Firefighter/Apparatus Operator

New Hanover County; North Carolina; On-site; USD 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid 401k contributions

Retirement plan through NC Retirement

Flexible time

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

New Hanover County Fire Rescue seeks a dedicated Firefighter/Apparatus Operator capable of responding to emergencies as the primary apparatus operator. You will secure scenes, extinguish fires, salvage, and provide basic emergency medical care as a first responder.

The role requires maintaining vehicles/stations, conducting pre-plan inspections, and stepping in for the Company Officer as needed. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet NC certification requirements.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum four years firefighting experience or three years with NH County Fire Services, or equivalent training/experience.
• Must obtain and maintain NFPA/IFSAC/Pro Board firefighting certifications and driver/operator qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergencies as primary apparatus operator.
• Protect life and property, extinguish fires, and provide basic EMS as a first responder.
• Maintain equipment and fire stations; conduct pre-plan inspections; represent Fire Services publicly.

Skills

Fire suppression

Emergency medical care

Vehicle maintenance

Public safety communications

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Four years firefighting experience or three years with NH County Fire Services

Job description

Introduction

New Hanover County is accepting applications for a full-time Firefighter/Apparatus Operator, where selected applicants meeting the requirements for and successfully completing an assessment will be selected to fill current and/or future vacancies. Duties include protecting life and property by responding to emergencies; securing the scene; extinguishing the fire; salvaging structures and their contents; and providing basic emergency medical care as a first responder. Responds as the primary apparatus operator to reports of emergencies which includes fires, emergency medical requests, technical rescue incidents, hazardous materials response and other types of situations that may present hazards or harm to people or property. Other duties include performing maintenance of vehicles and fire stations, conducting pre-plan fire inspections, acting in the absence of the Company Officer on assigned shifts and representing Fire Services to the public at various events.

New Hanover County Fire Rescue is comprised of a team of dedicated emergency response professionals who work to protect and educate citizens from the threats of fire and other emergencies. Our employees stay committed to the County's model of good governance working 24 hours a day in eight (8) fire/rescue stations, protecting 220 square miles of the County. The department partners with Cape Fear Community College to sponsor internship students in the First Responder Academy and also offers a first class volunteer firefighter program. These programs provide opportunities for those wishing to volunteer their time or start their own career in the fire industry. Ideal candidates for this department combine the department's values of honor, dedication, compassion, service and excellence with the County's overarching shared values and vision of a vibrant, prosperous and diverse coastal community committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.

Living in New Hanover County, NC

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Hours

Rotating 24-hour shifts from 7AM-7AM, including weekends and holidays.

Must be available to work in emergency situation and report per established department policies.

Salary Information

Base Salary $56,351 + Naturally Accrued Overtime from scheduled hours $4,876.52 + Holiday Pay $3,901.22 = Firefighter Apparatus Operator Starting Pay equivalent to $65,128.74.

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement planthrough the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Required Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, and four (4) years of related firefighting experience or three (3) years with New Hanover County Fire Services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.

Required at application

• NC Driver's License and good driving record (if out of state, NC license must be obtained within 30 days)
• Firefighter accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA 1001) or Firefighter II accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (prior edition standard NFPA 1001);
• Driver Operator Pumps accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board

Required as a condition of continued employment

Must be obtained no later than 30 days of employment

• Emergency Vehicle Driver accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.
• North Carolina class B Driver's License.
• North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.

Must be obtained no later than one (1) year of employment

• Technical Rescuer Common Passenger Vehicle Technician accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA Standard 1006, 2021) or Technical Rescuer Vehicle accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA Chapter 10) or Technical Rescuer VMR accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA Standard 1006, 2008).

Must be obtained no later than 18 months of employment

• Driver Operator Aerial accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board.

Must be obtained no later than two (2) years of employment

• Technical Rescuer Rope Rescue Technician accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA Standard 1006, 2021) or Technical Rescuer accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA standard 1006, 2013 edition Chapters 5 & 6) or Technical Rescuer General accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA standard 1003, 2008 edition) and Technical Rescuer Ropes accredited certification through IFSAC or ProBoard (NFPA Standard 1006, 2008 edition).

Must be obtained no later than 36 months of employment

• Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board;
• Must obtain one (1) Technical Rescuer specialty.

Candidate Assessments

• Ergometrics Video Test
• Physical Agility Assessment
• Panel Interviews
• Practical Assessments

Candidate References

Employment references will be conducted on all applicants being considered for hire. Candidates with previous military experience should attach a copy of their DD-214 (long form) to this application. This will be accepted as one of your employment references.

Application Requirements

Candidates are expected to thoroughly complete each relevant section of this application, including documentation of education and all experience relevant to the position, which would be necessary to determine qualifications. Incomplete information, partially complete information, or applications with omitted information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Submitted application must include a Fire/EMS certification transcript in the attachments section of this application in order to be considered. Applications without a transcript will not be considered.

For out of state EMT certifications

Visit https://www2.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/resopros.htm and contact NC Office of EMS for specifics as legal recognition of your certification may require written testing, skills testing and/or additional training hours.

For out of state Fire Certifications

Visit https://www.ncosfm.gov/fire-rescue for specifics of state reciprocity. All certifications must meet the NC requirements listed above.

Application Deadline

After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for.

All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.