Firefighter Academy

Firefighter Academy

The City of Wilmington is accepting applications for the upcoming Firefighter Academy.

Start date:

November 2, 2026. Please read this post in its entirety as there is important information for all phases throughout this posting.

To ensure accuracy and consistency of information, questions that cannot be answered from the information in the posting or found on the Fire Department's recruitment page, must be directed to Heather.

Miller; please do not contact other employees or divisions within the Fire Department. Phone calls are not accepted and voicemails will not be returned during the recruitment process. Correspondence of all nature must be and will be through email.

Please make sure to check your SPAM and junk folder in the email provided on your application as this will be the only source of communication from the city when updates or next steps are provided. Notifications will come from an email address containing . Scheduling or rescheduling requests made outside of the provided time frames will not be approved for failure to view notifications or personal/work conflicts.

If military orders prevent in-person attendance, candidates must email an accommodation request with military orders attached.

Timelines are arranged but subject to adjustment based on weather or unforeseen circumstances.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

STEP #1 PASS STRENGTH AND AGILITY TEST - JPAT

Sign up for your preferred testing date by following this link

• July 7, 2026:
  Check in: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM:
  Testing after
• July 18, 2026:
  Check in: 07:45 AM - 08:00 AM:
  Testing after

TESTING

LOCATION:

The test course is located at our Safety Training Center on Cape Fear Community College, North Campus at 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne, NC.

• Long pants or sweatpants, shorts may be worn for the run only.
• Closed toed athletic shoes must be worn in order to participate in the test course.
• Own pair of work/construction/mechanic gloves.
• Check in requires proof of valid driver's license/identification card.
• Candidates will be required to submit to baseline vitals prior to beginning the course.

RESULTS:

• Once candidates successfully complete the JPAT, they will receive an email notification/certification in the following days that should be attached to the application for proof of completion. This certification is good for 1 year.

For more information about the Fire Department and the Strength and Agility Test, please visit the Fire Department website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./Careers

STEP #2 SUBMIT APPLICATION

• Complete application with thorough and up to date information
• In order for education, certifications or experience to be considered, proof of completion must be attached. If you state you have it, attach it:
• EDUCATION:
  
  Transcript or Diploma from the highest level of education completed. (Note, HS transcript is required for EMT training and must be submitted before October 8, 2026)
• If credit hours selected, transcripts must be added to support hours (CE credits do not count)
• All transcripts (HS and College) must indicate graduation/completion date for consideration
• CERTIFICATIONS/VERIFICATIONS:
• All relevant certifications received must be attached for consideration
• NC EMT, NC Certified Firefighter, Technical Rescue, Driver/Operator
• HS Fire course or Junior Academy certification of completion must be attached
• MILITARY:
• DD214 to support active duty military experience must be submitted
• Orders for current Active Duty
• JPAT CERTIFICATION:
• Submit certification with application
• Applicants are able to re-submit applications to include all required documents or information. The most recent application will be reviewed.
• SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:
• Must be answered thoroughly and supported within the work history/text of the application
• If you state you have ANY firefighter/responder experience (FT, Volunteer, Part time) it must be listed under your work history with location/department
• Please ensure the documents you attach are legible and comply with the above needs

AFTER POST CLOSE JULY 22, 2026

Applications will be reviewed. Those determined to most closely meet the needs of the department and selected to advance to the interview…