CERTIFIED AND NON-CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTER

Summary

Salary : $48,863.88 - $60,632.00 Annually
Location : Fire Station #1, Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01808
Department: Fire
Division: Fire/Operations
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work
The purpose of this position is to perform protective service work in fire suppression. This job works under close supervision according to set procedures.

CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTERS PLEASE ATTACH ALL CERTIFICATES
Essential Functions/Duties
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Responds to emergency incidents and alarms with an engine, ladder or rescue company.
• Lays hose lines and connects hoses; holds nozzles and directs water streams; climbs ladders; forces entry; ventilates buildings; uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; performs rescue operations.
• Performs salvage operations such as applying salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• provides initial emergency medical treatment and life support to patients.
• Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment, and cleaning fire station and grounds ensures that assigned hand tools and equipment are on apparatus and in working order.
• Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on hydrants.
• Participates in continuing training and instruction program by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes.
• Preplans buildings and premises for familiarization and fire hazards.
• Training and associated duties for assignment to the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one (1) year of college.
• Three months of firefighter training or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
  
  • Performs very heavy work that involves constantly lifting, shoveling, and carrying 50 to 75 pounds on a regular and recurring basis and exerting 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  
  Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
  
  • Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.
• SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
  
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
  • NIMS Requirements; IS-700, IS-100, and IS-200 within one year of hire.
  • Physical Ability Test (CPAT) upon hire.
  • Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) silver level upon hire.
• AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
  
  The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
  
  STANDARD CLAUSES
  
  May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.
  
  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
  
  It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
  
  Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
• Page Break

High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at

Job Description

Salary : $48,863.88 - $60,632.00 Annually
Location : Fire Station #1, Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01808
Department: Fire
Division: Fire/Operations
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt

General Definition of Work
The purpose of this position is to perform protective service work in fire suppression. This job works under close supervision according to set procedures.

CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTERS PLEASE ATTACH ALL CERTIFICATES
Essential Functions/Duties
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Responds to emergency incidents and alarms with an engine, ladder or rescue company.
• Lays hose lines and connects hoses; holds nozzles and directs water streams; climbs ladders; forces entry; ventilates buildings; uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; performs rescue operations.
• Performs salvage operations such as applying salvage covers, sweeping water, and removing debris.
• provides initial emergency medical treatment and life support to patients.
• Assists in maintaining fire apparatus and equipment, and cleaning fire station and grounds ensures that assigned hand tools and equipment are on apparatus and in working order.
• Performs inspections and preventative maintenance on hydrants.
• Participates in continuing training and instruction program by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes.
• Preplans buildings and premises for familiarization and fire hazards.
• Training and associated duties for assignment to the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information

• Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one (1) year of college.
• Three months of firefighter training or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
  
  • Performs very heavy work that involves constantly lifting, shoveling, and carrying 50 to 75 pounds on a regular and recurring basis and exerting 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):
  
  Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
  
  • Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.
  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.
• SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
  
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
  • NIMS Requirements; IS-700, IS-100, and IS-200 within one year of hire.
  • Physical Ability Test (CPAT) upon hire.
  • Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) silver level upon hire.
• AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
  
  The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
  
  STANDARD CLAUSES
  
  May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.
  
  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
  
  It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
  
  Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
• Page Break

High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at