Lexington, NC

Once applications are posted on the City's Job Opportunities page, they will typically remain open for 30 days. A blind screening is conducted on initial applications. These applications are reviewed solely on a candidate's ability to meet the minimum qualifications. Names and other forms of identification are not available to the screener. Applications that provide the appropriate information to confirm the candidate meets the minimum qualifications are elevated to the next level. Applicants that do not provide all the necessary information will receive an email indicating that the application has been disqualified and the applicant will not be invited to complete the hiring process.

The next step in our hiring process is the completion of a written exam. We use the Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (FACT) from Fire & Police Selection, Inc. (FPSI), which is a third-party company that also scores these exams offsite. The written exam is proctored by our Human Resources department before being sent off for scoring. There is an optional study guide available from the vendor for a fee, which can be accessed on their website below. Candidates who do not pass the written exam (based on FPSI's scoring) will be removed from the hiring process. Candidates who pass the written exam will receive a date to attend a physical agility test.

Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test Study Guide

The third step in our hiring process is the completion of a timed physical agility test. The physical agility test simulates actions that firefighters may perform while working on-duty as suppression staff. The test is administered by Lexington Fire Department and Human Resources personnel, and consists of an aerial ladder climb, stair climb with a high-rise pack, ladder carry and raise, hose deployment, Keiser machine, dummy drag, simulated charged hose drag, and a blind hose crawl through a confined space. The physical agility test is a pass or fail assessment. Candidates who successfully complete the agility test receive a date for an interview. Candidates who do not complete the test within the allotted time frame are removed from the hiring process. A video walk-through of the physical agility test is below.

The next step in our hiring process is an interview panel. The interview panel typically includes four or more panelists from various City departments and from local Fire departments. The interview panel consists of a variety of questions that help determine whether a candidate will be successful working as a team member. After the completion of an interview, all panelists will score candidates individually and then collectively as a group before deciding the top candidates who will continue to the final selection process.

At the end of the hiring process, the Fire Chief evaluates candidates' scores from the written exam and from the interview panel. After reviewing candidates' scores and determining which individual best meets the needs of the position and the department, the Fire Chief will convey their choice of candidate to Human Resources for final approval. Once Human Resources has approved the new hire, a conditional offer of employment will be extended to the candidate. Once the candidate signs the offer letter, they must complete a background and drug test, as well as a physical as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1582. Candidates who pass all the necessary background checks are given an orientation date to begin work.

• Modified 24/48 schedule 
• Guaranteed FLSA overtime pay
• Holiday and holiday premium pay
• Annual, sick, wellness incentive (WOW), civil, and military leave
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Vertical and in-grade advancement opportunities
• Educational opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Membership in the NC Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)
• Membership in the NC State Firefighters' Association
• Membership in the NC Association of Rescue and E.M.S.
• Optional paid membership in the NC Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Pension Fund

 For a full list of City of Lexington benefits, visit the Employee Benefits page.