Firefighter

Opportunity Overview

The City of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is seeking motivated and experienced individuals for a permanent full-time unionized Firefighter position. This role offers a physically demanding yet rewarding career path involving continuous skill development, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to profoundly impact community safety.

Role Responsibilities

• Engage actively in firefighting duties including rescue operations under the guidance of Company Officers within a team setting.
• Administer first aid and emergency medical assistance when required.
• Conduct educational initiatives aimed at public fire safety awareness.
• Inspect buildings to identify and mitigate fire hazards.
• Operate and maintain firefighting vehicles, equipment, and facilities such as fire stations.

Important Safety Note

Firefighting involves hazardous conditions that can result in serious injury. Personnel face elevated risks of certain cancers and stress-related occupational injuries relative to the general public. Applicants should understand these risks prior to application.

Application Process and Fee

Candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee of $151 plus tax before applying. A receipt must be uploaded with the application documents. Failure to provide payment confirmation will result in disqualification from consideration.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

• Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Proficient oral and written communication in English.
• Completion of Grade 12 education or equivalent as recognized by the Ministry of Education.
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II certification with IFSAC and/or Proboard seal or grandfathered proof.
• Certification in NFPA 472, 1072, or 470 Hazardous Materials Operations Level with required seals or proof.
• Current Level C first aid or CPR certification covering adult, child, infant CPR, and choking.
• Valid unrestricted Ontario DZ driver's license with air brake endorsement along with a satisfactory driver’s abstract upon hire.
• Willingness and availability to work a 24-hour rotating shift schedule including any day, weekends, and holidays.
• Current clear Vulnerable Sector Check from an accredited police authority.
• Participation in a skill testing session prior to offer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active employment as a career, part-time, or volunteer firefighter.
• Pre-fire service diploma from an accredited college or program.

Additional Assets

• Completion of recognized trades apprenticeship or certifications.
• Medical training or experience such as paramedic or nursing.
• Other specialized related qualifications or experience validated by certifications.
• Consistent community service or volunteerism within the last 2–3 years.

Note: Short-duration courses that do not confer NFPA certification are not considered advantageous.

Application Submission Details

• Complete payment of the application fee via the designated online system with precise personal information matching your application details.
• After fee payment, apply through the official employment opportunities portal by uploading a single document containing: payment receipt, formatted resume (Education, recent work experience, certifications, volunteerism), NFPA certifications, first aid/CPR certificate.
• No cover letter required.
• Selected candidates must verify documentation, including original certificates, clear Vulnerable Sector Check, and driver’s abstract at own expense prior to employment confirmation.
• Eligible applicants will undergo a virtual proctored third-party written exam at their expense for further recruitment progress.

Recruitment Communications and Policy

Correspondence will primarily occur via email; applicants must monitor communications regularly and update their profiles to ensure receipt. Candidates recommended for hiring will receive conditional job offers based on vacancy availability. The selection list is valid for up to two years, after which reapplication is necessary.

The City of Vaughan fosters a workplace culture embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion and accommodates applicants with disabilities upon request.