The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Position Description
The Wilmington Fire Department is hiring Fire Engineers!
The purpose of this position is to protect life and property of the citizens of Wilmington. Serves as second in command to the Company Officer; implementing, directing, and conducting tasks at emergency scenes and the fire station. May assume the lead in the absence of the Company Officer and carry out supervisory responsibilities; maintaining documents; and maintaining training and knowledge of firefighting principles and practices. Also, provides for the safe response of the firefighting apparatus and personnel to fire and EMS alarms. May temporarily assume the role of incident commander (Safety Officer, RIT Member, or Accountability Officer) at emergency scenes. 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 candidate's professional growth. The document will describe the candidate's 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 I
All Candidates Submitting An Application Must Attend One Of The Below Sessions In Order To Meet This Requirement For Qualification. Participant Attendance Will Be Taken At Beginning Of The Meeting
- January 26, 2026 : 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST
- February 2, 2026 : 9 :00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Testing Phases
Candidates who pass the minimum qualification screenings of the process will continue through the following phases:
Process PhaseTitleScoringPhase I
By closing date
February 17
Career Plan Report Top 20 candidate scores move forward
Phase II
Tentative
March 23–25, March 27 and March 30
Fire Problem
35% of final score
Phase III
Tentative
March 23-25, March 27 and March 30
Interview
25% of final score
Phase IV
Tentative
March 23-25, March 27 and March 30
Pumping Practical40% 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 Engineer. 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 Engineer orientation date will be May 4, 2026.
Typical Tasks
- Serves as second in command to Company Officer by implementing, directing, and conducting tasks at emergency scenes and the fire station, may assume the lead in absence of the Company Officer. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, tactical guidelines and applicable laws.
- Assists Company Officer in preparing reports as required, demonstrating general knowledge of forms used and ability to complete forms in timely and accurate manner.
- Drives, maintains, spots, and operates fire apparatus. Secures a water supply and enhances the execution of the safety and operational need on emergency scenes.
- Participates in continuous professional and personal development by attending training in areas such as fire ground operations, EMT, search and rescue, driver/operator training, NIMS, physical fitness, hazmat operations, water rescue, car seat technician, SCBA technician, and fire boat operations.
- Performs operational support and administrative duties by facilitating fire prevention education, fire truck displays, station tours, installing smoke detectors, performing duties as a car seat technician and assisting the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Assist Company Officer with planning, organizing, conducting and documenting training activities and/or maintaining training hours, and keeping current with materials, instruction of co-workers, and documentation.
- Acts as Team Leader for routine station duties, tasks or other functions, including but not limited to housekeeping and grounds maintenance, equipment checks and station/equipment maintenance.
- Will perform all other duties as assigned and/or as necessary.
Qualifications
All Applicants Must Possess:
- Education:
- Minimum of High school degree or GED
- Experience:
- Minimum of 4 years of full time experience with a career fire department
- Minimum Requirements for all candidates:
- Valid driver’s license
- NCOSFM Certified Firefighter or IFSAC/Pro-Board-Certified Firefighter
- NCOEMS EMT credential or National Registry EMT with the ability to obtain North Carolina reciprocity
- Hazardous Materials Operations certification
- NIMS ICS 100, 200, and 700 certifications
- WFD Candidate School I
- Fire Instructor I certification
- NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
- Driver Operator & Pumps or IFSAC/Pro-board
- Additional Requirements by Applicant Type:
- Internal Applicants (Current Employees):
- Must possess NC Class B
- Must possess completed Engineer Task Book
- Must meet all apparatus certification requirements as set forth by the Training Department
- 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 Engineer’s job description and is ready for the position
- External Applicants:
- NC Class B must be obtained within six (6) months of hire
- Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification within six (6) months of hire
- Must complete the Engineer Task Book within six (6) months of hire
- Must meet all apparatus certification requirements as set forth by the Training Department 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 by April 1, 2026
- 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
- Anticipated start date, May 4, 2026
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 recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 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
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
02
Are you currently a member of the Wilmington Fire Department?
03
Please Indicate Your Current Driver’s License Status
- Do not have a valid driver's license
- Class C
- Class B
- Class A
- Valid standard license from another state
04
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Doctorate Degree
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 4 years
- 4 years to less than 7 years
- 7 years to less than 10 years
- 10 years or more
06
Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #5. 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 and your application will not move forward.
07
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
- Hazardous Materials Operations certification
- NHIMS 100
- NIMS 200
- NIMS 700
- WFD Candidate school I
- NCOSFM Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification
- Driver Operator & Pumps or IFSAC/Proboard
- Fire Instructor I
- Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification
- Engineer Task Book (WFD Internal Candidate Specific)
- Apparatus Certification (WFD Internal Candidate Specific)
08
Please indicate that you are aware that all candidates that do not have a valid Class B License, Fire and Life Safety Educator 1 certification, and apparatus certifications, are required to obtain these certifications within 6 months of hire
09
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.
10
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.
