Firefighter/Apparatus Operator
Salary
See Position Description
Location
New Hanover County, NC
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202600075
Department
FIRE SERVICES
Opening Date
06/03/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Position Information
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 Countys 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 departments values of honor, dedication, compassion, service and excellence with the Countys 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.. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.
TRAINEES: Applicants meeting the minimum required education and experience, and having all required certifications except the Driver Operator Pumps accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board may be considered at a trainee rate of $18.48 per hour, and if selected will remain at the trainee rate until this certification has been obtained and the employee has met the full minimum qualifications. All trainee requirements are expected to be met within 6 months of employment.
New Hanover County offers:
Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Required at application:
Required as a condition of continued employment:
Must be obtained no later than 30 days of employment
Must be obtained no later than one (1) year of employment:
Must be obtained no later than 18 months of employment
Must be obtained no later than two (2) years of employment:
Must be obtained no later than 36 months of employment
Licenses/Certifications
As specified in the qualifications section.
Other Information
Candidate Assessments scheduled may include but are not limited to:
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:
Please 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:
Please visit NC OSFM at 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.
New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include
Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.
Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.
01
Are you currently a paid or volunteer firefighter for New Hanover County rescue?
02
Did you graduate from the First Responder Academy offered at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)?
03
Please indicate the highest level degree in Fire Science that you hold from an accredited school.
04
Indicate the length of your related firefighting experience.
05
Do you have a NC Driver License, class B?
06
Have you had your drivers license suspended for any reason in the last three years?
07
Do you currently hold a Firefighter accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA 1001)?
08
If you currently hold a Firefighter accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA 1001) indicate the date received.
09
Do you currently hold a Firefighter II accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (prior edition standard NFPA 1001)?
10
If you currently hold a Firefighter II accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (prior edition standard NFPA 1001) indicate the date received
11
Do you currently hold a NC or National Registry EMT Certification (if National Registry, NC EMT certification must be obtained within 1 year)?
12
If you currently hold a NC or National Registry EMT Certification (if National Registry, NC EMT certification must be obtained within 1 year) indicate the date received.
13
Do you currently hold a Technical Rescuer accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2013 edition Chapters 5 & 6)?
14
If you currently hold a Technical Rescuer accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2013 edition Chapters 5 & 6) indicate the date received.
15
Do you currently hold a Technical Rescuer General accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008 edition)?
16
If you currently hold a Technical Rescuer General accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008 edition) indicate the date received.
17
Do you currently hold a Technical Rescuer Ropes accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008 edition)?
18
If you currently hold a Technical Rescuer Ropes accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008 edition) indicate the date received.
19
Do you currently hold a Driver Operator Pumps accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NC Driver Operator Pumps must be obtained within 12 months)?
20
If you currently hold a Driver Operator Pumps accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NC Driver Operator Pumps must be obtained within 12 months) indicate the date received.
21
Do you currently hold a Emergency Vehicle Driver accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board?
22
If you currently hold a Emergency Vehicle Driver accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board indicate the date received.
23
I understand that if I currently do not have the following required certification, I must obtain this within 30 days as a condition of continued employment: • Emergency Vehicle Driver accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board
24
Do you currently hold a Technical Rescuer Vehicle accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA Chapter 10)?
25
If you currently hold a Technical Rescuer Vehicle accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA Chapter 10) indicate the date received.
26
Do you currently hold a Technical Rescuer VMR accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008)?
27
If you currently hold a Technical Rescuer VMR accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008) indicate the date received.
28
I understand that if I currently do not have the following required certification, I must obtain this within 12 months as a condition of continued employment: • Technical Rescuer Vehicle accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA Chapter 10) or Technical Rescuer VMR accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board (NFPA standard 1006, 2008)
29
Do you currently hold a Driver Operator Aerial accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board?
30
If you currently hold a Driver Operator Aerial accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board indicate the date received.
31
I understand that if I currently do not have the following required certification, I must obtain this within 18 months as a condition of continued employment: • Driver Operator Aerial accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board
32
Do you currently hold a Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board?
33
If you currently hold a Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board indicate the date received.
34
I understand that if I currently do not have the following required certifications, I must obtain these within 24 months as a condition of continued employment: • Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 accredited certification through IFSAC or Pro Board • One (1) Technical Rescuer specialty
35
I understand that i must attach a Fire/EMS certification transcript to this application and that applications without a transcript may not be considered.
36
Are you available to work extended hours during emergency situations?
37
Are you able to work rotating days and/or shifts including holidays?
38
I understand that candidates are expected to thoroughly complete each relevant section of this application and that incomplete, partially compete, or omitted information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Have you included all the required information on your application?
39
Have you confirmed that your application contains ALL experience relevant to this position since this will be used to determine whether you meet minimum qualifications, and will determine an appropriate salary offer if you are considered for the role?
40
Are you open to being considered as a Trainee (if you do not meet all of the listed requirements)?
Required Question
Employer New Hanover County
Address 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135
Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403
Phone 910-798-7178
910-798-7178