Complete applications must be submitted through the City of Barrie’s online application system by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023. 

The City of Barrie requires valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Service (CTS) Certificates for Stage One, Stage Two, Stage Three and the Swim Test. Certificates must be valid by May 24, 2024.

Please visit www.ofai.ca for more information.

OFAI does not submit candidate certificates or applications to Barrie. Each candidate is required to submit their application directly to Barrie with all the necessary requirements, as per the instructions in the job posting below or as listed on their website at: Click Here

Questions regarding the Barrie’s recruitment process should be directed to Barrie.

Firefighter, 5th Class
Multiple Vacancies
Apply Now
Job Number: PB-23-04
Job Type: Permanent Full-time, Barrie Professional Fire Fighters Association Bargaining Unit
Position Closing Date: Friday, October 20, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

The Opportunity

Barrie Fire and Emergency Service (BFES) is a team of dedicated professionals delivering a vast array of emergency services to the citizens, business and visitors to Barrie. Originally organized in 1844, BFES has become one of the most respected fire services in Ontario, providing high-level service in: fire inspection/code enforcement, fire protection, technical rescue, training, communications, origin and cause investigations, and emergency management planning.

Working within the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service Department, you will be part of a dynamic team responsible for protecting the lives, well-being and property of the people of Barrie through dedication to life safety, commitment to community service and the preservation of the environment.

Located at one of the City’s five fire stations, you will be responsible for responding to fires, fire alarms, technical rescues, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, marine incidents and other emergencies. As a frontline member of the Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Department, you will play an integral role delivering fire protection services through public education, fire safety standards and enforcement, and emergency response.

Our Culture and Qualifications of the Job

Corporate Culture

  • Your workplace values align with our corporate values of Strive, Share and Care and you want to join us in providing exceptional services and programs to build a prosperous, growing and sustainable community

Minimum Qualifications

  • 18 years of age or older at the time of application
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Secondary School Diploma
  • Current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) Certificates issued prior to the date of application submission and valid at time of job offer.
  • Valid Ontario Class “D” Driver’s Licence with a “Z” endorsement and a clean driver’s abstract
    • Candidates must provide confirmation of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Class ‘D’ Driver’s Licence with a ‘Z’ endorsement at the conditional employment offer stage.
    • A driver’s abstract will be required at the conditional employment offer stage and must be dated no earlier than 30 days from the conditional offer date.
    • Candidates must have a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behavior and those with six or more demerit points are ineligible for consideration.
    • Please do not include proof of your driver’s licence and abstract with your application.

Conditions of Employment

  • Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check:
    • A Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, at the candidate’s expense, is required to be submitted at the conditional employment offer stage and must be conducted no earlier than 30 days from the employment offer.
    • Employment offers will only be made if the results of the candidate’s checks, performed in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, are satisfactory.
  • Pre-Placement Medical Requirements
    • A candidate recommended for employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical and psychological examination completed by a medical practitioner/s designated by the City of Barrie. The medical examination must indicate good health in accordance with the opinion of the examining medical practitioner.
  • Completion of a 10-week Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) Recruit Training Program for Barrie Fire and Emergency Service candidates. Completion of this training program will be mandatory for all new recruits. For more details, please see additional information below.
  • Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Services, Stage One, Stage Two and Stage Three and Swim Test Certificates. Certificates must be valid by May 24, 2024. Please visit www.ofai.ca for more information.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

  • General knowledge of the following legislation, regulations, or requirements:
    • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
    • Ontario Building Code Act (OBCA);
    • Ontario Fire Code
  • Skills and knowledge obtained in a field closely related to emergency services, including dispatch services, firefighter, paramedic, police, military, construction, skilled trades, and/or heavy equipment operations would be an asset.
  • Demonstrated ability to:
    • maintain a high standard of public relations at all times
    • perform in a manner which is consistent with corporate goals, vision, mission, and values
    •  work collaboratively in a group setting to achieve a desired objective, goal, or outcome
    • shift back and forth between multiple activities while maintaining concentration
    • exercise discretion and judgment when handling confidential, sensitive, and controversial information
    • deal with difficult customers; diffuse emotionally-charged situations; and resolve customer issues in a diplomatic and professional manner
    • exercise discretion and judgment in order to make sound decision under tight timelines or while managing multiple or conflicting priorities
    • verbally communicate information and ideas in a manner that can be understood by others
    • exert effort to lift, push, pull, or carry objects for long periods of time
    • run, operate, maneuver, navigate, or drive vehicles or mechanized equipment
  •  Intermediate organizational, time management, administrative and written communications skills
  • Intermediate analytical, problem solving, judgment, customer service, interpersonal, verbal communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Basic computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

Other Important Information

Location: Located at one of the City’s five fire stations:

  • Station #1, 155 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, Ontario
  • Station #2, 15 Bell Farm Road, Barrie, Ontario
  • Station #3, 340 Big Bay Point Road, Barrie, Ontario
  • Station #4, 250 Ardagh Road, Barrie, Ontario
  • Station #5, 360 King Street, Barrie, Ontario

Hours: Ability to work a 24-hour shift. The hours of work are an average of forty-two (42) hours per week, in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Wage: This position is within the BPFFA Bargaining Unit with the following 2023 salary:

  • Yearly Salary: $65,471
  • Hourly Pay Rate: $29.87

Benefits: This position includes a comprehensive union (BPFFA) benefit plan, including but not limited to extended health and dental coverage, life and accident insurance, paid vacation, sick leave plan, OMERS pension plan, discounted rate for City Fitness Memberships, and much more.

To Apply:

  • Click on the “Apply Now” button at the top or bottom of the job posting to access the online application system.
  • Upload your resume, cover letter and answer the job application questions.
  • Do not submit any additional documents with your application, they will not be viewed.

Please make sure to complete all necessary steps before the application deadline, Friday, October 20, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of their qualifications at the job offer stage.

The Recruitment Process

Phase 1: Receipt of Applications

Complete applications must be submitted through the City of Barrie’s online application system by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023. Hardcopies of applications and/or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Phase 2: Application Review

The Selection Committee will be reviewing and evaluating each eligible application.

Phase 3: Rapid Assessment Sessions

A select number of candidates will be invited to participate in a 20 minute assessment with our Selection Committee.

Phase 4: 1st Interviews

A select number of candidates from the Rapid Assessment Sessions will be invited to participate in an interview with our Selection Committee.

Phase 5: 2nd Interviews

A select number of candidates from the 1st interviews will be invited to participate in an interview with our Selection Committee.

Phase 6: Conditional Offers of Employment

Conditional offers will be made to a select number of candidates.

Phase 7: References

The City of Barrie will contact references of those candidates that the Selection Committee would like to further consider in the recruitment process.

Phase 8: Medical and Psychological Assessments

Mandatory medical and psychological assessments will be scheduled for all successful candidates.

Phase 9: Uniform and Bunker Gear Fitting 

Candidates offered a position with the City of Barrie will be required to attend a session in order to be fitted for uniforms and bunker gear.

Phase 10: Commence Online Training through FESTI 

Candidates to start FESTI’s National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Level I ‐ II Firefighter Training ‐
Blended Program. Candidates will need to have access to a computer and internet availability to access the online learning portal.

Phase 11: Report to FESTI for Training

Candidates to report to FESTI’s training location at 2025 Courtneypark Dr E, Mississauga, ON.

Phase 12: Formal Employment Offers

Formal employment offers will be extended to candidates based on meeting all of the conditions of employment.

Phase 13: Commence Employment

Employment is expected to commence May 2024

Key Dates (subject to change)

Receipt of Applications
Monday, October 2, 2023 to Friday, October 20, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

Barrie Community Job Fair
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
1 to 5pm
Southshore Community Centre
205 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON.

Virtual Information Session
Virtual Session Registration Form Tuesday, October 10, 2023

In-person Information Session
In-Person Session Registration Form Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Application Review
October 23, 2023 to November 3, 2023

Rapid Assessment Sessions
November 13, 2023 to November 17, 2023

1st Interviews
December 4, 2023 to December 8, 2023

2nd Interviews
December 18, 2023 to December 22, 2023

Conditional Offers of Employment
 December 25, 2023 to December 29, 2023

Medical and Psychological Assessments
January 2, 2024 to January 12, 2024

Uniform and Bunker Gear Fitting
January 8, 2024 to January 12, 2024

Start Online Training through FESTI
January 15, 2024

Report to FESTI for Training 
March 18, 2024

Deadline to meet all job offer conditions
May 24, 2024

Commence In-house Recruit Training
 May 27, 2024 to June 28, 2024

Recruit Graduation Ceremony
June 28, 2024

Additional Information

What happens to my application once submitted?

You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been successfully submitted. Be sure to check your inbox for this confirmation. If you don’t see it in your inbox, it’s recommended to check your email junk or spam folder as well.

The City of Barrie is not responsible for any application that may be delayed or lost electronically.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the City of Barrie receives their application within the stipulated deadline.

All communication will be made by email. Ensure to check emails regularly for messages from the City of Barrie.

How often can I update my application?

You are not able to modify or reapply once your application has been submitted.

Please ensure your application is fully complete before submitting, including all required documentation, as incorrect or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications which contain errors or failure to follow directions and meet deadlines at any stage of the recruiting process, will result in an application being disqualified.

What does the Recruit Training Program involve?

The Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) has developed a tailored Recruit Training Program specifically for Barrie Fire and Emergency Service candidates. This program will cover the Emergency Medical Responder course, Blended NFPA 1001 Level I and II course, NFPA 1031 Fire Service Inspector course, Hazardous Materials Mission Specific course, and working with Barrie Fire and Emergency Service Instructors to provide NFPA 1002 Pump Operations and NFPA 1035 Public Educator.

Program Duration: The program spans 10 weeks, providing recruits with a thorough education in various aspects of firefighting and emergency response. Completion of this training program will be mandatory for all new recruits.

  • January 15, 2024 – Commence Online Training through FESTI
  • March 18, 2024 – Report to FESTI’s training location, 2025 Courtneypark Dr E, Mississauga, ON

Cost: Recruits will be responsible for covering the costs associated with this training program. The expected cost is $9,768.53, including taxes. Payment can be made in two installments.

What if I have already completed NFPA 1001-Fire Fighter I and II, do I need to complete the Recruit Training Program?

Yes, completion of this training program will be mandatory for all new recruits.

To learn more about the 2023 Firefighter Recruit and how a career with Barrie Fire and Emergency Service may be right for you, we encourage you to attend one of our information sessions. For more details, please visit: https://www.barrie.ca/government-news/jobs/firefighter-recruitment

Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, we ask that you do not phone the Human Resources Department or Barrie Fire and Emergency Service Department. If you require assistance with the application process, please email HR.Recruitment@barrie.ca and we will respond within two (2) business days.

The City of Barrie is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds.  We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices and we will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.  If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require Code-protected accommodation and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The job posting has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of employees to do this position. 

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.