Firefighter Academy

Firefighter Academy

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 Process

Step #1 Pass Strength and Agility Test - JPAT

Sign up for your preferred testing date by following this link:

• July 7, 2026: Check in: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM: Testing after
• July 18, 2026: Check in: 07:45 AM - 08:00 AM: Testing after

Testing 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.

Requirements:

• 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 Application

• Complete application with thorough and up to date information. In 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 consideration
  • Certifications/Verifications: All relevant certifications received must be attached for consideration
  • NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator
  • HS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion must be attached
  • Military: DD214 to support active duty military experience must be submitted
  • Orders for current Active Duty
  • JPAT Certification: Submit certification with application
  • Applicants 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 application
  • If you state you have any firefighter/responder experience (FT, Volunteer, Part time) it must be listed under your work history with location/department
  • Please ensure the documents you attach are legible and comply with the above needs

After post close July 22, 2026

Applications 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 7

Step #4 Chief Panel Interview: August 17 - August 20

Interview 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 offer

Step #5 Pre-Employment Process

• Personal and Professional Reference Check
• Provide email and phone numbers of 3 references
• Criminal Background Investigation - It will be required for the candidate to return to Wilmington to submit fingerprints before September 15, 2026
• 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)
• Driving History Check
• Local Physical and Stress Test - Out of city/state applicants must return to Wilmington
• Drug Screen
• Uniform sizing

Step #6 Required Document Submission by October 8, 2026

• Copy of a High School Diploma, High School Transcript or GED Certificate
• Valid Driver's License
• English Placement / CASAS Results - Required by CFCC for EMT-B
• Submit Transcript showing completion of College English (course 100 or higher) within the past five (5) years or
• Submit Passing results on the CASAS of 249 or higher within the last 12 months
• There is a $10 charge for this test
• The link to schedule the CASAS Reading Goals is available online at
• Plan to be on campus approximately 2-4 hours for testing
• If another location for testing is needed, please call the community colleges in your area for direction. If none, please email criggs@cfcc.edu
• If local and a new date is needed, email: testing@cfcc.edu

Compensation

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.

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