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Fire Department - Entry Level Applicant FAQs

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1. I have some certifications and I've got firefighting experience. Am I really an Entry Level Fire Recruit?

If you can't answer "Yes" to ALL of the questions below, Durham considers you a Fire Recruit:

• Do you have a valid/unexpired NC Basic EMT certification or can you get reciprocity for your current EMT certification?
• Do you have an IFSAC or Pro Board Firefighter II certification or can you get reciprocity for your current Firefighter II certification?
• Do you have an IFSAC or Pro Board Hazmat Operations Level I certification or can you get reciprocity for your current Hazmat Operations certification?
• Have you graduated from an approved Fire academy within the past two years OR have you worked as a government or municipality full-time, paid firefighter for the past two years without more than a 3 month lapse in employment? 

2. Will I be paid when I'm in the Academy?

Yes, you will be paid throughout the academy.  Additionally, your textbooks are paid for by the department.

3. What can I expect on the written test for Fire RECRUITS?

Glad you asked - Check out the guidelines and examples for written testing here.

Also, be sure to watch the video from Fire Driver Andre Knight (now Fire Captain Andre Knight!).

4. Is the starting salary negotiable?

No, Fire Recruits begin at a salary of $40,682.  After graduating the academy, they receive a pay increase.

5. Do you have any tips for applying?

List at least three PROFESSIONAL references rather than personal references.  We want to know about your work characteristics.  Also, verify the phone numbers you list and advise your references that they may receive a call from an unknown phone number.

Get your documents together NOW!  We will require copies of the documents listed below if you receive an interview/offer. Some of these documents are time consuming to get and obtaining them can be stressful (ask everyone who applied during COVID). All of these are documents that adults should have readily available, so get them together NOW.  

• Birth Certificate 
• Social Security Card
• Transcript from your highest level of completed education
• DD-214 (if applicable)
• Valid and Unexpired Driver's License (if you do not have a driver's license by July 1, you will be eliminated from the process)
• Shot Records
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) If no vaccine administered, show medical proof of Chickenpox
  • Tdap (Tetanus) If more than 10 years ago, you will have to get another one
  • HBV (Hep-B)
  • COVID - Full vaccine regimen including booster information
  • Influenza - (Flu Shot) If more than 1 year ago, you will have to get another one 

6. I already have some certifications. If I'm hired, will I have to attend the full academy?

The only time an applicant would NOT attend the full academy is if the applicant was already an NC AEMT and we taught the fire portion of the academy first. In that situation, the employee would move into Operations immediately following the Fire portion of the academy.

7. What time does the academy start each day?

Most days, our academy begins with physical training at 6 am.  If you're not accustomed to exercising daily, you should start now.

8. How long does the academy last?

Check out the academy schedule to get an idea of how long the academy lasts.

9. I'm really nervous about testing for EMT classes. Will I be able to pass?

We take great pride in our level of instruction. If you are 100% committed to studying, we are 100% committed to preparing you for testing. Make no mistake, you will HAVE TO STUDY hard to pass classes and earn your EMT certification.  You'll have to put other parts of your life on hold until you get through the class.  We're not telling you this to scare you, but if you're not willing to commit, don't waste our time or yours.  

Remember:  We've already invested in you!  Your success is our success.    

10. Do you allow any exemptions for the COVID vaccine?

In order to earn EMT certifications required for employment, you MUST participate in clinical rotations.  The COVID vaccine is required for entry into clinical sites for EMS rotations. 

11. What would my schedule look like when I go into Operations?

Our Firefighters work an average of ten 24-hour shifts per month on A, B, or C Shift. Shifts run from 7 am until 7 am the following day. Firefighters work every other day for 10 days. After that 10-day cycle is complete, each firefighter is off for 6 consecutive days. Check out our shift calendar.  

12. How often does the DFD hire?

Our goal is to accept Entry Level applications annually in April.  Our Entry Level Hiring Process will open on April 1, 2022. 

13. I have some EMT certifications. Will I still go through an entire academy?

First of all, if your EMT certification is from anywhere other than the state of North Carolina, you must be able to get reciprocity by completing a Reciprocity Application at NCOSFM.  

If the fire portion of the academy is scheduled first, it is likely that you would go into Operations after the fire portion is completed, but this would be need to be discussed and scheduled with the Assistant Chief of Training.

   

14. If I'm hired, what documents will I need before beginning employment?

If you did not attach the documents below to your employment application, please bring them on your interview date.  

1. Birth Certificate 
2. Social Security Card
3. Transcript from your highest level of completed education
4. DD-214 (if applicable)
5. Valid and Unexpired Driver's License (if you do not have a driver's license by July 1, you will be eliminated from the process)
6. Shot Records
   • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 
   • Varicella (Chickenpox) If no vaccine administered, show medical proof of Chickenpox
   • Tdap (Tetanus) If more than 10 years ago, you will have to get another one
   • HBV (Hep-B)
   • COVID - Full vaccine regimen including booster information
   • Influenza - (Flu Shot) If more than 1 year ago, you will have to get another one 

15. What shot records will I need?

Our new employees must participate in clinical rotations as part of their EMS training. These vaccines are required for entry into all clinical sites for EMS rotations:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 
• Varicella (Chickenpox) If no vaccine administered, show medical proof of Chickenpox
• Td/Tdap (Tetanus & Diptheria/Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) If more than 10 years ago, you will have to get another one.
• Hepatitis (Hep-B)
• COVID - Full vaccine regimen
• Influenza - (Flu Shot) If more than 1 year ago, you will have to get another one.

16. Are there any residency requirements for City of Durham Firefighters?

No; however, applicants must complete an academy before going into Operations. This academy is lengthy and we do not offer any living arrangements or temporary housing.  

17. Does the City of Durham provide temporary housing or relocation expenses?

No, we do not offer temporary housing or relocation expenses for Firefighters.

18. What are requirements for physical conditioning?

You've seen the descriptions of our Physical Agility Test (PAT); however, if hired, you must also pass an in-depth physical. This physical is rigorous. 

For some reason, since COVID, an increasing number of applicants are not passing our pre-employment physical. Being slender or simply being a weight lifter, does not ensure that you will definitely pass our physical. Your cardio health is an important measure of your physical capabilities. 

Your cardio health is an important measure of your physical capabilities.  

Your cardio health is an important measure of your physical capabilities. (Yes, we meant to list that three times.)

19. Still got questions?

Please read the information at DurhamFD.org.  After checking out our site, if you still have questions about our hiring process, please email [email protected].

We hope to see you in Durham!