Recruitment - General Information

Please visit our web site at http://www.ci.charlotte.nc.us/cifire/recruitment/index.htm or check the recruitment line (704-336-2979) for the details surrounding our next process.

The Charlotte Fire Department is highly regarded as a professional and progressive department and their recruitment process is very competitive. They receive a large amount of applications from all over the United States.

To apply for the position of Firefighter candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Have a valid driver's license and a good driving record
• Have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude
• Have no drug or alcohol dependencies, certain drug usage will disqualify

Although they do not require that all firefighters earn their North Carolina EMT-D prior to employment with the Department, this certification must be obtained within one year of the date of hire. For more information about EMT-D certification contact the union office at 331-9515.

• Application
• Written Examination
• Job-Related Physical Agilities Test
• Polygraph Examination
• Background Investigation
• Pre-Employment Medical Examination
• Oral Interview
• Civil Service Certification
• Drug Screening

Applicants who are selected for employment must complete a 13-week Firefighter Recruit Training Program at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy. The comprehensive curriculum covers such topics as firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials and a variety of other topics related to the position of Firefighter.

Salary Information

All Firefighters are hired at the level of Firefighter I.

Starting pay is as follows:

• High School Education: $31,448
• Associate's Degree: $33,019
• Bachelor's Degree: $34,672
• Bilingual Incentive: Employees who demonstrate proficiency in certain foreign languages are eligible to receive an additional 5% pay incentive upon graduation from the Training Academy.

   

   

Benefits

• Choice of health insurance plans

   

• Dental, vision, and life insurance options

   

• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution

   

• Membership in Fire Department Credit Union

   

• Excellent retirement benefits

   

• Tuition assistance
• Comprehensive vacation & sick plans