City of St. Thomas Fire Department Probationary Firefighter

Important Notes from Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI)
 
You must have valid certificates for Stages One, Two, Three and a swim test to apply to the City St. Thomas Fire Department.  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, OFAI testing facilities have temporarily closed their testing facilities. Therefore, applicants whose certifications have expired since February 1, 2020 are eligible to apply

OFAI does not submit candidate certificates or applications to St. Thomas. Each candidate is required to submit their application directly to St. Thomas with all the necessary requirements, as per the instructions in their job posting.  The job posting can be found at: www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities.

The posting closes 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020. Questions regarding St. Thomas's recruitment process should be directed to them directly.

Please note that the OFAI office is still temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic provincial restrictions.  Please do not call or email about this posting.
 
 

Career Opportunity

City of St. Thomas Fire Department

Probationary Firefighter

Job Posting #243-05-20

Job Description:
A career with the St. Thomas Fire Department is both challenging and rewarding. It will require a very high level of dedicated service to the community and a willingness to always help others. This position will require that you respond to all emergencies when called upon. Specifically, you will respond to the following: all hazards, fire emergencies, all rescues, medical emergencies to provide emergency patient care and assistance, motor vehicle emergencies to provide scene, vehicle and patient stabilization, other specialized emergencies and calls for public assistance. In addition, you will be required to assist and provide public safety education, fire inspections, develop pre-fire emergency plans, fulfill the role of radio telephone operator when required, engage in training activities on a regular basis and maintain fire apparatus, equipment, and stations.
 
The job description is can be found by clicking the following link: St. Thomas Firefighter June 29 2018 Position Description.PDF
 
Once hired, the position is probationary for a period of six (6) months from the start date. Candidates must be physically fit and able to handle the sustained, intense physical effort that is often required of a firefighter.
 
Firefighters are expected to maintain all required competencies, certifications, skill levels and a high level of professionalism. They are required to: be self-motivated, quickly solve problems, work as part of a dynamic team, and follow written and verbal instructions.
 
About the City of St. Thomas Fire Department:
The City of St. Thomas Fire Department is comprised of 58 full-time staff operating out of two fire stations. The Department consists of five divisions: Administration, Training, Fire Prevention/Public Safety Education, Communications and Operations. Each operational platoon consists of a Platoon Chief, two Captains, nine Firefighters and a Radio Telecommunications Operator. The Department is also responsible for Municipal Emergency Preparedness.
 
The Community of St. Thomas
St. Thomas is located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario in beautiful Elgin County. Surrounding St. Thomas are numerous picturesque towns, lakeside villages and historic hamlets, each with their own unique charm. The Lake Erie Shores are only a short 15 minute drive from the city. We're also a quick hop from London, Ontario. With a railway history, St. Thomas has one of the province's leading farmers' markets and beautiful scenic parks. It has a diverse mix of residential homes, a number of restaurants, a large movie theatre and a vibrant downtown core. St. Thomas has something to offer for just about everyone. And no city is more strategically located; just moments from the 401 corridor and halfway between Detroit and the shores of Lake Huron to the west, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Buffalo to the east. Each is just a little more than a two hour drive away.
 
Work Environment:
This position will work both indoors and outdoors.

Hours of Work:
This position currently works ten hour and fourteen hour shifts, and averages forty-two (42) hours of work per week over a four week period. Please note: The St. Thomas Fire Department will be implementing a twenty-four (24) hour shift schedule in co-operation with the St. Thomas Professional Firefighters Association in the near future.

Compensation:
This permanent full-time position has a starting rate of $58,919 per annum (2019 rate), plus benefits as per the current Collective Agreement. Upon completion of a probationary period, the City offers a comprehensive benefit package.
 
Occupational Safety Responsibilities:
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) clearly states worker responsibilities (reference Sections 28 of the OHSA).
 
Physical and/or safety requirements:
  • Must be physically fit to handle the sustained, intense, physical effort often required to perform these duties
  • A detailed physical demands analysis is available for this position
  • Lifting: occasional lifting floor to bench, bench to shoulder, above shoulder (up to 34.1 kgs) (equipment, ladder, chain saw, generator, extinguisher, victim, angus manifold, ventilation fan, uncharged/charged hose, furniture, tools, jaws of life, power pack)
  • Carrying: occasional carrying (15m) (up to 34.1 kgs) (tools and equipment (jaws, power packs) to the accident scene; remove tools, equipment, and victims from the scene)
  • Pushing: occasional pushing at or above shoulder, below shoulder (up to 22.73 kgs or 50 lbs) (raise ladder, break windows, pry doors, move furniture, push equipment into place, CPR, jaws)
  • Pulling: occasional pulling/dragging above and below shoulder (up to 90.72 kgs or 200 lbs) (equipment from compartments, pull hose, pull door, drag victims (15 m), open doors, start generator, pull ropes)
  • Handling: frequent handling (up to 22.73 kgs) (operate nozzle, hydrant, power cords, roll/reload hose, hand tools, pails of foam)
  • Gripping: frequent gripping (hold tools, chainsaw, jaws, hose, coupling, poles, ladder, compartment handles, blocks/cribbing, pry bar, operate extinguisher, power cords, hammer)
  • Fine finger movements: occasional (manipulate controls, sprinklers, alarms, utilities, typing/reports, pens, pencils)
  • Reaching: occasional and frequent (retrieve and reload materials on truck, reach for victims, reach with pole, reach for roofing materials, alarms, sprinklers)
  • Foot action: occasional and frequent (move debris or hose, climbing ladder, climbing in and around truck)
In order to be considered for a career as a St. Thomas Probationary Firefighter, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • 18 years of age or older;
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • An Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent;
  • NFPA 1001; Firefighter Level 1 and 2 certified from an accredited institution;
  • Valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Services certificates for Stage One, Two and Three plus Swim Test. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, OFAI testing facilities have temporarily closed their testing facilities. Therefore, applicants whose certifications have expired since February 1, 2020 are eligible to apply.
  • Valid current Standard First Aid certificate and a valid CPR for Health Care Providers (Level HCP) certificate. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, those with certifications expired since March 1, 2020 will still be considered.
  • Valid Class "DZ" driver's license with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract (to be submitted at time of conditional job offer);
  • Ability to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays;
  • Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English, both oral and written;
  • Ability to cope in high stress situations;
  • Ability to work as a team member;
  • Ability to obtain and provide a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record search (to be submitted at time of conditional job offer).
Education/Experience Assets:
  • Post-secondary education (i.e. college, university, business, apprenticeship program, continuing education)
  • Advanced First Aid
  • Previous professional and/or volunteer firefighting experience
  • Other emergency service experience (i.e. military, paramedic, emergency service, medical experience, etc.)
  • Community involvement and/or volunteer experience
  • Completion of the former Ontario Firefighter Curriculum courses
  • Licensed trades (i.e. electrician, plumber, mechanic, carpenter, construction, etc.)
  • Additional certificates and courses related to fire services
Physical Test:
Valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Services certificates for Stage One, Two and Three plus Swim Test. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, OFAI testing facilities have temporarily closed their testing facilities. Therefore, applicants whose certifications have expired since February 1, 2020 are eligible to apply. Please visit www.ofai.ca for more information.

Assessment:
Applicants will be required to submit to an assessment process that will include interviews and may include other testing.
 
Driver’s license/vehicle requirements:
Because of the responsibilities for this position, successful candidates are required to have a valid Ontario Class D license with a Z endorsement, or an equivalent license from another province. Production of a satisfactory driver’s abstract will be part of the recruitment process.
 
Police check requirements
Because of the environment this position will be working in, the successful candidate will be required to provide an original satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check as a condition of employment.
 
Download the 2020 Recruitment Guide here: 2020 Recruitment Guide FINAL.PDF
 
How to Apply:
Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities.
Go to Posting Title – Probationary Firefighter
Click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You will need to create a Login.
** You will be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

** When applying, choose the IMPORT FROM RESUME option.
** Uploads cannot exceed 20 MB.
** When uploading Additional Documents, please have documentation in this order:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2
  • OFAI CTS Certificates; including Swim Test
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level HCP certificate
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
  • Other applicable certifications
When your application has been successfully received through Dayforce, you will receive an email from notify@dayforce.com stating “Congratulations, your application has been successfully submitted.”
 
Applications must be RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020
 
We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. By submitting your application, you are authorizing the City of St. Thomas to contact OFAI to verify your qualifications.
 
Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer.
 
www.stthomas.ca

Important Notes:

  • When your application has been successfully received through Dayforce, you will receive an email from notify@dayforce.com stating “Congratulations, your application has been successfully submitted.”
  • Please ensure you provide an accurate email and you check your junk folder to ensure you do not miss any email communications.
  • Applications and all required documentation will only be accepted through www.stthomas.ca, Employment Opportunities. The City of St. Thomas will not accept applications delivered in person or by mail.
  • Applicants may be required to present your original documents during the selection/hiring process.
  • Applicants are responsible for all costs (i.e.: certificates, testing, travel, etc.) throughout the recruitment process.
  • Candidates wishing to update their contact information may do so at any time by contacting the City of St. Thomas Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

 

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