Fire Academy Recruit

POSITION TITLE: Firefighter/EMT Recruit

​CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time

​ACADEMY START DATE: May 26, 2026

​ACADEMY LOCATION: Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. - Station 7

​ACADEMY SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

​PAY RATE DURING ACADEMY: $17.00/hour

​POST-ACADEMY STARTING SALARY: $52,987.73 annually

​POST-ACADEMY SCHEDULE: 48/96 rotating shift (48 hours on duty, 96 hours off)

​Friday, April 10, 2026​

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Applications are available at:

https://www.penderemsandfire.com/firefighter-emt-recruit

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Candidates submit documentation for one of the following with their application:

• A passing CASAS test score,

OR

• A college transcript showing a passing English course completed within the last five (5) years

Applications submitted without one of these documents will not be accepted. Candidates who do not currently have either must complete and pass the CASAS test before applying

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CASAS TESTING OPTIONS:

• : Testing Services (No Appointment Needed)
• Testing Center Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Phone: (910) 938-6259
• : Testing is available on multiple dates. Candidates must schedule in advance using SignUpGenius.

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RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an in-person physical agility test on Monday, April 13, 2026, or Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Candidates who successfully complete this phase will be invited to an in-person interview on Thursday, April 16, 2026, or Monday, April 20, 2026. Please plan accordingly; these dates are not flexible.

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POSITION SUMMARY: The Firefighter/EMT Recruit position is geared towards individuals seeking an opportunity to become a certified firefighter to begin a full-time career with Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. No prior experience is required. Candidates must demonstrate a strong level of work ethic, accountability, and motivation. Although the academy is offered at no cost, applicants must commit to a two-year employment agreement upon successful completion of the academy.

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Under close supervision in a training capacity, the Firefighter/EMT Recruit will learn about and demonstrate a variety of skills and procedures required to begin a career in Emergency Medical Services.

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Upon successful completion of the academy, participants will graduate with all the certifications required of the State of North Carolina as well as a North Carolina EMT certification. Recruits will continue their career with our agency as a full-time Firefighter/EMT and their pay rate will increase to reflect the starting salary for that position.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The primary goal of the Earn While You Learn Academy is to ensure that the recruit is prepared to safely perform the duties required of a Firefighter/EMT assigned to a crew.

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The academy lasts for approximately twenty-two (22) weeks and provides unparalleled training that focuses on quality, to better serve the citizens and visitors of Pender County. Our highly specialized training consists of comprehensive classroom and practical instruction on emergency medical care and firefighting methods.

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The classroom portion of the academy is held during business hours Monday through Friday. Following the EMT classroom portion of the academy, recruits will be required to partake in one (1) hands-on clinical in the Emergency Department setting and three (3) hands-on clinicals on an ambulance. Upon successful completion of the EMT portion of the academy as well as the final exam, recruits may begin the Firefighting portion of the academy. Once the Firefighter/EMT Recruit completes the full academy, they may begin their career with our agency as a certified Firefighter EMT.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• No experience required
• At least 18 years of age
• Eligible for employment in the United States
• High school diploma or GED
• Possession of a valid class C (or higher) driver’s license
• Successful completion of background screening and driving record check
• Must successfully pass urine drug screening
• Successful Completion of Candidate Agility Performance Test (CPAT)
• Annual Completion of Job Performance Agility Test (JPAT)
• CASAS reading placement test score of 249 or higher at least one (1) year prior to academy start date
• Panel interview
• Proof of required immunizations

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REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a tactful and firm manner.
• Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in written documentation
• Ability to deal with death and dying patients.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality as required by law.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle in adverse conditions and according to motor vehicle laws.
• Ability to read highway maps and GPS devices.
• Ability to become familiar with county geography and locations of roads and streets.
• Requires the ability to prepare and/or read a variety of correspondence, reports, logs, etc.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform very heavy lifting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, with or without assistance.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Work is subject to the usual hazards involved with emergency medical services including the risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
• Successful completion of job performance agility test (JPAT) on an annual basis is required

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IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Current flu vaccine (only required for hospital clinicals between October – March)
• 2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations or positive antibody titer
• History of Chicken Pox (documentation required) or 2 Varicella immunizations.
• TB skin test (PPD within the past year) or chest x-ray
• Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years
• 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or a signed declination statement

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CURRENT BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Supplemental Insurance Options
• Education Incentives
• Accident/Sickness Insurance (No Employee Cost)
• Life Insurance (No Employee Cost)

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ANTICIPATED FUTURE BENEFITS:

• State Retirement (LGERS)
• North Carolina State Health Insurance
• Employment with Pender County Government (post-merger)

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Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person