k), paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and tuition reimbursement.
New hires complete a paid six-month Recruit Academy before being assigned to shift.
Do I need firefighting experience to apply?
No. The Firefighter/EMT (Recruit) role is entry level, and firefighting experience or specialized fire education is not required to apply. You must be at least 18 and show a strong work ethic, responsibility, determination, and teamwork.
How do I apply?
The application is entirely online and can be found on the department's website (the Careers page). A written exam is no longer required.
Is there a training academy, and is it paid?
Yes. Successful applicants complete a paid six-month Recruit Academy, where they learn all the knowledge needed for the job.
What schedule do firefighters work?
After completing the academy, recruits are transferred to shift and work 24 hours on a rotating schedule.
What benefits does the department offer?
Benefits include job security, group health and life insurance, North Carolina Local Government retirement, a 401(k), paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and tuition reimbursement.