Thunder Bay Fire Rescue – Fire Recruitment – 2023

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigneous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE:  It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression.  Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics.  Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources & Corporate Safety Division should you be the successful applicant.  If a Criminal Record Check is required it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant.  Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION:  Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources & Corporate Safety Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866

Application forms must reference the competition number and be submitted to Human Resources by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.

• POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the direction of an officer, the firefighter, is responsible for controlling and extinguishing fire, salvage, and rescue work; providing fire prevention education to the community, and many other duties. Duties within a Fire Station involve training and emergency response preparedness, and maintenance of station, vehicles, and equipment.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Responds to emergencies and operates tools and equipment including:
   • Uses hoses, nozzles, adapters, appliances, and portable extinguishers;
   • Operates fire hydrants, sprinklers, standpipe connections and fire protection systems;
   • Sets-up and operates from ladders;
   • Uses forcible entry and extrication tools, including hand tools and gas powered saws;
   • Uses technical rescue equipment including rope rescue equipment, and heavy hydraulic extrication tools;
   • Performs salvage and overhaul including the use of air quality monitors and ventilation fans;
   • Administers medical care using BLS equipment, oxygen administration, and external defibrillators; and
   • Preserves evidence at emergency scenes.
2. Drives and operates all fire department vehicles and apparatus.
3. Maintains knowledge and familiarity with departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures.
4. Participates in Pre-Incident Planning, Home Fire Safety Program, and all department public service programs.
5. Participates in on-going professional development through training and education, and engages in written, practical and oral examinations as is stipulated by Department policy and legislation.
6. Adheres to departmental and corporate policies and procedures.
7. Cleans, decontaminates and maintains personal protective clothing, and equipment.
8. Cleans and maintains the fire station, furnishings and property.
9. Maintains professionalism and courtesy in performing their duties.
10. Performs other duties as may be directed by superior officers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Two years of accumulated work experience

Skills/Abilities:

• Must be compassionate, honest, integral and have a genuine interest to serve and provide an essential service to meet the needs of the community
• Must have excellent customer service skills with the ability to interact with the public, Fire Services and all other levels of City Staff, in a professional, courteous and tactful manner
• Must be able to identify, understand, and meet/exceed the requirements of internal and external customers
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to issue and accurately comprehend written/oral information and instructions in stressful situations
• Must be reliable and have the ability to work with minimum supervision
• Must be able to follow direction and effectively prioritize tasks/demands as appropriate
• Must have proven ability to function and contribute as an effective team member and to work independently
• Must have strong analytical/critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Must have excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Must have a mechanical aptitude
• Must be fit and able to handle the sustained, intense physical and psychological effort required to perform the duties of the position
• Must have the ability to exercise ethical and moral judgment when dealing with confidential or sensitive issues
• Must be willing and able to work in extremely adverse, dangerous and stressful situations
• Must possess a valid Ontario Class ‘G’ driver’s licence or equivalent
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• Knowledge and ability to work effectively with computers, computer programs, and software

Assets:

• Previous experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, construction, trades (mechanical), emergency services (e.g. paramedic, police officer, nursing), military/coast guard,  or recreational protective service experience (e.g. search and rescue, ski patrol, lifeguard)
• Post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree (related field)
• Trades qualification(s); or enrolment in an apprenticeship program
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications or other fire-service related courses or programs (i.e. NFPA 1006 technician level, NFPA 1035, NFPA 1031, NFPA 1072, NFPA 1002, etc.)
• Previous experience with large vehicle operation, and/or heavy equipment
• Current Standard first aid, CPR and/or defibrillation certification
• Related health and safety training and certification (i.e. WHMIS, chainsaw, working at heights)
• Commitment to volunteerism and community involvement as demonstrated by experience volunteering in social/civil/community events and initiatives, non-profit organizations
• Previous experience with counselling, and crisis intervention
• Fluency in a second language or sign language
• Demonstrated athletic or physical capabilities and achievements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)
• Within 15 working days of receiving a conditional offer of employment, must successfully obtain a written beginners licence for an Ontario “D” Class drivers licence with a “Z” endorsement
• After training, must be able to obtain and maintain an Ontario Class ‘D’ licence with a ‘Z’ endorsement
• Must be able to obtain Emergency First Responder, CPR certification and defibrillation certification
• *Must meet standards for visual acuity (Best-corrected – stable 20/40 binocular visual acuity with no less than 20/100 in the worse eye [soft or RGP contacts, glasses/lens inserts are all acceptable] and Un-corrected – stable 20/100 binocular visual acuity), normal colour vision (testing with either Ishihara Colour Vision Test or the Farnsworth D-15) and vision field testing
• Must undergo medical  pre-placement health screening including successful completion of the Corporation’s employment medical examination requirements, possible MTO medical exam, along with baseline audiometric and pulmonary function testing
• Must undergo a successful Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Must have the ability to work at heights or on ladders without signs of acrophobia and in confined spaces wearing SCBA without signs of claustrophobia
• Must successfully complete the Fire Department’s job-related physical fitness testing
• Must successfully complete the required probationary exam and evaluation
• Must be able to work on a 24 hour shift schedule that involves working weekends and holidays

Given the high volume of applicants that are typically received, the screening of applications will be based on the minimum and asset qualifications listed for this position.  Applicants whose qualifications and experience more closely match the minimum and asset qualifications of the position will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.