Fire Fighter Recruit

City of Kannapolis

City of Kannapolis

Kannapolis, NC, USA

USD 21.99-25.29 / hour

Posted on May 5, 2026

Example of Duties

Hiring range: $21.99 - $25.29 hourly; $45,742 - $52,604 annually
Open until filled.


JOB SUMMARY
The Firefighter Recruit participates in training and other administrative requirements in preparation for becoming a Firefighter. Reporting to the Training Manager, Firefighter Recruits work under regular supervision sufficient to monitor progress and achievement of key performance indicators

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

  • Participates and completes required training curriculum to ensure the trainee has the ability, certifications, and licensure to perform the duties of a Firefighter and EMT.
  • Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical care, hazardous materials, and related subjects
  • Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in fire prevention programs
  • Responds to off-duty alarms when required
  • Performs general maintenance work in the upkeep of fire facilities and equipment; sweeping, mopping and other custodial duties; cares for grounds around station; washes, cleans, polishes, maintains and tests apparatus and equipment
  • During assigned field training, will assist with daily apparatus checks and cleaning, equipment inventory, and scheduled maintenance on apparatus and equipment. The trainee will also perform cleaning and sanitizing at the fire station assigned.
  • During clinical labs, administers or simulates emergency medical care at the appropriate level, with appropriate oversight.
  • Presents programs to the community on safety, medical and fire prevention topics
  • Maintain physical condition as required
  • Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.
  • Performs related tasks as required

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Some knowledge of firefighting techniques and procedures as applied to fire suppression.
  • Some knowledge of fire prevention and pre-fire analysis strategies and techniques.
  • Some knowledge of emergency medical techniques and procedures.
  • Some knowledge of hazardous materials and accident extraction principles and techniques.
  • Ability to learn technical firefighting principles and techniques and principles of hydraulics as applied to fire suppression and the possession of mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke.
  • Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Current high school students are accepted. Otherwise, high school diploma or GED required. Firefighting experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be 18 years or older at the time of employment.
  • Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid NC Class B drivers license without record of suspension or revocation in any State.
  • Must be able to read and write the English language.
  • Must be of good moral character and of temperate.
  • Must possess a current NC or National Registry EMT Certificate, NC Firefighter Certification and NC General Technical Rescue Certification within one year of hire date and before advancing to the position of Firefighter.
  • Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test as a condition of employment with the City of Kannapolis.

Additional Information:
A NC Class B CDL must be obtained and maintained during the entire duration of employment.

Other Necessary Requirements

JOB RELATED PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Work is performed under emergent conditions and involves considerable personal hazards. This work may require exertion in excess of 100 pounds occasionally, in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing pulling, lifting and grasping and feeling. Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed instruction for others to accurately, loudly and quickly follow. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, oils and wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. The worker may be exposed to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. The Kannapolis fire department works 48 hour shifts but a good proportion of their shift does not involve physical demands or essential tasks of the job. They do require NFPA 1582 physical.