Fire Lieutenant

Fire Lieutenant

Location

Fire Department Headquarters, 801 Market Street, Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full Time-Regular

Job Number

FY27-00063 - Ext

Department

Fire

Opening Date

10/19/2026

Closing Date

11/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings

Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Education Verification

Drug Screen

Fit for Duty Physical

Full Salary Range

$26.93 - $41.74

Working Hours

Rotating 3 shift schedule : 24 on, 24 off 24 on, 24 off *24 on, 96 off

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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.

Application Procedure:

To be considered for this excellent opportunity, applicants must submit a completed online employment application, the Career Plan Report, Supplemental Questionnaire and upload all required documents by posting deadline.

External Candidates must :

• Upload certification/proof of EACH required qualification
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Certification numbers will not be accepted in lieu of uploaded documents.

Internal candidates must also :

• Submit a Letter of Recommendation from your supervisor
• Ensure all certifications are in your training folder

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to frequently check their e-mails after the closing of the post to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. If selected to move forward, applicants will receive their scheduled date and time for testing and interview, and all supporting information that may be needed. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. Missing an email will not be an accepted justification for missed assessments.

Selection Components

Career Plan Report

The Career Plan Report shall be a document that details the candidates professional growth. The document will describe the candidates 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

All candidates submitting an application must attend one of the virtual sessions below in order to meet this requirement for qualification. Participant attendance will be taken at beginning of the meeting.

• October 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST

• Join the meeting now

• October 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST

• Join the meeting now

Testing Phases

Candidates who pass the minimum qualification screenings of the process will continue through the following phases:

Process PhaseTitleScoringPhase 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

Presentation30% 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 ICS 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 Lieutenants 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: The next steps are only for those candidates given a conditional offer of employment after the process has completed:

• 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.

01

I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

• Yes

02

Are you currently a member of the Wilmington Fire Department?

• No
• Yes

03

Please indicate your current driver's license status:

• No driver license
• Class C
• Class B
• Class A
• Valid license in different state

04

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• Internal only : WFD internal certificate with minimum of 61 points on career planning report
• High School Diploma or GED
• Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None - N/A

05

By the application closing date, how many years of verifiable, full-time career firefighting experience will you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

06

By the application closing date, how many years of WFD Fire Engineer experience OR verifiable experience acting as company officer for a full time career fire department will you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

07

Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question # 5 and # 6. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. Failure to provide information may result in application not being qualified to move forward.

08

Please select all certifications that apply:

• NCOEMS EMT credential or National Registry EMT with the ability to obtain North Carolina reciprocity
• NCOSFM Certified Firefighter or IFSAC/Pro-Board-Certified Firefighter
• Pro Board/ IFSTA Hazmat Operations certification
• NIMS 100
• NIMS 200
• NIMS 700
• WFD Candidate school II
• Pro Board/ IFSTA Fire Officer 1 Certification
• Driver Operator & Pumps or IFSAC/Proboard
• Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 Certification
• NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
• NFA Safety Officer (WFD Internal Candidate Specific)
• Lieutenant Task Book (WFD Internal Candidate Specific)
• Blue Card Certification (WFD Internal Candidate Specific)

09

Please indicate that you are aware that all candidates that do not have a valid Class B License, NFA Safety Officer, Lieutenant Task book, NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification, Driver Operator & Pumps, Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 and Blue card certification are required to obtain these certifications within 6 months of hire.

• Yes

10

Please indicate you are aware that it is a requirement to upload the certification and documents required of internal/external candidates to prove qualification or you will not move forward in the process.

• Yes

11

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes

Required Question

Employer City of Wilmington

Address PO Box 1810

929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Phone 910-341-7840

Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs