Firefighter Academy

Firefighter Academy The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for the upcoming Firefighter Academy. Start date: November 2, 2026. Please read this post in its entirety as there is important information for all phases throughout this posting.To ensure accuracy and consistency of information, questions that cannot be answered from the information in the posting or found on the Fire Department's recruitment page, must be directed to Heather.Miller@wilmingtonnc.gov; please do not contact other employees or divisions within the Fire Department. Phone calls are not accepted and voicemails will not be returned during the recruitment process. Correspondence of all nature must be and will be through email.Please make sure to check your SPAM and junk folder in the email provided on your application as this will be the only source of communication from the city when updates or next steps are provided. Notifications will come from an email address containing @wilmingtonnc.gov. Scheduling or rescheduling requests made outside of the provided timeframes will not be approved for failure to view notifications or personal/work conflicts.If military orders prevent in-person attendance, candidates must email an accommodation request with military orders attached.Timelines are arranged but subject to adjustment based on weather or unforeseen circumstances.RECRUITMENT PROCESSSTEP #1 PASS STRENGTH AND AGILITY TEST - JPATSign up for your preferred testing date by following this linkJuly 7, 2026: Check in: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM: Testing afterJuly 18, 2026: Check in: 07:45 AM - 08:00 AM: Testing afterTESTING LOCATION: The test course is located at our Safety Training Center on Cape Fear Community College, North Campus at 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne, NC.Long pants or sweatpants, shorts may be worn for the run only.Closed toed athletic shoes must be worn in order to participate in the test course.Own pair of work/construction/mechanic gloves.Check in requires proof of valid driver's license/identification card.Candidates will be required to submit to baseline vitals prior to beginning the course.RESULTS:Once candidates successfully complete the JPAT, they will receive an email notification/certification in the following days that should be attached to the application for proof of completion. This certification is good for 1 year.For more information about the Fire Department and the Strength and Agility Test, please visit the Fire Department website:STEP #2 SUBMIT APPLICATIONComplete application with thorough and up to date informationIn order for education, certifications or experience to be considered, proof of completion must be attached. If you state you have it, attach it:EDUCATION: Transcript or Diploma from the highest level of education completed. (Note, HS transcript is required for EMT training and must be submitted before October 8, 2026)If credit hours selected, transcripts must be added to support hours (CE credits do not count)All transcripts (HS and College) must indicate graduation/completion date for considerationCERTIFICATIONS/VERIFICATIONS:All relevant certifications received must be attached for considerationNC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/OperatorHS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion must be attachedMILITARY:DD214 to support active duty military experience must be submittedOrders for current Active DutyJPAT CERTIFICATION:Submit certification with applicationApplicants are able to re-submit applications to include all required documents or information. The most recent application will be reviewed.SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:Must be answered thoroughly and supported within the work history/text of the applicationIf you state you have ANY firefighter/responder experience (FT, Volunteer, Part time) it must be listed under your work history with location/departmentPlease ensure the documents you attach are legible and comply with the above needsAFTER POST CLOSE JULY 22, 2026Applications will be reviewed. Those determined to most closely meet the needs of the department and selected to advance to the interview process will be notified by email by July 28, 2026. Interview dates and times will be self-scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are encouraged to monitor their email regularly for updates, as appointment availability will be limited.STEP #3 DEPARTMENT PANEL INTERVIEWS: August 3 - August 7STEP #4 CHIEF PANEL INTERVIEW: August 17 - August 20Interview processes #3 and #4 are on-site interviews. If selected to move onto the Chief panel interviews, applicants will be notified by email no later than August 11, 2026.IF PROVIDED A CONDITIONAL OFFERSTEP #5 PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESSPersonal and Professional Reference CheckCriminal Background Investigation - It will be required for the candidate to return to Wilmington to submit fingerprints before September 15, 2026Driving History CheckLocal Physical and Stress Test - Out of city/state applicants must return to WilmingtonDrug ScreenUniform sizingSTEP #6 REQUIRED DOCUMENT SUBMISSION BY OCTOBER 8, 2026Copy of a High School Diploma, High School Transcript or GED CertificateValid Driver's LicenseEnglish Placement / CASAS Results - Required by CFCC for EMT-BSubmit Transcript showing completion of College English (course 100 or higher) within the past five (5) years orSubmit Passing results on the CASAS of 249 or higher within the last 12 months.There is a $10 charge for this testThe link to schedule the CASAS Reading Goals is available online atPlan to be on campus approximately 2-4 hours for testingIf another location for testing is needed, please call the community colleges in your area for direction. If none, please email criggs@cfcc.eduIf local and a new date is needed, email: testing@cfcc.eduCompensation Candidates selected for hire will go through the Wilmington Fire Department Academy with a salary of $55,140.80 or $26.51/hr. Upon graduating from the academy, candidates will increase to $58,036.16, or $19.93/hr. Please note: City Council has approved a Living Wage increase, and the salary shown in this posting will take effect beginning July 1.The salary provided is the base rate for the position and does not take into account the occurrence of built-in shift overtime or the city recognized holidays. Academy graduates can also receive education pay resulting in an increase of $1,000 for an Associate Degree and $2,000 for Bachelor/Master Degree with the submission of required documentation.Typical Tasks Job duties while in Academy: Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:30pm

Government Careers

Show more