Firefighter Recruitment process

Discover what you need for a Firefighting career with the City of Oshawa.

Entry Level Classification and Responsibilities

The entry-level classification is Firefighter Probationer. The Firefighter, working under the supervision of Officers, is required to:

• work as part of a professional team
• 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
• continually upgrade skills/knowledge and physical requirements to current standards

Probationary Period

The probationary period for new Firefighters is 365 calendar days, during which time suitability for regular employment is assessed. Throughout this period, employees are subject to dismissal with notice under the Employment Standards Act.

Shift Work Schedule

Shifts are 24 hours long, and firefighters work approximately seven shifts per month. Shifts are scheduled on a four platoon rotating system.

Location

There are currently six fire stations located throughout the City of Oshawa. Staff may be assigned or transferred to any station and must provide their own transportation between stations.

Union Affiliation

Firefighters must maintain membership in the Oshawa Firefighters Association, Local #465, of the International Association of Firefighters (I.A.F.F). Union dues deductions commence with the first pay and each Firefighter must become a member of the Local within 30 days after he/she ceased to be a probationer. Retirement for Firefighters is mandatory upon attaining the age of 60.

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.
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 IFSAC ProBoard Certified.
• Minimum one (1) year of recent/related 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, 1061 Level 1 and 2 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 (6) demerit points are ineligible for consideration.
• Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted. 
• Specialized rescue courses are an asset.
• The City of Oshawa requires Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service (CTS) certificates for Stage One, Stage Two and Stage Three and Swim Test as part of this recruitment. Certificates must be valid throughout the duration of the entire recruitment process. For more information, please visit www.ofai.ca. All costs associated with these certifications 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. The number of openings in the Oshawa Fire Services is traditionally very limited. Recruiting is conducted only as needed but may be conducted for future needs. Openings, when they occur are normally in the entry-level classification of Firefighter Probationer.
2. When recruiting starts, the posting will appear on the City website. All previous applicants must re-apply.
3. Detailed resumes must be submitted electronically by accessing the City of Oshawa website.
4. Applications which contain errors or omissions, as per step 3, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. C.T.S. program. For more information, please visit ofai.ca.

Ontario Fire Administration Inc. provides a standardized and uniform approach to the candidate testing process for candidates pursuing a firefighting career in municipal fire departments in Ontario.

The Ontario Fire Administration Candidate Testing Service (C.T.S.) enables individuals whose aptitude, interpersonal skills, physical abilities and practical firefighting skills align with the needs of municipal fire services to pass through the system, while screening out individuals who do not meet the minimum standards and requirements.

The process consists of the following stages:

1. Applicants holding a valid Ontario Fire Administration certificate (as noted above) are invited to apply electronically 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 a 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 licence and drivers abstract.