Durham Fire Department - Position Opening - Firefighter/AEMT

Firefighter/AEMT

The Town of Durham is looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. We thrive on empowering our employees to be creative and to raise the bar for excellence in our organization.  Excellent organizations have a set of principles that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for our organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the Durham Fire Department, we demonstrate excellence by modeling the values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and customer service, and welcome all who share these values to apply. The Town offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team and organization.

The Durham Fire Department is an all-hazards organization that is jointly funded by, and services, the Town of Durham and campus of the University of New Hampshire, providing fire prevention, public education, first responder non-transport EMS, fire, and rescue services.  Our dedicated, customer service-oriented team is comprised of a Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, four Captains, sixteen Firefighters, two Administrative Assistants, and thirteen Call Firefighters. The department responds to approximately 2,300 calls for service annually and is a key team player in a robust mutual aid system comprised of surrounding communities across two counties.  Durham is designated as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and frequently responds to assist mutual partners to support their firefighter safety on scene.

The Town of Durham, New Hampshire is located within Strafford County and is comprised of 22.4 square miles of land and 2.4 square miles of water. According to 2021 United States Census data, Durham has a population of 15,539, ranking Durham 20th in size compared to New Hampshire’s cities and towns (NH Employment Security, 2023).  Durham is also home to the University of New Hampshire which boasts a 2022 student enrollment of just over 13,000 students on campus and approximately 3,000 employees.

The position of Firefighter/AEMT is responsible for providing fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical services to the Town and University. Applicants must meet the requirements of Part Fire 701 of the State Fire Code (Firefighter Entrance Requirements) with a valid CPAT Certificate, Pro-Board Firefighter II Certification, and/or listing on the State of NH Firefighter Hiring/Eligibility List.  Lateral transfer candidates are encouraged to apply and must meet NH Part Fire 703 (Transfers).  Candidates must successfully complete a polygraph examination as well as psychological, medical, and background pre-employment screening. Before completion of the first year of employment, the candidate must: become certified as a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Advanced EMT; obtain a CDL-B driver's license (with Air Brakes and Tanker endorsement); and pass an intensive year­long probationary training program. A college degree with course work in a related field is desired, but not required. The starting base range for the position is $47,107 to $51,558 (Advanced EMT – Paramedic), with educational incentives and a competitive benefits package. The starting wages for lateral transfers may be adjusted to be commensurate with years of service and experience.  

For consideration, please email a cover letter, resume, and completed Town of Durham job application to durham.fire@unh.edu to the attention of:

Captain Gary Kustra
Durham Fire Department
51 College Rd
Durham, NH 03824

Application deadline is Friday, May 12, 2023, at 5:00 pm.  Position to remain open until filled.  The eligibility list may remain active for up to eighteen months.

Please do not include copies of your firefighting & EMS certificates.

The Town of Durham ("Town") is an equal opportunity employer. The Town is committed to providing a work environment that promotes an understanding of and appreciation for the value diversity brings to the organization.  A diverse staff strengthens the Town and enables the organization to better respond to needs in the community.