Edmonton Airport Firefighter Jobs – ARFF Firefighter (2026)

Edmonton Airports is recruiting Firefighters to protect passengers, aircraft, and airport infrastructure at Edmonton International Airport and Villeneuve Airport.

Airport firefighters provide Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), structural firefighting, emergency medical response, and fire prevention services. These highly trained professionals ensure aviation safety and rapid emergency response in one of Canada’s busiest airport environments.

Airport firefighters must be prepared to respond quickly to incidents involving aircraft, passengers, fuel fires, hazardous materials, and structural emergencies.

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Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)

Aircraft Rescue Firefighting is a specialized field focused on aircraft incidents, aviation fuel fires, and passenger rescue operations.

Airport firefighters use specialized ARFF vehicles capable of deploying large volumes of water, foam, and dry chemical agents to control aviation fuel fires and protect passengers during evacuations.

According to aviation safety standards, airports must maintain trained ARFF crews capable of responding immediately to aircraft emergencies during air carrier operations.

Typical ARFF operations include:

• Aircraft crash response

• Aviation fuel fire suppression

• Passenger evacuation and rescue

• Interior aircraft search operations

• Hazardous materials response

• Coordination with airport emergency management teams

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Firefighter Responsibilities

Firefighters report directly to the Fire Lieutenant and operate under established operational procedures and safety standards.

Key responsibilities include:

Emergency Response

• Respond to aircraft incidents, fires, and emergencies

• Perform structural firefighting on airport property

• Deliver emergency medical response according to medical protocols

Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

• Operate specialized ARFF vehicles and firefighting equipment

• Document aircraft incidents and emergency responses

• Conduct aircraft familiarization and response training

Safety and Risk Prevention

• Participate in airport fire prevention programs

• Conduct inspections of airport facilities and equipment

• Support aviation safety initiatives

Equipment and Apparatus Maintenance

Maintain operational readiness by inspecting and maintaining:

• ARFF crash trucks

• Firefighting gear and protective equipment

• Hydrants and suppression systems

• AEDs and emergency response equipment

Incident Command System

Firefighters operate within the Incident Command System (ICS) during emergencies to ensure coordinated response with other agencies.

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ARFF Vehicles and Equipment

Airport firefighters operate powerful ARFF vehicles designed specifically for aviation emergencies.

These specialized trucks can:

• Deliver thousands of litres of foam and water

• Suppress fuel fires quickly

• Protect evacuation routes for aircraft passengers

• Deploy elevated turrets for aircraft cabin fires

ARFF crews train extensively with aircraft mock-ups and simulated fuel fires to prepare for real emergencies.

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Minimum Firefighter Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following mandatory requirements.

Education

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent

Firefighter Certifications

Applicants must possess:

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II

• NFPA 472 Dangerous Goods Responder

• Incident Command System (ICS) training

Medical Certification

• Minimum Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

• Registered with the Alberta College of Paramedics

Driver’s Licence

Candidates must possess:

• Alberta Class 3 Driver’s Licence

• Air Brake Endorsement (Q)

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Airport Security Requirements

Successful candidates must obtain the following security clearances:

• Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC)

• Airside Vehicle Operator Permit (AVOP)

• Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (ROC)

These certifications are necessary for operating vehicles and communications equipment in restricted airport areas.

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Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following qualifications are considered assets:

• NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level 1

• ARFF or structural firefighting experience

• Confined space rescue training

• Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for wildlife control

• Experience operating fire apparatus or crash trucks

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Work Environment

Airport firefighters must work in physically demanding and high-pressure environments.

The job often involves:

• Rapid response to aviation emergencies

• Working around aircraft, jet fuel, and hazardous materials

• Operating specialized rescue and firefighting equipment

• Maintaining excellent physical fitness

Firefighters must demonstrate teamwork, discipline, and strong decision-making abilities while operating in dynamic emergency situations.

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Residency Requirement

Due to operational response requirements, successful candidates must live within one hour driving distance of Edmonton International Airport.

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Apply for Edmonton Airport Firefighter Jobs

If you are interested in an exciting career in aviation emergency services, consider applying for a Firefighter position with Edmonton Airports.

Airport firefighters play a critical role in protecting passengers, aircraft, and airport infrastructure while supporting safe aviation operations.