Firefighter

Join the frontline of excellence with the City of Gastonia Fire Department. The City of Gastonia is seeking dedicated and skilled Certified Firefighters to join an elite team. As a Certified Firefighter, you'll play a vital role in protecting lives and property, responding to emergencies, and upholding the high standards of safety and professionalism that our community expects and deserves. With state‑of‑the‑art equipment, ongoing training opportunities, and a strong commitment to teamwork, we provide the tools and support you need to excel in a fast‑paced, rewarding career.

A Certified Firefighter with the City of Gastonia Fire Department is responsible for protecting lives and property by responding to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents. This role requires performing strenuous work under emergency conditions, learning and applying fire suppression techniques, following oral and written instructions, and maintaining cooperative relationships with coworkers and the public.

To be considered for a Firefighter‑Certified position, candidates must possess their North Carolina Firefighter Certification AND their North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician Certification.

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.
Responds to emergency incidents and alarms with an engine, ladder or rescue company; lays lines and connects hoses; holds nozzles and directs water streams; climbs ladders; forces entry; ventilates buildings; uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; performs rescue operations; performs salvage operations such as applying salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris; provides initial emergency medical treatment and life support to patients 30%
Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment, and cleaning fire station and grounds, ensures that assigned hand tools and equipment are on apparatus and in working order 25%
Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on hydrants 5%
Participates in continuing training and instruction program by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes 30%
Preplans buildings and premises for familiarization and fire hazards 5%
Training and associated duties for assignment to the Hazardous Materials Response Team 5%

• Knowledge of firefighting techniques, procedures, and mechanics as applied to fire suppression
• Basic understanding of technical firefighting principles and techniques
• Familiarity with principles of hydraulics as they apply to fire suppression
• Ability to quickly learn and retain the street system and physical layout of the City of Gastonia
• Skill in understanding/following oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with colleagues and the public
• Capability to keep accurate records and prepare simple reports.
• Demonstrated physical endurance and agility to perform demanding tasks under strenuous conditions.
• Ability to operate and maintain firefighting tools and equipment effectively.
• Awareness of safety protocols and ability to adhere to them in high-pressure situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions in emergency scenarios.
• Willingness and capacity to engage in continuous training and professional development.
• Effective communication skills to relay critical information in emergency and non-emergency situations.

• High school diploma or equivalent

• NC Certified Firefighter, NC Emergency Medical Technician, NC Hazardous Materials-Operational Level certifications upon hire
• NIMS Requirements: IS-700, IS-100, and IS-200 within one year of hire
• Passing grade on Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to hire
• A valid driver's license with acceptable driving history

Additional…