Probationary Firefighter Jobs – City of Welland Fire and Emergency Services (2026)

The City of Welland is currently hiring three (3) Probationary Firefighters to join Welland Fire and Emergency Services in Welland.

This opportunity is ideal for motivated individuals who are passionate about public safety, teamwork, and community service. Firefighters protect life and property while responding to a wide range of emergency incidents including fires, rescues, and medical emergencies.

Firefighters also support public education, fire prevention, and safety enforcement, helping build a safer community.

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Firefighter Job Overview

Position: Probationary Firefighter
Department: Welland Fire and Emergency Services
Employer: City of Welland
Location: Welland
Positions Available: 3
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 – 4:00 PM

Successful applicants will complete a 12-month probationary period, which includes firefighter recruit training, performance evaluations, and practical testing.

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What Firefighters Do

Firefighters operate within an Incident Command System and work together in high-risk environments that require physical endurance, strong communication, and problem-solving.

Emergency Response

Firefighters respond to:

• Structural fires

• Vehicle fires

• Rescue incidents

• Hazardous situations

• Public safety emergencies

Emergency Medical Assistance

Firefighters assist with medical emergencies by providing first aid and CPR until paramedics arrive or patient transport occurs.

Fire Prevention and Public Education

Firefighters support the three lines of defense in fire protection:

1. Public education

2. Fire safety standards and enforcement

3. Emergency response

This includes conducting safety inspections and community outreach programs.

Team-Based Fire Station Operations

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts and live together at the fire station during duty periods. Strong teamwork is essential for emergency response and daily operations.

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Minimum Firefighter Qualifications

Applicants must possess the following credentials at the time of application.

Firefighter Certification

Candidates must hold:

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II

These certifications must be accredited through:

• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or

• National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board)

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OFAI Candidate Testing Program

Applicants must possess valid certificates from the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Service:

• Stage 1

• Stage 2

• Stage 3

The OFAI Swim Test certificate must be valid between April 24, 2026 and July 6, 2026.

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Education Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

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First Aid and CPR

Candidates must hold valid:

• Standard First Aid

• CPR Level C

Higher medical certifications are accepted.

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Driver’s Licence Requirements

Applicants must possess:

• Ontario Class “D” driver’s licence

• Z air brake endorsement

Additional requirements include:

• Safe driving record

• Less than 6 demerit points

A driver’s abstract will be required at the conditional offer stage.

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Additional Requirements

Applicants must also possess:

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

• Ability to work effectively within a professional team

• Commitment to community service

A Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening will be required for successful candidates.

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Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who possess additional training or experience such as:

• Two years experience as a full-time municipal firefighter

• Three years continuous volunteer firefighting experience

• University degree or college diploma

• NFPA 1072 or NFPA 1006 certification

• Fluency in additional languages

• Skilled trade certification or apprenticeship

• Paramedic, nursing, or other medical experience

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification

• Demonstrated volunteer or community service involvement

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Medical and Fitness Requirements

Firefighting is physically demanding. Candidates must successfully complete a medical screening based on:

NFPA 1582 – Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments from the National Fire Protection Association.

The medical evaluation may include:

• Physical examination

• Vision testing

• Audiogram (hearing test)

• Urinalysis

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Firefighter Recruitment Timeline

The recruitment process for the City of Welland includes several stages.

Recruitment Start:
March 9, 2026

Application Deadline:
April 10, 2026 – 4:00 PM

First Interview:
Late April to early May 2026

Second Interview and Assessments:
Mid-May 2026

Conditional Offers:
Early June 2026

Start Date:
Early July 2026

Only a select number of applicants will advance through each stage.

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Important Application Notes

Applicants should be aware that:

• Applications are accepted online only

• In-person or mailed applications will not be accepted

• All certifications must be valid at time of application

• Applicants are responsible for costs related to testing and certification

• Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted

Providing false information or submitting incomplete documentation may result in disqualification.

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Apply for Welland Firefighter Jobs

If you are committed to protecting your community and pursuing a career in emergency services, apply for Probationary Firefighter positions with the City of Welland.

These positions provide the opportunity to work within a professional fire service while developing the skills necessary to respond to emergencies and support community safety.

Application Deadline: April 10, 2026