Fire Apparatus Operator I

This position operates fire and emergency apparatus, equipment, and vehicles in the suppression of fires on a 24/72 shift schedule. This is a lateral position that must meet or exceed the requirements of this job description in reference to current employment role.

Major Duties: Operates assigned apparatus, equipment, and vehicles for emergency and non emergency calls, routine inspections, training drills, and other purposes as necessary. Inspects, maintains, and makes minor repairs to apparatus, equipment, and vehicles. Ensures the cleanliness, serviceability, and availabilit y of firefighting and emergency equipment, tools, and supplies related to assigned apparatus. Operates pumps and other equipment at fire scenes; uses pump control and raises and lowers ladders. Performs the duties of Emergency Medical Technician as necessary. Assists in fire suppression, rescue, forced entry, ventilation, and salvage; lays and connects hoses, manipulates nozzles, climbs ladders; assists in the ventilation of structures. FAO 1 will fill in for Captain 1 position in the absence of a company officer, when requested. Performs vehicle extrications. Performs fire prevention activities; assists with station tours, and fire education programs. Provides hazardous materials response as needed. Performs annual maintenance and testing of city fire hydrants. Participates in daily physical training. Prepares and submits reports as required. Performs daily station and grounds maintenance. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits: The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package valued at over 30% of an employee's annual salary. Employer provided benefits include: 11 paid holidays, 12 paid sick leave days per year, Paid vacation, Health insurance for employees and family members, Dental and vision insurance, Employee Assistance Program – 5 FREE visits, 15.1% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System, Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k, Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000), Tuition Assistance Program, On-site Wellness Clinic, A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance.

Requirements: Minimum 2 years service with Hickory Fire Department or 2 years documented experience with another career fire department in same or equivalent rank, Firefighter II/Relief Driver certification, North Carolina Class B Driver's License, NC Driver Operator Pumps Certification (preferred), NC Firefighter I and II Certification, NC Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, NC Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification, NC Technical Rescue Common Passenger Vehicle or equivalent, NIMS 100 200 700 and 800, NC Hazardous Materials Operation Certification, NC Rapid Intervention Crew Certification (preferred), acceptable driving record, must successfully complete Hickory Fire Department Engineer Exam, meet or exceed annual performance evaluation standards

Salary: $52,954.00 - $67,135.52 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-10-23