Website Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Emergency Services
🚒 Firefighter Cadet Program 2026 – Fort McMurray
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is offering a unique Firefighter Cadet Program in Fort McMurray.
This program allows registered paramedics to transition into a Firefighter/Paramedic career while being fully employed. Candidates will receive paid training, certifications, and hands-on experience in fire suppression and emergency services.
Upon successful completion, cadets earn:
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II
- Additional fire and rescue certifications
- Full qualification as a Firefighter Paramedic
🚨 Program Overview
Position: Firefighter Cadet (Paramedic Entry Program)
Employer: Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Location: Fort McMurray
Schedule: Training (Mon–Fri), then 2 days / 2 nights / 4 off
Pay:
- Probationary: $50.66/hr
- Full Rate: $53.83/hr
- COLA: $480 bi-weekly
📅 Application Deadline: April 26, 2026
🔥 Firefighter Cadet Training Program
Cadets complete a 17-week intensive training program combining classroom and hands-on learning.
Certifications Earned
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials (Awareness & Operations)
- NFPA 1002 Driver Operator
- NFPA 1140 Wildland Firefighter
- ICS (Incident Command System)
- ITLS (International Trauma Life Support)
- High Performance CPR (HP-CPR)
🚑 Firefighter Cadet Responsibilities
Emergency Response
- Respond to fire, rescue, and medical emergencies
- Support firefighting and EMS operations
Training & Development
- Complete all required firefighter training and evaluations
- Maintain physical fitness and operational readiness
Fire & EMS Operations
- Perform fire suppression and rescue duties
- Deliver emergency medical care
Equipment & Station Duties
- Maintain apparatus, equipment, and facilities
- Assist with records and reporting
Public Safety
- Participate in fire prevention and public education
- Support community safety initiatives
💪 Work Environment
This role is physically and mentally demanding and includes:
- Working in extreme weather conditions
- Operating in hazardous environments
- Wearing full PPE and SCBA
- Performing strenuous physical tasks
Candidates must maintain high levels of fitness, discipline, and resilience.
✅ Minimum Qualifications
Education & Certification
- High School Diploma or GED
- Registered as a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) with the Alberta College of Paramedics
- Valid CPR (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
Driver’s Licence
- Alberta Class 4 Driver’s Licence with Q endorsement (required)
- Class 3 with Q endorsement (preferred)
Medical & Fitness Requirements
- Must meet NFPA 1582 medical standards
- Pass firefighter physical fitness testing (within 6 months)
- Physically capable of demanding fire and rescue tasks
Background Checks
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
🌟 Ideal Candidate
You are:
- A motivated paramedic ready to become a firefighter
- Physically fit and mentally resilient
- Team-oriented and disciplined
- Able to perform under pressure
- Committed to long-term career growth in emergency services
🚀 Why Join This Program?
The Firefighter Cadet Program offers:
- 💰 Paid firefighter training
- 🎓 Industry-recognized certifications
- 🚒 Direct pathway to Firefighter/Paramedic career
- 📈 Career advancement opportunities
- 🤝 Strong team environment
This is one of the best paramedic-to-firefighter transition programs in Canada.
