Fire Lieutenant

City of Wilmington, NC; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Excellent retirement benefits

Paid sick and vacation leave

13 paid holidays per year

Tuition reimbursement benefits

Job summary

The City of Wilmington, NC is hiring Fire Lieutenants to supervise fire suppression, EMS, hazmat incidents, and training. The role requires strong leadership, judgment, and the ability to coordinate monthly training and evaluate personnel.

You will also prepare reports, inspect equipment, and participate in public safety initiatives within the Fire Department. Candidate selection emphasizes certification compliance (Fire Officer 1, Hazmat, NIMS), experience in a firefighter role, and

Qualifications

• Must possess strong supervisory and training abilities.
• Strong knowledge of fire suppression, EMS, hazmat operations and safety.
• Proven ability to manage personnel, reports, and training programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervises personnel and assigns tasks, conducts evaluations, coordinates training.
• Directs fire ground operations and emergency response.
• Ensures safety and accountability of personnel and citizens during operations.
• Performs administrative duties and maintains departmental records.
• Promotes community relations and public safety initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team supervision

Decision making

Education

NCOSFM Certified Firefighter

Pro Board/IFSTA Fire Officer 1 Certification

Pro Board/IFSTA Hazmat Operations certification

NIMS 100/200/700

Job description

• Pro Board/ IFSTA Fire Officer 1 Certification

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

The Wilmington Fire Department is hiring Fire Lieutenants

The purpose of this position is to protect life and property of the citizens of Wilmington. Performs supervisory and technical duties in the areas of fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials incidents, fire personnel training and public relations. This is accomplished by exercising a high degree of judgment and initiative while making critical fire and life safety related decisions, supervising personnel, overseeing housekeeping duties and equipment maintenance, and assuming responsibility for the apparatus. Other duties include serving on committees, acting as Fire Captain, completing reports, testing equipment and apparatus, attending continuous professional training, inspecting hydrants, and coordinating monthly training. Performs all other duties as assigned and/or as necessary at the discretion of the Battalion Chief.

Selection Components

Career Plan Report

The Career Plan Report shall be a document that details the candidate's professional growth. The document will describe the candidate's Experience, Formal Education, Professional Development, and Organizational Commitment. The assessment must be completed in accordance with the specific guidelines included in Section 8 of the Promotion Process Engineer/ Lieutenant/ Captain/ Battalion Chief/ Assistant Chief (210). Assessment documentation will be supplied to candidates at required WFD Candidate School sessions outlined below.

WFD Candidate School II

• October 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST
• October 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

Testing Phases

• Phase I – By closing date – Nov 1 – Career Plan Report – Top 15 candidate scores move forward
• Phase II – Tentative – Nov 18-19 – Fire Problem – 40% of final score
• Phase III – Tentative – Nov 18-19 – Management Problem – 30% of final score
• Phase IV – Nov 18-19 – Presentation – 30% of final score
• Phases II-IV require candidates to have a passing score of 70% or higher to move forward

Final List

The cumulative scores obtained in phases II-IV of the process with determine the final ranking of the candidates. A candidate that scores less than 70% at any phase, or overall, will not be eligible for the final list. This selection process will produce a certified roster in rank order. When a vacancy occurs the Fire Chief will select the top candidate on the certified list unless a written disciplinary action has been taken or poor performance has been documented as per the Promotional Procedures for Lieutenant. In the event of a tie after the final score, promotion will be determined by the final score provided on the Career Plan Report. The eligibility roster generated by this promotional process will expire 1 calendar year from the certification date.

For external candidates selected for hire, the anticipated Lieutenant orientation date will be February 8, 2027

Typical Tasks

• Supervises personnel by prioritizing and assigning tasks, ensuring tasks are completed, conducting performance evaluations, identifying training needs, coordinating, and presenting training for personnel, administers disciplinary actions in accordance with the City policy, responding to citizen complaints and employee grievances, writing reports, keeping personnel records, maintaining a state of readiness, and communicating to personnel.
• Commands fire ground operations during emergencies by directing subordinates in all aspects of fire ground activities, using apparatus and equipment for fire suppression and control.
• Ensures the safety and accountability of all personnel and citizens during emergency operations.
• Performs non-emergency operations and public relations by assisting the Fire and Life Safety division and working with the public to protect life and property.
• Performs administrative tasks by writing reports, serving on committees, maintaining records, and participating in the review of departmental policies and procedures.
• Will perform all other duties as assigned and/or as necessary.

Qualifications

All Applicants Must Possess:

• Education and experience:
  • Internal Candidates:
    • Have an associate’s degree with a minimum of 2 years as an Engineer in the Wilmington Fire Department or graduate with a WFD internal certificate with a minimum of three years and meet the minimum of 61 points on the Career Planning Report from the areas of Formal Education and Experience
  • External Candidates:
    • Have an Associate’s degree and minimum of 6 years with a career fire department with 2 of those years as an acting company officer.
• Minimum Requirements for all candidates:
  • Valid driver’s license by application close
  • NCOSFM Certified Firefighter or IFSAC/Pro-Board-Certified Firefighter
  • NCOEMS EMT credential or National Registry EMT with the ability to obtain North Carolina reciprocity
  • Pro Board/ IFSTA Hazmat Operations certification
  • NIMS 100, 200, and 700 certifications
  • WFD Candidate School II
  • Pro Board/ IFSTA Fire Officer 1 Certification
• Additional Requirements by Applicant Type:
  • Internal Applicants (Current Employees):
    • Must possess Class B in state you currently reside
    • Must possess Blue Card certification
    • Must possess NFA Safety Officer
    • Must have completed the Lieutenant Task Book
    • Have no more than two points on record for a preventable vehicle or nonvehicle accident within 12 months of the closing date
    • Have no formal disciplinary action above a first written reminder within 12 months of the closing date
    • Most recent annual performance rating must be “Meets Expectations” or better
    • Must provide a letter from his/her immediate supervisor recommending the candidate for the position and stating that the candidate meets job requirements as outlined in the Lieutenant's job description and is ready for the position
  • External Applicants:
    • NC Class B must be obtained within six (6) months of hire
    • NFA Safety Officer certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire
    • Lieutenant Task Book must be completed within six (6) months of hire
    • Blue card certification completed within six (6) months of hire
    • NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification within six (6) months of hire
    • Driver Operator & Pumps or IFSAC/Proboard within six (6) months of hire
    • Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification within six (6) months of hire

Additional Information

• Continued employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining all required certifications and credentials within the specified timeframes
• Failure to meet certification requirements may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination

Supplemental Information

• Internal Candidates
  • A driving history and a criminal history check will be performed on all internal candidates who are placed on the certified roster for promotion.
• External candidates:
  • Required documentation submitted to HR
    • Copy of a High School Diploma, High School Transcript or GED Certificate. Note: Copy of a College Diploma and/or official or unofficial transcript may be attached in lieu of High School Diploma and/or HS Transcripts. Continuing education credits are not accepted
  • Driving History Check, Personal and Professional Reference Checks, *Fingerprint-based state and national criminal record check
    • *This position has been identified to interact with children and must comply with NC G.S. 153A-94.2(b) requires an applicant for employment that "works with children in any capacity, must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI." These checks must be conducted in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26(Download PDF reader), the statute which authorizes the SBI to provide a fingerprint-based state and national criminal record check to cities and counties.
  • Post-offer Pre-Employment Physical, Stress Test and Drug Screen

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What We Offer

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance

The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance

Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance

The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
• Deferred Compensation – For all employees, the city contributes 4.5% of salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution and the City contributes an additional 3% of salary to the 457 plan for Public Safety Fire employees. In addition, the City offers to match an employee contribution dollar for dollar up to 3% of the annual salary for Public Safety Fire employees to the 457 plan. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
• Social Security benefits – calculated under Windfall Elimination Provision

Paid Leave

• Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
• Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child.

Miscellaneous

• Tuition reimbursement up to $1500 annually
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bereavement Leave- School Support Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Credit Union membership

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 4 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.