Recruitment Period: This recruitment closes June 27, 2023 at 11:59pm.

The City of Guelph requires successful completion on all phases of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Services program (OFAI CTS), including the swim test.

OFAI does not submit candidate certificates or applications to Guelph. Each candidate is required to submit their application directly to Guelph 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 27, 2023 at 11:59PM. Questions regarding Guelph’s recruitment process should be directed to Guelph.

Probationary Firefighter

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of 2000 full and part-time employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment.

As a regional top employer, the City of Guelph values its employees and offers competitive salaries, excellent benefit packages, opportunities for professional development, a healthy work-life balance, and many roles with flexible work options. Our corporate values are integrity, service, inclusion, wellness, and learning. Guelph is consistently ranked as one of the best places in Canada to live, work, and play—all good reasons to consider a career in this beautiful city.

The Opportunity

A probationary firefighter is an integral part of the emergency services team. This position will be responsible for fire suppression duties necessary to save life and property and providing emergency response, rescue, and extrication duties within hazardous conditions.

The Fire Department provides an essential service 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to the community.  Firefighters work together as members of a high performing team, often working extended periods of time in emergency situations, training, or other duties around the fire station.  The Guelph Fire Department takes pride in providing a high level of service and support to our community.

Hours of Work

Regular hours of work for Suppression employees shall be on a four-platoon system based on an average of forty-two (42) hours per week. Suppression employees’ shifts will be from 8:00am – 8:00am the next calendar day.

Your role

  • Combat, extinguish and/or prevent fires to save life and property. Perform fire suppression duties to extinguish fires rapidly and efficiently under emergency conditions, frequently involving considerable hazards.
  • Provide emergency medical response and aid.
  • Perform rescue/extrication operations, including, but not limited to; vehicle, confined space, water, ice, high angle, and hazardous materials, to prevent loss of life or further injury.
  • Support work teams and allied agencies to maintain public safety. Seek direction and authority through the Incident Management System at the emergency scene and collaborating/assisting with allied agencies (e.g., paramedics and police).
  • Perform station, equipment, and vehicle maintenance.
  • Assist with Alarm Room Technician/dispatch duties as required. Provide back-up resources to the communications unit by receiving emergency calls and dispatching resources on an as needed basis demonstrating excellent communications and multitasking skills to input and record pertinent data.
  • Contribute to public relations and education efforts through community engagement, education, and prevention initiatives and inspections.
  • Commit to lifelong learning, community and personal wellness and continuous improvement. Participate in training exercises and courses to maintain and improve skill set, learning new procedures and techniques.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

The following qualifications must be met at the time of applying:

  • Completion of secondary school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent).
  • Successful completion of the National Fire Protection Association Firefighter Certification NFPA 1001 (I & II), and NFPA 472 or 1072.
  • Possess, and maintain, a valid CPR BLS.
  • Possess and maintain, at minimum, a First Responder Certificate.
  • Possess a minimum DZ drivers licence (or out of province equivalency) with a good driving record.
    • Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver’s abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years.
    • The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements.
  • Successful completion on all phases of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Services program (OFAI CTS), including the swim test, and be prepared to submit all related certificates.
  • Able to perform strenuous physical labour within high risk and hazardous conditions.
  • Able to handle high pressure situations and environments.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Computer skills with good keyboarding skills.
  • Able to work a 24 hour shift schedule that involves working weekends and holidays, averaging 42 hours per week.
  • Provide, and maintain, a satisfactory Police Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Screening Check (VSS).
  • 18 years of age, or older, and legally entitled to work in Canada.

The following qualifications will be considered an asset to this position:

  • Post-secondary education.
  • Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through relevant training and experience, including volunteer or community service.
  • Skills and experience in a field closely related to emergency services, including dispatch services, firefighter, paramedic, police, military, medical care, social services, skilled trades, and/or heavy equipment operations.

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 11:59pm. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered. Proof of qualifications will be requested at the interview stage.

  • All applicants must complete the online Questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.
  • Proof of qualifications will be requested at the interview stage.
  • Please check our specialized recruitment page http://guelph.ca/employment-careers/careers-jobs/firefighters/ for further updates regarding the status of our recruitment process for Probationary Firefighters.
  • Resumes may be kept on file for future positions beyond this current recruitment.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.