Candidates must meet and exceed the qualification minimums to be competitive. The following list was compiled from the most recent 30 municipal job postings found as of 2024-08-28.
Typical minimum requirements are as follows:
- Must not have a criminal record unless a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Record Act of Canada
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada (must be either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant)
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to understand and communicate clearly in verbal and written English
- Must have completed a minimum of grade 12 or equivalent as approved by the Ministry of Education
- NFPA 1001-Fire Fighter I and II certified, education and training program from an accredited institution.
- Possess NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations
- Possess a current First Responder or EMR Certificate with HCP-level CPR and AED + BLS
- Possess a valid and unrestricted Ontario class “D” driver’s license with a “Z” air brake endorsement (or provincial equivalent) and a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behavior. Applicants with 3 or more demerit points are ineligible for consideration.
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- Current clear Criminal Record Search, Vulnerable Sector Screening from an accredited Police Service
- Proof of immunization of Red Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles), Tetanus/Diphtheria (within the last 10-12 years), Hepatitis B, and COVID-19 (fully vaccinated with booster preferred)
- Locations in Ontario require all candidate testing completed, such as OFAI or Ontario Fire Services for example.
Typical preferred qualifications and experiences:
- Applicants with previous part-time or full-time firefighter experience will be given first consideration.
- Firefighter Pre-Service Education & Training Program
- Community College diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technician/Technology Program.
- University/College Degree, Diploma or Certificate
- NFPA 1041 Level I Fire Service Instructor
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector
- NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Instructor
- NFPA 1002, Driver Operator Certification
- Specialized rescue courses are an asset.
- The entire suite of 1006 trained to the technician level if possible: Ice Water Rescue, Surface Water Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, High Angle Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, Auto Extrication, Tower Rescue.
- Trades Qualification(s)
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) Training
- Previous experience in Fire suppression, construction, trades, mechanical, emergency services (e.g. Paramedic), Military/Coast Guard, fire prevention, large vehicle operation, and/or operating heavy equipment.
- Coaching/Teaching/Counselling/Recreation Leadership
- Fluency in a second language or sign language
- Occupational Health and Safety Training
- Climbing Skills – Mountain/Rope
- Medical, Ski Patrol or Other Professional Emergency Service Certification
- Commitment to volunteer and/or community involvement, month and year-long commitments preferred. Day and week-long commitments are less desirable examples.
