Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services is accepting applications
for Probationary Firefighters until 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24,
2024.

 

Introduction

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to offer careers in firefighting.
Firefighting is a demanding profession with considerable responsibility to
protect life, property and the environment from fire and other
hazards. Firefighters respond to incidents involving fire suppression,
hazardous materials, high-angle rescue, medical assistance, water and ice
rescue, and auto extrication.

Firefighters also deliver key fire safety messages and public education
duties. Excellent listening and communication skills are essential.
Satisfaction is derived from public service, working closely in a team
environment, and working in a challenging profession. The firefighter’s role
is not easy; it involves a high level of personal stress and requires dedication
and resilience.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in
employment with Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services. We wish you
success in your endeavour to become a firefighter.

The City of Owen Sound is an equal-opportunity employer committed to
developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. We
celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage applicants of all
backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the City of Owen Sound, we’re
committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every
voice is heard and acknowledged.

Firefighter Duties and Responsibilities As a member of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services, you will respond
to emergency calls requiring rescue operations, medical aid and firefighting
tactics.

The profession can entail performance under conditions of physical and
mental stress.

Owen Sound Firefighters provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our firefighters work on a five-shift schedule, rotating 10-hour day and 14-
hour night shifts with five shifts on and five shifts off, including weekends and holidays. Additionally, Owen Sound Firefighters are required to be oncall and respond within a reasonable time to incidents while on-call. Teamwork is essential to the profession, whether on the scene, at the station, or while providing public service assistance.
Firefighters need the knowledge, strength, and skills to perform the essential duties required to protect the public.

Minimum Qualifications

A) All of the following Qualifications:
• Ontario Secondary School Grade 12 Diploma or academic equivalent; and
• Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” Ontario Driver’s License (or equivalent); and
• Pleasure Craft License
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” Level Certificates

PLUS

B) One of the following Certifications:
• Firefighter Pre-Service Education & Training Program from a
recognized institution; OR
• Successful completion of NFPA 1001, including Firefighter I & II
(Certified or Qualified); OR
• Five years experience as a firefighter in a municipal fire department
with supporting Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) documentation
demonstrating successful grandfathering to the NFPA 1001 Firefighter
I & II Level.
How to Apply
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Note:
• Please fill out the Application Form
at the bottom of the posting and include
it as a Cover Page for your application.

Application Submission Details
Applicants wishing to be considered for the position of Probationary
Firefighter must submit the Application Form, proof of the minimum
qualifications, and their cover letter and resume as ONE document.

• Applications are to be submitted via e-mail to
hrjobposting@owensound.ca
o Subject Title: 2024 Fire Recruitment – Applicant Name
• We will not accept applications delivered in person or by mail.
• Only those applicants providing proof of all minimum requirements will
be considered for an interview, and only those selected to move
forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.
• Please ensure your application and all documents and certificates are
attached before it is submitted in full. Due to the volume of
applications, if your documents are not received on time or cannot be
validated, your application will not proceed.

Human Resources will contact you throughout the hiring period using your
application’s email address or phone number. Applicants are responsible for
ensuring that contact information within their application is current.

The procedure for selecting firefighters consists of the following steps:

1. Application
2. Interview & Selection Process
3. Conditional Offer

Only the most qualified applicants at each step will proceed to the next step
in the selection process.

Please note: Firefighter recruitments attract a high volume of applications.
As a result, to efficiently respond to inquiries from applicants, all questions
should be directed to hrjobposting@owensound.ca. Inquiries will be
responded to at our earliest opportunity.

Interview & Selection Process

Selected candidates will be assessed, and preference will be given to their
education, qualifications, and experience in fire suppression and medical
care.

Additional Qualifications/ Competencies

• Previous experience in fire suppression, construction, trades,
mechanical, other emergency services, fire prevention, Military, Coast
Guard, large vehicle/heavy equipment operation, water rescue, SCUBA
diving (an asset)

• Skilled Trade License or Certification (an asset)
• Community College diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technician/
Technology Program (an asset)
• University Degree or College Diploma (an asset)
• NFPA training or certifications
• Demonstrated Coaching, Teaching, Mentoring, and Leadership skills
• Volunteer and community involvement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to handle intense and sustained physical effort necessary to
perform firefighting duties safely
• Knowledge of the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code
• Be able to understand and communicate clearly (orally and written) in
English.
• Ability to communicate in a 2nd Language is considered an asset
• Good Mechanical abilities
• Ability to act quickly and remain calm under duress and strain
• Thorough knowledge of the operation of all apparatus, equipment, and
methods used in combating, extinguishing, preventing fires, and
rescue work
• Be able to respond to fire calls within a reasonable amount of time
If you are selected to move forward, you will be contacted by phone or email
to attend an interview.
Selection will be based on a rating system from the interview process.
Should you be the top candidate(s) from the interview stage, you will move
forward to the next step of the recruitment process: a conditional offer.
Conditional Offer
Successful candidates will be extended a conditional offer of employment as
Probationary Firefighters. The offer of employment is conditional upon the
following being provided:
• Satisfactory Employment Reference Check;
• Criminal Record Search, Vulnerable Sector Screening that is acceptable
to the City of Owen Sound from the Police Service where you reside at
the time of the interview;
• Clean Driver’s Abstract; and
• Comprehensive Medical Protocol confirming your physical ability to
perform the duties of a Firefighter. This protocol includes a complete
medical, and physical examination, an ECG, a Chest X-ray, and a
Pulmonary Function Test;
• Valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service
(CTS) certificates, including Stage One, Two (Hearing, Vision and
Encapsulated Treadmill) and Three (Technical Skills and Physical
Aptitude);
Preference will be given to applicants who provide valid CTS
certificates during the application process. Please
visit www.ofai.ca for more information on their candidate testing
program. If you have any questions, please contact OFAI at 905-426-
6756 or info@ofai.ca.

Note: Candidates will be responsible for any expenses associated with the
application, CTS testing, and offer process.

Contact Us

City of Owen Sound Human Resources
Fire Recruitment: hrjobposting@owensound.ca
Please note that the City is undergoing Interest Arbitration for the Fire
Collective Agreement. Therefore, potential outcomes of the arbitration
process may result in layoffs.

The City of Owen Sound is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, valuing and
respecting diversity. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and
selection processes. We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the
Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act in all aspects
of the hiring process upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest;
however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with
the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal
information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will only be used
for candidate selection.