Become a Firefighter

Are you interested in a career with New Hanover County Fire Rescue?

New Hanover County Fire Rescue protects more than 114,000 residents in the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County in an area of approximately 99 square miles. We have eight fire stations and around 200 career and volunteer staff. We strive to select the most qualified and diverse teams available.

Firefighters with New Hanover County Fire Rescue work rotating 24-hour shifts starting at 7 am and ending at 7 am They are regularly scheduled for approximately 10 shifts per month and respond to calls for service for medical emergencies, fire suppression, auto accidents, technical rescues, and hazardous material calls. Opportunities are available for specialized training in Urban Search and Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Water Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and Trench Rescue Teams. All employees must be available for emergency situations.

• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age for the Firefighter position and 21 years of age for the Firefighter / Apparatus Operator position and above.
• Candidate must have completed high school or have received a GED equivalency diploma.
• Candidate must reside within 90 minutes driving time of New Hanover County.
• Candidate must have valid NC drivers license or ability to obtain NC license if selected and good driving record.

Our candidate assessment may consist of the following:

• Online employment application
• Ergometrics FireTeam Video Test
• Written Knowledge-Based Test (if certified position)
• Physical Agility Assessment Physical Agility Video
• Practical Skills Evaluation (if certified position)
• Tactical Assessment (if applicable)
• Oral Panel Interview
• Background and Reference Checks
• Drug Screen
• Firefighter Physical

FY15 Starting Firefighter Salary is $32,832 with a generous benefits and leave package. For more information contact 910-500-7893.

Maybe it's time to add a new suit to your wardrobe!

• Do you have good values and morals?
• Are you at least 18 years of age?
• Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
• Do you have a valid NC driver's license and a good driving record?
• Are you in good physical condition?
• Are you motivated to learn?
• Do you have a desire to keep our community safe?

If you answered yes to these questions this could be the future for you!

The volunteer Firefighter is a non-compensated position that works and trains side by side with career staff whose duties may include but are not limited to incident response to fire, rescue, and emergency medical calls, citizen calls for assistance, and equipment, apparatus, and/or facility maintenance, repair and housekeeping.

New Hanover County Fire Rescue also has a limited number of spaces available for Resident Volunteer Firefighter.

Recruitment schedules are determined based on department needs. Becoming a volunteer Firefighter with New Hanover County Fire Rescue is a competitive process that may include:

• FireTeam video assessment
• Physical agility assessment
• Oral panel interview assessment
• Chief's interview
• Criminal background and reference checks
• Satisfactory driving history check
• Satisfactory drug screen and firefighter physical exam

Volunteer firefighters receive the following benefits:

• Free training and educational opportunities
• Membership in the NC Firemen's Association
• Membership in the NC Fire and Rescue Association
• Wellness program and use of physical fitness equipment
• Annual physical exam
• Accident/Sickness Disability Insurance
• On-duty Workman's Compensation insurance
• NC Firemen's and Rescue Squad Pension Fund Enrollment

To maintain membership volunteer firefighters:

• Provide at least 72 hours of duty/service per year
• Participate in at least 72 hours of training per year
• Regularly attend meetings
• Complete firefighter physical and annual physical fitness assessments

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with New Hanover County Fire Rescue please complete the online Volunteer Application.

You will be notified by email when the next Volunteer Candidate Assessment Process will be scheduled. For more information contact 910-500-7893.

New Hanover County Fire Rescue partners with Cape Fear Community College in support of their First Responder Academy Training Program.

For information on the First Responder Academy and the Emergency Medical Technician Program, contact Cape Fear Community College at 910-362-7642.

For sponsorship information contact 910-500-7893.

Get Trained, Get Paid, and Get a Career!

New Hanover County Fire Rescue proudly introduces the Fire Apprenticeship Program designed to train diverse candidates for a rewarding career as a firefighter and provide a career path into the fire service with New Hanover County.

How It Works

• Selected candidates will attend the Cape Fear Community College First Responder Firefighting Academy and the Emergency Medical Technician Program either in the winter or summer session (starting in January or July).
• Students receive a biweekly payment stipend to cover living expenses while in school and all school expenses are covered with no out-of-pocket expense.
• Successful graduates of the program are offered employment as a Firefighter.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online in November and May each year in advance of each school session. Interested applicants can sign up for posting alerts.

To be considered all applicants must successfully complete:

• FireTeam video assessment
• Oral panel interview assessment
• Chief's interview
• Criminal background and reference checks
• Satisfactory driving history check
• Satisfactory drug screen
• Firefighter physical exam

Space is limited for this program based on department staffing needs. For more information call 910-500-7893.