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Fire Department - Entry Level Applicant FAQs

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1. Are Fire Recruits paid during the Academy?

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

2. 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 this 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 

3. Is the starting salary negotiable?

No, Fire Recruits begin at a salary of $40,682. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, after graduating the academy and completing a probationary period (normally one year), firefighters receive a pay increase.

4. 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!).

5. How difficult is it to pass the physical testing?

Our physical agility testing can be pretty tough if you're not in shape. Be sure to check out our Agility Test video. 

ADDITIONALLY, don't assume that just because you're slender or just because you lift weights, you're destined to pass our medical physical. Our physician will measure your cardiovascular fitness, BMI, METS, etc. We don't expect all of our applicants to be marathon runners and cross-fit instructors and we take into consideration that you will experience ample conditioning during the academy. Even with these factors, we also want to invest time and resources into those who are already taking an active role in their own fitness. Because passing our medical physical is a requirement for employment, we encourage applicants NOT to give notice to their current employers until they are aware that they have passed physical testing. 

6. What time does the academy start each day?

Most days, our academy begins with physical training at 6 AM. Keep in mind that tardiness is not tolerated and is grounds for dismissal.

7. How long does the academy last?

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

8. 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.    

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

Applicants selected for hire must be willing to obtain required vaccines to meet EMS requirements that are mandatory for clinical rotations at most sites. Applicants requesting exemption from any vaccine must contact [email protected] for instructions. Do not assume that an exemption for the COVID vaccine is easy to attain. Additionally, exemption requests are not guaranteed. Vaccine requirements may change at any time.

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

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

11. 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.)

12. 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.  

13. How often does the DFD hire?

Our goal is to accept Entry Level applications annually in April. Applicants must apply at DurhamNC.gov.

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 with early start times. We do not offer any living arrangements or temporary housing.  

17. When are you hiring Certified/Lateral Firefighters?

At this time, we have NO plans to hire certified firefighters. We are opting to only hire entry level applicants in the foreseeable future.

18. 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!