City of Oshawa-Fire Fighter-Probationer

Job Description

Oshawa Fire Services, is seeking motivated individuals to join our Fire Services team. The Fire Fighter - Probationer is required to work as part of a professional team and will operate and maintain firefighting apparatus, equipment, and fire stations; combat fires; perform rescue work; administer designated emergency medical procedures/aid; fulfill duties of call-taker/dispatcher as required; inspect properties and equipment for fire hazards; participate in public education programs and continually upgrade skills/knowledge and physical requirements to current standards, and other duties as assigned. 

Fire Fighters are required to work all days of the week including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in shifts that are 24 hours in length, which totals 168 hours over a four-week period. The 24 hour shift structure is being implemented on a trial basis at this time. There are currently six fire stations located throughout the City of Oshawa. Staff may be assigned or transferred to any station at any time. Fire Fighters are required to maintain membership in the Oshawa Fire Fighters Association, Local #465, of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Job Requirements

To be eligible to compete in this competition, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma O.S.S.D (Grade 12) or academic equivalent and successful completion of one of the following:

  o   Pre-services Firefighter Education and Training Program Certificate or;

  o   N.F.P.A. 1001 accredited program from a recognized institution or;

  o   O.F.M. curriculum components 1,2, and 3 with examination certificate or;

  o   Minimum two years’ experience as a full-time Firefighter in a municipal    fire department

• Minimum one year of prior full-time work experience.  Fire suppression, construction, trades, mechanical, emergency medical, large vehicle operation or fire prevention related experience is an asset.

• N.F.P.A. 1031 or 1035 is an asset
   
• Current Standard First Aid with HCP, CPR and AED.  Completion of higher level E.M.S training is an asset.
   
• Possession and maintenance of a valid unrestricted Ontario Driver’s License, minimum class D.Z.  Applicants with more than six demerit points are ineligible for consideration.

• Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted. 

• Specialized rescue courses are an asset.

• Applicants must successfully complete Stage One, Two and Three and Swim Test of Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Program and hold valid (as of posting closing date) OFAI certificates for all three stages. For more information, please visit www.ofai.ca  (All costs associated with the test are the responsibility of the applicant).

• Ability to work 24 hour shifts, including days/nights, weekends and holidays.

• Must be fit and able to handle the sustained, intense physical and psychological effort required to perform duties of this position.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, strong interpersonal and customer service skills for interacting with the public and internal City staff

• Demonstrate initiative, mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills.

• Speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding conditions

  Application Process 

  1.     Detailed resumes must be submitted electronically by accessing the City of Oshawa website at www.oshawa.ca/employment

  2.     Applications which contain errors or omissions, or failure to follow procedural directions and meet deadlines at any stage of the recruiting process, will result in an application being disqualified.  Hard copies of resumes will not be accepted.

  3.     Ensure that a valid e-mail address and phone number are provided; the majority of contact will be via email.  Please ensure that you check your junk e-mail to ensure that mail does not get lost in this folder.

  4.     Please note that applicants will be required to provide proof of all qualifications; applicants will be notified when this is required.

  Selection Process

   Personal expenses incurred as part of the selection process are the responsibility of the applicant.  At the time of application, applicants for the City of Oshawa must successfully hold valid (as of posting closing date) certificates for Stage One, Two and Three and Swim Test of Ontario Fire Administration Inc. CTS program. For more information, please visit www.ofai.ca.

  The process consists of the following stages:

  1.     Applicants holding a valid Ontario Fire Administration certificate (as noted above) are invited to apply electronically (www.oshawa.ca/employment) by the deadline date.

  2.     Selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview and will be required at that time to provide three supervisory references.

  3.     Applicants who are offered a position will be required to undergo an employment medical exam.  Employment reference checks will be conducted, and candidates will be required (at their own expense) to provide a current Criminal Reference Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search, proof of a valid unrestricted D.Z. driver’s license and drivers abstract.

We would like to thank all applicants however, please note that only those selected to attend an interview will be contacted and all other applicants will be kept on file.  Applicants are advised that written, oral and practical testing may form part of the selection process.

All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes.  Please ensure that you check your email regularly to receive any correspondence.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).  The City of Oshawa will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities and/or needs related to the OHRC.  Personal information provided is collected under the authority of The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.