Firefighter II/Relief Driver

Firefighter II/Relief Driver

Salary

$48,030.00 - $60,893.90 Annually

Location

Hickory, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

200-01312

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 is responsible for protecting the lives of other firefighters, civilians, and property endangered by fire and other emergency situations on a 24/72 shift schedule. This position will serve as a fill-in FAO 1.

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

Responds to fires and performs fire suppression activities utilizing firefighting equipment and techniques, including nozzle operation, fire stream direction, and building ventilation.

Performs rescue, salvage, and overhaul operations.

Administers EMT-level emergency medical care.

Participates in physical fitness programs.

Inspects assigned apparatus and equipment; performs routine maintenance on same.

Participates and assists in training, fire drills, and mock disasters, including set-up and evacuation.

Performs vehicle extrication.

May be a primary provider or assist with other rescue operations as needed.

The Firefighter II/Relief Driver will act as substitute operator of emergency vehicles including operating fire engines, ladder trucks, tanker (tender) trucks, a rescue truck, or an ARFF truck when the assigned driver is not available.

Firefighter II/Relief Driver will serve as a fill-in company officer when requested.

Performs building maintenance housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties.

Assists in completing reports.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Successful completion of the HFD Relief Driver Exam within (4) years of hire date.

HFD personnel can test for the Firefighter II/Relief Driver after successful completion of the HFD Driver Trainee Program and at the minimum of 1 year of service with Hickory Fire Department. Applicants from other career fire departments must have a minimum of 1 year of documented experience in the same or equivalent rank and be able to provide verifiable evidence of this experience upon request.

Personnel can test for Relief Driver earlier upon recommendation letter from Captain and Battalion Chief, along with the Fire Chiefs approval.

Knowledge of firefighting techniques.

Knowledge of firefighting apparatus and equipment.

Knowledge of hydraulics and extrication equipment, and other applicable rescue equipment.

Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association guidelines and departmental and city rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of local, state and federal fire codes.

Knowledge of local geography, streets and buildings.

Knowledge of hazardous materials.

Knowledge of potential fire hazards.

Knowledge of EMT level emergency medical care.

Knowledge of building construction and basic mechanics.

Skill in operating firefighting equipment.

Skill in operating rescue and extrication equipment, and other applicable rescue equipment.

Skill in interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Meet the requirements for Firefighter I/Driver Trainee

Successful completion of the HFD Relief Driver Exam

Knowledge and level of competency are commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with high school education.

Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association and the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

North Carolina Class B Driver's License

North Carolina 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, & 800

NC Hazardous Materials Operations Certification

NC Rapid Intervention Crew Certification (preferred)

Supplemental Information

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

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include National Fire Protection Association codes, FAA guidelines for airport operations, federal and state laws, local ordinances, building codes, and city and department rules, regulations, policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related fire suppression and rescue duties. Potentially life-threatening situations contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to protect lives and property through fire suppression activities, fire prevention and safety activities, and education. Successful performance results in increased public safety and decreased property loss.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, fire and emergency victims, other emergency personnel, and the general public.

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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, crouching and stooping. The employee must frequently lift light and heavy objects, climb ladders, use tools and equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and 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 the Firefighter II/Relief Driver level. When requested the Firefighter II/Relief Driver may fill in at the Captain I position due to the officer being absent.

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 relief driver or equivalent in your current position?

• 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