Firefighter applications are now open; Apply by Sept. 26

Published on September 18, 2025

Fayetteville, N.C. – Applications are now open for both entry-level and fully certified firefighter positions with the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD). Applicants can apply online at FayettevilleNC.gov/Jobs. Applications are open until Sept. 26.

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.

Entry level candidates selected for the FFD will attend a six-month fire and EMS training academy at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Fire and Rescue Training Center, a 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. Lateral entry programs are available for current, full-time firefighters who meet certain requirements and may be eligible for elevated pay grades upon hire.

“At the Fayetteville Fire Department, we’re committed to helping our team grow,” Stephen Shakeshaft, Recruitment Captain said. “After completing our recruit academy, new hires begin their careers in the Suppression Division, working on an engine, squad or truck company. From there, specialized training and hands-on experience allow our firefighters to advance through our Career Development Plan and pursue areas that match their passions and goals,” he added.

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
• 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 city has also taken proactive measures to protect the health and well-being of its firefighters by implement cancer screening as part of its annual physical examinations. “The One Test,” a state-of-the-art blood test that checks for a panel of protein biomarkers potentially indicating early-stage cancer.

In addition to the cancer screenings, FFD welcomed GRIFFITH, a crisis response dog trained to perform tasks to mitigate stress and anxiety in emergency situations both at the place of work or at the scene of the emergency. He is trained to support emergency responders by helping them decompress after tough calls, ease station tension, lower anxiety levels, reduce long-term PTSD impacts and boost overall heart health.

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.

In previous years, the FFD opened applications and began recruitment in January; however, the application and recruitment cycle will now begin in September.

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