Fire Apparatus Operator I

Fire Apparatus Operator I

Salary

$52,954.00 - $67,135.52 Annually

Location

Hickory, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

200-01311

Department

Fire

Opening Date

10/13/2026

Closing Date

10/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Depends on Qualifications

Yes

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position operates fire and emergency apparatus, equipment, and vehicles in the suppression of fires on a 24/72 shift schedule.

This is a lateral position that must meet or exceed the requirements of this job description in reference to current employment role.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Major Duties

• Operates assigned apparatus, equipment, and vehicles for emergency and nonemergency calls, routine inspections, training drills, and other purposes as necessary.

• Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus, equipment, and vehicles.

• Ensures the cleanliness, serviceability, and availability of firefighting and emergency equipment, tools, and supplies related to assigned apparatus.

• Operates pumps and other equipment at fire scenes; uses pump control and raises and lowers ladders.

• Performs the duties of Emergency Medical Technician as necessary.

• Assists in fire suppression, rescue, forced entry, ventilation, and salvage; lays and connects hoses, manipulates nozzles, climbs ladders; assists in the ventilation of structures.

• FAO 1 will fill in for Captain 1 position in the absence of a company officer, when requested.

• Performs vehicle extrications.

• Performs fire prevention activities; assists with station tours, and fire education programs.

• Provides hazardous materials response as needed.

• Performs annual maintenance and testing of city fire hydrants.

• Participates in daily physical training.

• Prepares and submits reports as required.

• Performs daily station and grounds maintenance.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Knowledge of modern firefighting techniques and equipment.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to the control and prevention of fires.

• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures and federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of the boundaries and geography of the city.

• Skill in operating computers and other office equipment.

• Skill in operating emergency apparatus, vehicles and equipment.

• Skill in the use of radio/communications equipment.

• Skill in the provision of basic life support techniques.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of service with Hickory Fire Department to test for the FAO 1 position, or 2 years of documented experience with another career fire department in the same or equivalent rank. Applicants must be able to provide verifiable evidence of this experience/position upon request.

• Meet all the requirements of a Firefighter II/Relief Driver with the City of Hickory Fire Department or other career fire department.

• Must successfully complete the Hickory Fire Department Engineer Exam.

• Must meet or exceed all standards of the annual performance evaluations.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• North Carolina Class B Drivers License
• North Carolina Driver Operator Pumps Certification (preferred)
• NC Firefighter I and II Certification
• NC Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• NC Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
• NC Technical Rescue Common Passenger Vehicle or equivalent
• NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800
• NC Hazardous Materials Operation Certification
• NC Rapid Intervention Crew Certification (preferred)

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Fire Captain - Operations assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include apparatus and equipment operating manuals, NFPA codes, FAA guidelines for airport operations, department standard operating procedures, city ordinances and policies, state building and fire codes, and federal, state, and local laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in their application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related duties in the operation of specialized equipment, vehicles, and apparatus in the suppression of fires. The necessity of participating in work performed in life-threatening situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to operate fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Successful performance contributes to the safety of lives and property.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, law enforcement personnel, the general public, and fire and rescue personnel from state, local and federal agencies.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed at the fire station or at fire scenes. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fumes, and hazardous situations and materials that require the use of protective equipment such as masks, goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position exercises functional supervision only at FAO 1 level. When requested, the Fire Apparatus Operator 1 will fill in at the Captain 1 position.

SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package valued at over 30% of an employees annual salary. Employer provided benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• Health insurance for employees and family members
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
• 15.1% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance.
• Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*

01

Do you have a Class B CDL drivers license from North Carolina?

• Yes
• No

02

Please list any Fire related certifications (even if you have listed these elsewhere in the application).

03

Do you currently hold the position of Fire Apparatus Operator or the equivalent?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hickory

Address 76 North Center Street

PO Box 398

Hickory, North Carolina, 28603

Phone 828-323-7421

Website http://hickorync.gov/employment