Firefighter Recruit

Firefighter Recruit

The City of Winston-Salem Fire department is actively seeking highly motivated individuals to serve as Firefighter Recruits. This position is an entry-level, academy-based appointment leading to certification and assignment as a Firefighter for successful recruits.  Selected candidates will participate in a 30-week paid Fire Academy focused on fire suppression, fire prevention, community risk reduction, and emergency medical care.

For the first 30 weeks of employment, Firefighter Recruits will attend a structured training academy that includes:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
• Firefighter certification training
• Structured physical conditioning conducted at least three times per week
• Written examinations and academic evaluations
• Practical skills evolutions required by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services and the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission

Academy Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Successful completion of the Fire Academy is required for continued employment and assignment as a Firefighter.

Firefighter (Post Academy Assignment)

Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy, Firefighter Recruits are appointed as Firefighters. Under the immediate supervision of a company officer, Firefighters work to minimize the effects of natural and manmade disasters by delivering community risk reduction programs and by responding to fire, medical, hazardous materials, and technical rescue emergencies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Actively participate in community risk reduction programs and pre-incident planning activities.
2. Respond to emergency incidents and work as part of a team to bring incidents under control, including medical emergencies, fires, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue situations.
3. Assist with the maintenance of fire department facilities and grounds, fire apparatus, tools, and equipment.
4. Participate in training classes, drills, and continuing education.
5. Ensure operational readiness of tools, equipment, and apparatus.
6. Maintain physical and mental fitness required to perform firefighter duties effectively.
7. Follow all departmental policies, procedures, and City of Winston-Salem policies.
8. Perform other duties, including administrative tasks, as assigned.

 Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position:

1. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and tolerate increased respiratory effort, reduced visibility, and limited range of motion.
2. Climb six or more flights of stairs while wearing or carrying up to 90 pounds of gear and tools.
3. Climb ladders and operate safely at heights up to 100 feet.
4. Operate effectively in dark or confined spaces; high or low temperatures; inclement weather; and over uneven terrain.
5. Sit, stand, walk, run, crawl, jog, crouch, and kneel for extended and varying periods of time.
6. Hear and speak sufficiently to communicate clearly by telephone, radio, and in person, including over high background noise and at distances up to 50 feet.
7. Maintain stamina to meet physical and mental demands during extended emergency operations.
8. Read, understand, and apply technical documents, manuals, policies, and procedures.
9. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
10. Work cooperatively as a team member and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
11. Interact professionally and courteously with the public, coworkers, and members of other emergency service agencies.
12. Work a rotating 24-hour shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
13. Travel out of town or out of state for training or assignments for several days at a time, as required.
14. Obtain and maintain a North Carolina Class “B” driver license.
15. Operate and safely drive fire department vehicles in accordance with departmental policy.
16. Pass a pre-employment medical examination and annual medical and fitness-for-duty evaluations in accordance with NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent
2. Possession of a valid state-issued Class “C” driver license at time of hire
3. At least 18 years of age at the start of the Fire Academy
4. Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment assessments and hiring processes
5. Ability to meet all eligibility requirements for firefighter and EMT certification in the State of North Carolina

Training and Certifications:

Firefighter Recruits must meet the performance standards of the Winston-Salem Fire Department and obtain the following certifications as a condition of employment:

• Firefighter, EVD, Rapid Intervention Crew, and Technical Rescuer - Passenger Vehicle certification through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services

All training required to meet firefighter and EMT certification standards is provided by the Winston-Salem Fire Department. Firefighter Recruits receive full salary and benefits during the 30-week Fire Academy.

No prior fire service or emergency medical experience is required to apply, and no preference is given to applicants who already possess certifications. However, individuals who are certified at the time of hire may be eligible for an abbreviated training process. An orientation and evaluation period will be conducted for certified individuals, and those who demonstrate acceptable knowledge, skills, and abilities may be exempted from the full academy.

The North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission grants reciprocity for firefighter certifications from IFSAC-accredited states. Information regarding out-of-state EMT reciprocity is available at oems.nc.gov.

Physical Requirements

1. Lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 165 pounds.
2. Perform physically demanding work, including carrying fire equipment, walking over rough terrain, climbing hills, loading and unloading vehicles, and working outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.
3. Safely wear and operate in self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) without medical or physical restrictions.
4. Pass an annual NFPA 1582-compliant physical examination and an annual fitness-for-duty test.

Selection Process and Additional Information 

1. Applicants will receive detailed information regarding testing requirements and schedules after submission of an application.
2. Applicants will be scheduled to complete a CASAS GOALS Level D Reading Examination, a job-related physical ability test (JRPAT), and a BRAINS^TM assessment administered by FMRT.
3. Candidates who successfully complete all assessments will be invited to participate in a formal interview. Interviews are anticipated to occur between March 30 and April 10, 2026.
4. The anticipated start date for recruit school is Tuesday, May 26 for successful candidates.

 Residency Requirement:

Firefighter Recruit Salary (30-Week Academy – 40-Hour Work Week)

• No degree: $44,741
• Associate’s degree: $46,978
• Bachelor’s degree: $49,327

Certified Firefighter Salary (56-Hour Work Week)

• No degree: $46,978
• Associate’s degree: $49,327
• Bachelor’s degree: $51,794