Career in a Year

Fire trainees spray a hose on a burning storage tank

Interested in a career in fire services?

Stay tuned for more information.

Launch your career in fire services and make a difference in our community.

  • Earn a full salary and benefits while you train to become a certified firefighter.
  • Attend the Wake County Fire Academy at no cost.
  • Move directly into an exciting career you can take pride in.


We want our teams to be as diverse as the communities we serve. As a Fire Tax District, we are committed to actively investing in strengthening our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging program to positively impact and drive change in an career field that has historically not been reflective of the diverse community in which we operate.

If you have the heart and desire to perform meaningful and important work that matters, Wake County and its contract agencies will help make it happen. Whether you have volunteer firefighter experience or are interested in starting a new career, this could be the jumpstart you’re looking for.

Check out what members of the most recent recruit class had to say about their experience with Career in a Year:

How Does it Work?

First, you’ll need to apply for a firefighter position at one of our six departments. No experience is necessary – just passion and desire to serve. See the websites below for information on the application process.

If you are hired by a department, you’ll become a full-time employee of that department and receive a salary and benefits. You will attend the 38-week Wake County Fire Training Academy at no cost.

During your time in the academy, you’ll receive hands on and classroom training and receive certifications in:

Firefighters training
  • Firefighter
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Incident Command System
  • Rapid Intervention
  • EMT Basic

Following graduation from the academy, you will receive a salary increase and continue your fire services career as a certified firefighter.

Questions?

Email Darrell Alford at darrell.alford@wake.gov.