Recruitment Period: This recruitment closes June 16, 2023 at  6:00PM.

The City of Kitchener requires successful completion of all three stages of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Service prior to July 4, 2023.

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

This recruitment closes June 16, 2023 at 6:00PM. Questions regarding Kitchener’s recruitment process should be directed to Kitchener.

The City of Kitchener is a vibrant and dynamic city of approximately 270,000, in the heart of southwestern Ontario. As the largest municipality in Waterloo Region, Kitchener continues to be poised for development and growth, enhancing its reputation as a leader in city-building and innovation, with nationally recognized strategies to build its neighbourhoods, its digital infrastructure and its diverse economy.

The City of Kitchener is WHERE you want to work! Learn more about the top reasons to join us: Why work at the City of Kitchener

Mandatory Application Format:

1. You must apply online
2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed three (3) pages
3. To avoid disqualification, your resume must be in the following format and order:

  • Work Experience
  • General Education
  • Community Involvement or Volunteer Experience
  • Fire Related Education and Related Courses

Position Overview:

If you are compassionate, customer-focused and motivated towards a challenging and rewarding career making a difference in our community, then this may be the opportunity for you.

A career in firefighting is a demanding and respected profession that offers an opportunity to provide valued services to the public.

The City of Kitchener’s Fire Department is currently accepting resumes to establish a pool of qualified candidates for all vacancies for the position of Probationary Firefighter.

Kitchener Firefighters pride themselves in serving our community. They provide essential services through education, prevention and suppression.

Requirements:

  • NFPA 1001-Firefighter I & II from a recognized pre-service Firefighter Education and Training Program or from an accredited program from a recognized institution
  • Successful completion of all three stages of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Service prior to July 4, 2023
  • Valid and current First Aid training equivalent to Emergency First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder and Health Care Provider CPR.
  • Outstanding employment record
  • Must have the ability to support and project values compatible with the organization
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Possess the ability to deal with difficult individuals, in a courteous and effective manner
  • Commitment to working effectively in a team environment
  • Must have ability to swim
  • Upon hire must provide proof of a valid Class “DZ” driver’s license deemed acceptable by the City of Kitchener

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

  • Previous Firefighter experience
  • NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator
  • NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector
  • OFAI Swim Test
  • Knowledge of firefighting equipment, terminology, and practice
  • Previous related work experience
  • Demonstrated community service involvement
  • Certified trade training or experience
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Other relevant specialized training/qualifications

Please Note:

  • Employment is conditional upon the provision of a satisfactory and current Police Vulnerable Sector Check dated no earlier than 2 weeks before your start date. Any related costs are the sole responsibility of the applicant
  • As part of the selection process candidates may be requested to submit to additional screening tests
  • If hired, you may be subject to short term platoon transfers in your first year of employment upon successful completion of your recruit training.

Compensation:

This position has an annual salary of $58,745 (2022 rate)

Hours of work:

This position requires working rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Posting closing date:

This posting closes Friday, June 16th, 2023 at 6:00pm.

The City of Kitchener is committed to an equity-driven, inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment and selection process, and to ensuring our workforce reflects the full diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ persons, as well as other equity deserving groups.

We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please contact Human Resources at recruitment@kitchener.ca, or 519-741-2200 ext. 7261 to make your needs known, so that we can support your full and equal participation throughout the hiring process.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Only candidates whose skills, experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Please note that as per Human Resources Policy HUM-HIR-110, “Employment of Relatives of Staff Members and Elected Officials”:

“The immediate relatives of staff of the Human Resources Division, all Directors, General Managers, or the Chief Administrative Officer and Elected Officials shall not be employed by the City in any capacity.

The immediate relatives of all other Management personnel shall not be employed where such employment would be:

1. within the same Department in the case of permanent full-time, temporary full-time and part-time classifications.

2. within the same Division in the case of students.”