Kitchener Firefighter Jobs 2026 – 5th Class Probationary Firefighter Hiring

🚒 Join the City of Kitchener Fire Department

The City of Kitchener Fire Department is now hiring 5th Class Probationary Firefighters for 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to begin a rewarding career in emergency services while serving one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities.

Kitchener Firefighters protect lives, property, and the community through fire suppression, emergency response, public education, prevention programs, and rescue operations. Successful candidates will join a professional team committed to excellence, teamwork, and customer service.

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📍 Position Details

• Position: 5th Class Firefighter
• Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
• Location: Fire Headquarters – Kitchener, Ontario
• Salary: $65,798 – $71,779 annually
• Hours: 42.12 hours weekly
• Application Deadline: May 3, 2026
• Recruit Class Start Date: September 21, 2026

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🚨 Firefighter Responsibilities

As a Kitchener firefighter, you will:

✅ Respond to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and public assistance calls
✅ Operate firefighting tools, apparatus, and emergency equipment
✅ Participate in fire prevention inspections and public education programs
✅ Perform station maintenance and equipment checks
✅ Maintain physical fitness and emergency response readiness
✅ Work effectively in high-pressure emergency situations
✅ Deliver excellent customer service to residents and visitors

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✅ Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II certification
• Valid Ontario DZ Driver’s Licence
• Emergency First Responder (EFR) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
• Health Care Provider CPR certification
• Successful completion of OFAI CTS Stage 1 & Stage 2
• Ability to swim
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent customer service abilities
• Clean employment record and professional attitude

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⭐ Preferred Qualifications & Assets

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Previous firefighter experience
• NFPA 1035 Fire & Life Safety Educator
• NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector
• OFAI Swim Test
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
• Skilled trades experience
• Mechanical aptitude
• Community volunteer involvement
• Additional emergency services certifications

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💪 Why Work for Kitchener Fire?

Firefighters receive:

✔ Competitive salary and benefits
✔ Career advancement opportunities
✔ Ongoing firefighter training and development
✔ Team-oriented fire service culture
✔ Opportunity to serve and protect the community
✔ Dynamic and rewarding emergency services career

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📅 Recruitment Process

Selected applicants will participate in:

• Application screening
• Interviews (June 1–12, 2026)
• Driver’s abstract review
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Physical and medical assessments
• Recruit training program

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📄 Mandatory Resume Format

Your resume must include:

1️⃣ Work Experience
2️⃣ General Education
3️⃣ Community Involvement / Volunteer Experience
4️⃣ Fire Related Education & Courses