Firefighter ; Non-Certified

FIRE RECRUIT STARTING SALARY- $57,012

No Experience? No Problem!

Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Do you have a passion for helping people? Do you enjoy teamwork, collaboration, and physical fitness? Or maybe it’s just time for a change in career to one of the most satisfying professions in America…
FIREFIGHTER.

Cary is currently looking for inspired, committed, and dedicated individuals to join the Cary Fire Department. No firefighting experience is necessary to apply for our Firefighter Recruit position… only a strong character, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.

• The most competitive pay in the area as well as a career ladder promotion program with several levels of advancement possibilities
• Comprehensive benefits package for all stages of your life
• Ownership in an organization that is committed to excellence, high-quality service delivery and putting people first
• Commitment to making all things better through experimenting in an effort to learn, fail, and grow
• Opportunity to lead from where you are and leadership development
• Collaboration and problem‑solving in a team environment

As a Firefighter Recruit, you will be enrolled in the Cary Fire Department’s in‑house Fire Academy, a comprehensive program lasting approximately 30 weeks. During this time, you will participate in a rigorous academic and physical training curriculum designed to prepare you for a career in public service and to earn certifications across multiple disciplines.

Recruits are required to attend and successfully complete all Cary Fire Academy classes and training sessions, including those necessary to obtain North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. Adherence to all departmental standards, policies, and performance expectations is mandatory throughout the academy.

• Participate in intense physical training and learn physically demanding skills each day
• Engage in challenging academic programs required to pass state exams
• Receive multiple certifications (ex. EMT, Firefighter, Haz‑mat)
• Develop basic firefighter skills like pulling hose‑lines, raising ladders, tying knots, rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, and water supply
• Demonstrate knowledge about fire behavior, firefighting tactics, fire prevention, incident command, building construction and emergency medicine

Upon completion of the academy and the Firefighter Recruit’s State Exam you will be assigned to rotating shifts at one of 9 fire stations that provide fire suppression, emergency medical treatment, technical urban rescue, fire prevention, fire investigation, and public education services to the 60+ square‑miles that are the Cary town limits.

• Feb 24 – Mar 10 (midnight):
  Application Window Open
• Mar 11 – Mar 16:
  Phone Interviews
• Mar 17 – Mar 18:
  In Person Physical Agility Testing
• Mar 19 – Mar 25:
  Virtual Interviews
• Mar 26 – Apr 1:
  In Person Final Interviews/Decisions
• Apr 2:
  Contingent Job Offers
• Apr 6 – Apr 23:
  Medical Exams/Stress Testing
• Apr 24:
  Final Job Offers
• May 11:
  Anticipated Academy Start Date

NOTE—Where a phase is labeled "In Person," candidates must be on site. CPAT certification is not accepted; you must be present and pass the Cary FD PAT to be considered for a position.

All applicants who advance past the initial phone interview must participate in an in‑person Physical Agility Test (PAT) as part of the hiring process. Participation in the PAT is required for all candidates who move forward in the recruitment process. You must be available to attend the PAT on site at the designated time.

• Walk and move about without assistance
• Lift, carry, push, pull, and reach heavy objects (e.g., hoses up to 90 pounds, objects up to 50 pounds)
• Climb, stoop, and maintain position on items in adverse conditions
• Maintain communication with co‑workers and citizens under stress
• No maximum age; physical and mental fitness required

• High school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment
• Valid driver’s…