Peterborough Firefighter Recruitment 2026 – City of Peterborough Firefighter Jobs

🚒 Peterborough Firefighter Recruitment 2026

The City of Peterborough is recruiting candidates for firefighter positions with Peterborough Fire Services. Located in the heart of the Kawartha tourism region along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Peterborough offers an outstanding quality of life, diverse employment opportunities, recreational activities, healthcare, education and easy access to the Greater Toronto Area.

If you are looking for a firefighter career in Ontario, the City of Peterborough offers an opportunity to join a professional emergency services organization dedicated to protecting lives, property and the community.

🔥 Peterborough Firefighter Job Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications to be eligible for the 2026 Peterborough firefighter recruitment competition:

• Successful completion of a Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program at an OFM Endorsed Community College and/or NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II.
• Completion of Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Services (CTS) Stages One, Two and Three.
• Successful completion of the OFAI Swim Test.
• Grade 12 education or equivalent approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
• Valid Ontario Class DZ Driver’s Licence with Z endorsement at the time of application.
• Driver’s licence requirements include no more than 4 demerit points from a single violation and no more than 5 total demerit points.
• Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
• Valid Standard First Aid with Basic Life Support (BLS) or Health Care Provider Certificate.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Ability to speak, read and write English proficiently and communicate clearly under demanding conditions.
• Ability to meet visual requirements in accordance with NFPA 1582.
• Ability to meet hearing requirements in accordance with OFAI standards.
• No criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted.

🚨 Important: Candidates must be prepared to work 24-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays.

🧯 Peterborough Firefighter Recruitment Process

The City of Peterborough’s firefighter hiring process consists of multiple stages. Candidates must successfully complete each stage before advancing to the next.

Step 1 – OFAI Candidate Testing

Applicants must complete the OFAI Candidate Testing Services program, including:

• OFAI CTS Stage One
• OFAI CTS Stage Two
• OFAI CTS Stage Three
• OFAI Swim Test

The City of Peterborough will only accept applicants who have completed the required OFAI testing.

Step 2 – Online Firefighter Application

Qualified candidates must submit an online application including a cover letter, resume and OFAI CTS Certificate.

Applicants should highlight relevant education, certifications, emergency services experience, skilled trades experience, volunteer experience and community involvement.

Relevant training and experience may include:

• 🚗 Auto Extrication
• 🏗️ Confined Space Rescue
• 🌊 Water/Ice Rescue
• 🌊 Swift Water Rescue
• 🪢 Rope Rescue
• 🫁 Breathing Apparatus
• 🚒 Pumper Operations
• 🧯 Hazardous Materials
• 📻 Radio and Computer-Aided Dispatch
• 📝 Note Taking
• 🚑 Standard First Aid and BLS
• 🛠️ Skilled Trades
• 🚜 Heavy Equipment Operation
• 🏠 Building Construction
• 🚒 Emergency Vehicle Operation
• ⚡ Electrical
• 🔧 Plumbing
• 🔩 Mechanical
• 🚒 Municipal or Industrial Firefighter Experience
• 👨‍🚒 Volunteer Firefighter Experience
• 🚑 Paramedical Experience
• 🤝 Emergency Services Volunteer Experience

Additional qualifications and experience that can strengthen an application include:

• Community involvement
• Commitment to public service
• Ongoing professional development
• Leadership skills
• Administrative skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Computer and keyboarding skills
• Knowledge of computer-aided dispatch systems
• Ability to communicate in languages other than English
• Understanding of different cultures

Step 3 – Firefighter Interview

Candidates selected following resume screening will participate in a panel interview.

The interview is designed to assess technical knowledge, abilities and overall suitability for employment with Peterborough Fire Services and the City of Peterborough.

Candidates must be prepared to provide proof of their required education, certifications and qualifications, including:

• Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program and/or NFPA 1001 Level I & II
• OFAI CTS Stages One, Two and Three
• OFAI Swim Test
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Standard First Aid with BLS or Health Care Provider certification
• Three current work references

Step 4 – Additional Testing

Candidates may be required to complete additional testing, including:

• Psychological testing
• Computer skills testing
• CritiCall testing

Step 5 – Offer of Employment

Successful candidates may receive an offer of employment following completion of the recruitment and selection process.

Step 6 – Probationary Period

Successful candidates will enter the required probationary period with Peterborough Fire Services.

📅 Peterborough Firefighter Application Deadline

Application deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Applicants must submit their application through the City of Peterborough’s online recruitment portal before the deadline.

The application must include:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. OFAI CTS Certificate

The City requires the cover letter as one attachment and the resume and OFAI CTS Certificate as the second attachment.

🚒 Who Should Apply?

This firefighter recruitment may be particularly relevant to candidates with backgrounds in:

• Firefighting
• Volunteer firefighting
• Emergency services
• Paramedicine
• Skilled trades
• Construction
• Heavy equipment operation
• Mechanical work
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Emergency vehicle operation
• Industrial or municipal fire protection
• Rescue services
• Community service

Peterborough Fire Services is looking for candidates who can demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, community involvement and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

📋 Important Application Information

Candidates must have the required DZ licence, OFAI CTS testing and other mandatory qualifications at the time of application.

The City will request proof of certificates and diplomas during the recruitment process.

Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submitting their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply without a DZ licence?
No. Candidates must have a valid Ontario DZ licence with Z endorsement at the time of application.

Do I need OFAI Candidate Testing?
Yes. Applicants must have completed OFAI Candidate Testing Stages One, Two and Three to apply for the 2026 recruitment.

Will the City accept testing from another organization?
No. The posting states that applicants must have completed and passed the required OFAI Candidate Testing for the 2026 recruitment.

Do my OFAI certificates need to be valid when I apply?
Yes. Candidates must have valid OFAI certificates on the day they apply. If selected for an interview, updated valid certificates may be required.

Is the OFAI Swim Test required?
Yes. Successful completion of the OFAI Swim Test is a required qualification.

What education is required?
Candidates must have Grade 12 education or an equivalent approved by the Ministry of Education, along with a Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program at an OFM Endorsed Community College and/or NFPA 1001 Level I & II.

What First Aid certification is required?
Candidates require a valid Standard First Aid with Basic Life Support Certificate or Health Care Provider Certificate.

📍 Peterborough Firefighter Jobs – 2026

If you are preparing for a career as a firefighter in Ontario, the Peterborough Firefighter Recruitment 2026 provides an opportunity to pursue a career in professional fire and emergency services.

Make sure you meet all mandatory qualifications, complete the required OFAI testing and submit your application before the September 30, 2026 deadline.

🚒 Good luck to everyone applying for the Peterborough Firefighter Recruitment!