Applications open for new firefighters for City of Fayetteville

By Staff Report, posted Jan 6, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Applications are open for both entry-level and fully certified firefighter positions with the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD).

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will take part in several assessments to proceed through the selection process. Assessments include a written exam (no fire experience required), a physical ability test and panel interviews.

“A career with the Fayetteville Fire Department is an incredibly rewarding career choice,” Recruitment Captain Stephen Shakeshaft said in a press release. “With the recent updates to our compensation package and the spirit of giving back to the community, we hope to encourage people who are interested in becoming a firefighter to explore the career opportunities with the Fayetteville Fire Department.”

Entry level candidates selected for the FFD will attend an 18-week fire training academy at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Fire and Rescue Training Center, a 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that includes classrooms, offices, simulation labs, locker rooms and three fire apparatus bays.

Lateral entry programs are available for current, full-time firefighters who meet certain requirements and may be eligible for elevated pay grades upon hire.

“Qualified lateral-entry and fully certified candidates can benefit from an expedited academy, allowing them to join our team and serve our community more quickly,” Shakeshaft included.

In the city's fiscal year 2025 budget, starting salaries and pay for police, fire, and emergency communications employees were increased to ensure Fayetteville offers a competitive compensation package for its public safety personnel.

Benefits of working with the Fayetteville Fire Department include:

Starting salary range of $45,000 to $52,310 d.o.e.
Fully paid Fire Training Academy for inexperienced candidates
Abbreviated academy for lateral-entry and fully certified candidates
Nationally recognized certifications and credentialing
Educational incentive pay for Firefighters who pursue associate’s or bachelor's degrees
Regional Fire Training Facility for continued education and professional development
A defined career development plan allowing firefighters to pursue specialty training in hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, fire investigation or community risk reduction. Each track provides step-plan pay increases for time in service and training.
Multiple specialty programs and divisions including drone operations, strategic planning and emergency preparedness, logistics, and many more.

The FFD is one of only 120 agencies worldwide to be both accredited with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and receive an Insurance Services Organization protection classification of Class 1, the best available rating.

Interested individuals should visit FayettevilleNC.gov/Fire, contact Recruitment Captain Stephen Shakeshaft at (910) 676-1716 or StephenShakeshaft@fayettevillenc.gov for more information.

Applications are open until Jan. 17. Applicants can apply online at FayettevilleNC.gov/Jobs.

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