The City of Waterloo requires that candidates have the following Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service (CTS) certificates:

  1.  Stage One – Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
  2. Stage Two – Hearing Assessment
  3.  Stage Two – Vision Assessment
  4.  Stage Two – Encapsulated Treadmill Test
  5.  Stage Three – Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job – Related Tests (FPAT)
  6.  Stage Three – Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment

The closing date for this recruitment is February 7, 2025.

Probationary Firefighter(s)

Competition Number: 15306
Primary Work Location: Various
Posting Status: Internal/External Job Posting
Annual Salary: $69,858
Number of Positions: 8
Employment Group: WPFFA
Job Status: Full-time
Posting Release Date:  January 20, 2025
Hours of Work:  Platoon-based (24 hour shifts)
Posting Closing Date:  February 07, 2025

Overview:

Do you have a genuine commitment and desire to serve the community? Do you have strong work ethic paired with the ability to problem solve, take direction, and work cooperatively in a team environment?  Do you have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain your professionalism in high pressure emergency services settings? If this sounds like you, a career with Waterloo Fire Rescue (WFR) may be just what you’re looking for!

We are excited to share that the City of Waterloo is currently accepting applications for Probationary Firefighter(s) to join our team. Waterloo Fire Rescue is a diverse team of highly skilled and caring professionals who provide essential community-based education, prevention and emergency response services that enhance public safety and quality of life.  Applicants who are prepared to shape our firesafe community and make a career commitment to community service, health and safety, and professional development are encouraged to apply.

Why work with us: 

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone. 

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment. 

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

  • Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness;
  • Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey;
  • Certification as a Living Wage Champion;
  • Fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance and an Employee and Family Assistance Program;
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees; 
  • Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime*;
  • Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
  • Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community;
  • Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.;
  • Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and, 
  • So much more!

What you will do:

Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Perform fire suppression duties to extinguish and/or prevent fires to save life and property under emergency conditions
  • Aid and provide emergency medical response, including performing rescue/extrication operations to prevent loss of life or further injury
  • Support fire prevention efforts by conducting demonstrations, public education, inspections and investigations
  • Operate all equipment including pumps, hoses, manual ladders, mechanical ladders, generators, and automobile extrication equipment
  • Secure the emergency scene for the safety of the public and other firefighters
  • Drive and operate any WFR vehicles in accordance with policy and the Highway Traffic Act
  • Support the work team and allied agencies to maintain public safety
  • Perform station, equipment and vehicle maintenance
  • Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation
  • Comply with departmental policies, guidelines, and departmental rules and regulations
  • Provide excellent customer service as well as be a leader in public fire safety education
  • Participate in training exercises and courses to continuously increase knowledge and skills to remain current
  • Be psychologically and physically prepared to respond to emergencies of any kind
  • Other duties as may be required

To be a firefighter you must:

  • Be able to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Be able to swim to meet NFPA 1006 – Water Rescue requirements
  • Speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding, high-pressure situations
  • Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
  • Be legally entitled to work in Canada

All certifications and certificates must be valid and current.

Applicants must possess the following (please include in application):

  • Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service (CTS) certificates:
    1.  Stage One – Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
    2. Stage Two – Hearing Assessment
    3. Stage Two – Vision Assessment
    4. Stage Two – Encapsulated Treadmill Test
    5. Stage Three – Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job – Related Tests (FPAT)
    6. Stage Three – Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 certification, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board
  • NFPA 1072 – Hazardous Materials Operations
  • Ontario DZ driver’s license or equivalent
  • Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder or equivalent (e.g. Nursing or Paramedic diploma)
  • Red Cross CPR-Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD –Grade 12) or equivalent

In addition to the above, the following are considered assets:

  • Emergency Vehicle Technician certification
  • NFPA1002 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
  • NFPA 1035 – Fire & Life Safety Educator – Level I

What we will require:

  • A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City.
  • A minimum of three (3) employment references.
  • Completion of pre-employment psychological and medical examinations with results satisfactory to the City (organized by the City)
  • A copy of a valid MTO ‘DZ’ class driver’s licence in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions) is required to perform the job.
  • Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging): 

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.

When applying online, please consider the following:

  • You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been successfully received.  Please check your junk or spam folder if you do not see this confirmation email in your inbox.
  • Only those applicants selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.  For details of the recruitment timelines and process please visit our website.
  • Resumes and cover letters will only be accepted online.  The City will not accept applications delivered in person or by mail.
  • Applicants must possess all necessary certifications outlined in this posting at time of application.  Applicants who are in the process of obtaining required certifications will not be considered.
  • Applicants are responsible for all costs (e.g.: certificates, testing, travel, medical) throughout the recruitment process.
  • Completion of the OFAI certificates does not guarantee applicants will move forward in the recruitment process.
  • Firefighter recruitment attracts a high volume of applicants. As a result the City is unable to respond to individual inquiries during or after the recruitment process, and phone calls will not be accepted.