<p>The City of Wilmington, a top Delaware employer, provides the highest-quality public safety services through the Wilmington Fire Department, a leader in hazard management, emergency response services, and fire prevention programs. Firefighters are public safety officers whose duties include fire prevention and suppression, emergency aid, and building safety for constituents and business properties.</p> <p>DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <ul> <li>As a protective service worker, duties include land and marine operations in response to incidents such as acts of terrorism, war, natural disasters, industrial accidents, building collapses, hazardous materials, emergencies (water, gas, electrical), and any other event requiring rescue, extrication, or mitigation. </li><li>Utilizes proper emergency medical care procedures to treat/stabilize victims (sick/injured). </li><li>Performs emergency service in fire suppression and water rescue service; tasks include operating fire apparatus, rescue boat, medical tools/equipment, pump, and related equipment. </li><li>Performs building inspections for the mitigation of life hazards. </li><li>Participates in related technical training on firefighting, rescue, high-angle, and hazardous materials. </li><li>Performs preventive maintenance and cleans fire stations, apparatuses, rescue boats, medical tools, and other related equipment. </li><li>Conducts fire prevention education and outreach programs within the community. </li><li>Performs administrative duties (summary/incidence reports, forms, and paperwork). </li><li>Performs all related work as required. </li></ul> <p>EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE</p> <p>Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application, and be a U.S. citizen. Firefighter (I&II) and EMT certifications will be required upon successful completion of the 12-month probationary period.</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge: Knowledge of the geography of the City and driver safety. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public. </li><li>Skills: Excellent communication skills (written and oral). </li><li>Abilities: Ability to act effectively under stress in emergencies and confined spaces (pipes/tunnels). Must apply fire prevention techniques to operate fire rescue boats, suppression, and emergency equipment. Able to perform physical activities for prolonged periods in extreme weather conditions (intense heat, cold, smoke, water, height levels). </li><li>Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license without major infractions, suspensions, or revocation. </li></ul> <p>CANDIDATE EVALUATION</p> <p>The testing process for this position includes: review of completed application materials, review of qualified applicants, physical agility testing, written exercise, in-person panel interview, and fire chief interview.</p> <p>WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS</p> <p>All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation and pre-employment physical.</p> <ul> <li>Physical Requirements: Frequently required to sit, stand, talk, hear, walk, run, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Must lift/move a minimum of 100 pounds. Must climb ladders to high elevations and wear heavy protective clothing and a breathing air mask. </li><li>Vision: Close, distance, peripheral vision; depth perception; ability to adjust focus. </li><li>Working Conditions: Live and work in close quarters as part of a paramilitary organization. Occasionally work around hazardous materials, precarious places with explosives/combustibles, moving mechanical parts; exposed to wet/humid conditions, fumes, toxic chemicals, extreme heat, extreme cold, and vibration. </li><li>Location and Schedule: Must be able to work a rotating schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays, and live at the fire station while on duty. </li></ul> <p>TOTAL COMPENSATION</p> <ul> <li>Salary Administration: Probationary Firefighter starting salary (FY 2025/2026) is $55,289.46. Increases occur at each step: I - $59,515.98; II - $63,742.51; III - $67,969.03; IV - $72,195.55; V - $77,338.57. </li><li>Benefits: Robust medical/dental coverage available on the date of hire. Details at www.wilmingtonde.gov/benefits. </li></ul> <p>SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION</p> <ul> <li>This position is open to all internal and external applicants who meet minimum qualifications. </li><li>To apply, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available in the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Call 302-576-2460 for computer-use appointments. </li><li>The City of Wilmington is an equal opportunity employer. </li><li>City Code provides preference for eligible internal candidates, veterans, and current city residents. </li><li>The City is committed to ADA and Delaware Persons with Disabilities protections. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request; contact Human Resources at 302-576-2466. </li></ul> <p>Download the WFD Physical Agility Test Release Form and Physician Authorization Form</p>