Careers

About Careers

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, the Triangle Region stands out as one of the nation's top places to live, year after year¹. Imagine thriving in one of America’s most dynamic economic hubs, where innovation meets tradition. With a rich tapestry of history, diverse cultures, and world-class educational institutions, this region offers the perfect blend of opportunity and lifestyle. Home to three incredible universities, it’s a place where knowledge and creativity flourish. And when it’s time to unwind, you’re just hours away from both the sparkling beaches and the breathtaking mountains—perfect adventures for your time off!

Careers in the Office of Emergency Services (OES) cover positions in Business Operations, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire Prevention & Education. Job openings are posted on the Durham County website and may be found at this link: Security and Safety Careers

_{¹According to HGTV, U.S. News, Business Insider, Money magazine, CBS News, Fox Business, USA Today, and many others.}

The Durham County EMS Assessment Hiring Process

• Candidates must complete a Durham County application located on the Durham County Government /Careers website. All sections must be thoroughly completed exactly according to instructions. All prerequisites listed in the job posting must be completed by the specified date based upon the specific requirement. This includes obtaining North Carolina EMS certification (National Registry cannot be substituted).
• The Durham County Human Resources department will forward completed applications to Durham County EMS.  The best qualified candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in an Assessment Center.
• Assessment Centers are hosted on predetermined dates.  The Assessment Center comprises of is a 2-day competitive process. Candidates must be physically present for one of the two-day Assessment Center to be considered for hire.
• On Day 1 candidates must satisfactorily complete and satisfactorily pass both a Physical Agility Test and a Medical Scenario on Day 1 to receive an invitation for Day 2 of the Assessment activities. Passing candidates will participate in an interview on Day 2. Interviews are held virtually as of 2025; however, the interview is subject to change. 
• All selected candidates recommended for hire will be subject to a criminal background check, employment reference check, a driving eligibility record check, and a Durham County tax check. References listed on applications and/or other reference materials will be contacted including the candidate’s current/last employer. Remember to tell your references to expect a phone call. 

Note:  It is the candidate’s responsibility in providing employment references and that are reachable and available.  Unsuccessful attempts in contacting employment references could result in failure to move forward in the hiring process.

• Selected candidates for hire will be recommended to the Human Resources department for approval. EMS will contact the recommended candidate notifying their candidacy to Human Resources for hire.  If approved, the Durham County Human Resources department will contact the candidate with an official employment offer.  Durham County Human Resources will provide further instructions to complete the offer process.  All selected candidates are subject to drug testing per the County’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy.

Click here to learn more about the Assessment Center.