City of Waterloo: Probationary Firefighter

The City of Waterloo requires all candidates possess valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service certificates for Stage One, Stage Two Hearing, Stage Two Vision, Stage Two Encapsulated Treadmill, and Stage Three.

Please visit www.ofai.ca for more information.

OFAI does not submit candidate certificates or applications to Waterloo. Each candidate is required to submit their application directly to Waterloo 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 Waterloo’s recruitment process should be directed to Waterloo. This recruitment closes at March 8, 2024. 

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
• 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
• Support fire prevention efforts by conducting demonstrations, public education, inspections and investigations
• 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

What you will bring:  (5-6 bullets)

• Valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service certificates for Stage One, Stage Two Hearing, Stage Two Vision, Stage Two Encapsulated Treadmill, and Stage Three
• Candidates must meet the criteria required by the Ontario Fire Marshall and Emergency Management (OFMEM) firefighter certification in accordance with O.Reg. 379/18 firefighter Certification. Subject to the review of WFR, applicants will normally have completed education or gained experience which will meet the criteria of the OFMEM within one of the following scenarios:
  • Have completed a pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program Certification recognized by the OFMEM that includes NFPA1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 certification;
  • Has been NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 certified from an accredited program from a recognized institution, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board;
  • Has completed OFM curriculum components 1,2 and 3 with examination certificate and has received NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 certification; or,
  • Has received “grandparented” status / certification as a firefighter from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall in accordance to the O. Reg 379/18 Firefighter Certification
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD –Grade 12) or academic equivalency
• Current certification as Emergency Medical Responder or certification deemed equivalent as determined by WFR (e.g. Nursing or Paramedic diploma)
• Health Care Provider CPR Level C certificate
• Valid Ontario DZ driver’s license in good standing
• NFPA1002 Pumper Operations certification is considered an asset
• Candidates must meet the vision requirements as outlined in Chapter Six of NFPA 1582 : Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments in accordance with OFAI requirements
• Successful completion of psychological screening completed by a mental health professional of the employers choosing (note: candidates will not be provided with the results of or feedback from their psychological assessment)
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labour within high risk and hazardous environments
• Must be able to work at heights, in or around water, and/or in confined spaces as required
• Ability to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding, high-pressure situations
• Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

What you will be asked for if hired:

• A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City
• Completion of a pre-employment medical examination with results satisfactory to the City
• A copy of your valid DZ class driver’s license and authorization to obtain an abstract, with results satisfactory to the City
• 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 Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee 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 2SLGBTQ+ 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 a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known. 

Application Process:

Candidates are invited to visit www.waterloo.ca/careers to learn more about City of Waterloo Careers, our recruitment process, and to apply online.

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.