Important Notice

Please note that if you are applying for the Operations Firefighter position and are successful, you will be required to successfully complete not only the Operations Firefighter Recruit Training Program but also Fire Prevention Training, which includes NFPA Level 1031 Level 1 and 1035 Level 1, as a condition of employment.

Should you be selected for the position of Operations Firefighter, we encourage you to review the Review Materials tab in order to prepare for the Fire Prevention Training portion of the recruit training.

General Information

If you are committed to helping people, enjoy working in a team environment, enjoy lifelong learning and are physically fit, you may be an ideal candidate for a career as an Operations Firefighter with Toronto Fire Services.

What it’s like:

  • You’ll have both a challenging and rewarding career.
  • You’ll be expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism, solve problems, work as part of a dynamic team and possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • You’ll work an assigned shifts averaging 42 hours per week over a four week period, including weekends and holidays.
  • You’ll be expected to be physically fit to handle the sustained, intense, physical effort often required to perform these duties.
  • You’ll be required to work at heights, inside confined spaces and to wear and use supplied safety equipment.
  • You’ll live and work in close quarters will your colleagues throughout your shifts. This means all team members are responsible for station housekeeping and depend on each other to perform their duties successfully whether sharing routine tasks at the fire station, providing services at an emergency scene, or providing service assistance to other emergency agencies and/or the public.
  • You’ll be a member of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, Local 3888, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and will be subject to the provisions and requirements of the collective agreement.

Reporting to the Apparatus Captain, the responsibilities for this position include the following:

Emergency Duties:

  • Immediately responds in a timely fashion and deals with fire, medical, rescue and other emergency and non-emergency related calls as required.
  • Performs all emergency scene duties assigned such as but not limited to, firefighting, forcible entry, search and rescue, carrying hoses, climbing ladders, hooking hoses up to hydrants, breaking through walls and ceilings, protecting those in danger due to a fire, overhaul, technical rescues, emergency medical treatment and CPR hazardous materials scene support, property conservation, environmental conservation, and secures emergency scene for the safety of the public and other Firefighters.
  • Drives/operates any apparatus/vehicles in accordance with policy and Highway Traffic Act (HTA).
  • Operates all equipment utilized by TFS such as pumps, hoses, manual ladders, mechanical ladder, generators, automobile extrication equipment, etc.
  • Conducts inspections and helps ensure an emergency scene is in compliance with fire/life safety guidelines, prior to leaving the scene.
  • After returning from emergency scene cleans, inspects, and accounts for all equipment used and returns all equipment used to a state of readiness.
  • A team player who works effectively with their crew and with other first responders, such as police and paramedics, maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

 

Non–Emergency & Administrative Duties

  • Cleans, inspects and maintains equipment and apparatus on a daily basis.
  • Conducts full maintenance/safety check of vehicles and equipment.
  • Performs routine preventative maintenance tasks to equipment and apparatus.
  • Keeps fire station, equipment, quarters and grounds clean and orderly on a daily basis.
  • Completes all required training and retraining as assigned within the prescribed time periods indicated.
  • Participates in preplanning to familiarize themselves with immediate response area and new or unusual buildings in the station’s district, and with streets and roads under construction.
  • Educates the public about fire prevention and fire safety practices.
  • Participates in Pre-Incident Fire Planning.
  • Conducts fire safety inspections.

General Responsibilities

  • Must understand and follow the Chain of Command at all times.
  • Must be in compliance with uniform SOGs including being well-groomed, professional and presentable to the public.
  • Must be, at all times, psychologically and physically prepared to respond to emergencies of any kind.
  • Must be able to work at heights or in a confined space as required.
  • Wears supplied safety equipment and uniforms.
  • Must be accepting of other differences and able to live and collaborate with other firefighters in close quarters throughout shifts, where firefighters depend and trust each other to perform their duties successfully whether it be sharing routine tasks at the fire station, or providing services at an emergency scene.
  • Performs all work duties and activities in a safe and effective manner in accordance with City and TFS policies and procedures.
  • Must be able to follow direction of a senior officer.

 

In addition to the above duties, Fire Fighters are required to:

  • Continually maintain a high standard of professionalism, integrity, reliability and credibility, which are fundamental requirements for this position.
  • Function as an integral member of the City of Toronto workforce to support corporate vision and mission statements.
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service workforce to deliver and support Division specific vision and mission statements.
  • Function as an integral member of the Toronto Fire Service emergency response team to deliver and support Division specific goals of emergency response and preparedness.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Must possess valid Ontario Driver’s Licence class D or higher (A, B or C) with a Z endorsement
  • Successful completion of all stages (1-3) of the OFAI Candidate Testing Services (as verified by possession of a current and valid CTS Certificate) prior to the date of application submission.
  • Successful completion of the OFAI Swim Test (as verified by possession of a current and valid certificate) prior to the date of application submission.
  • Successful completion of NFPA 1001 Level 1 & 2 prior to the date of application submission. The above NFPA 1001 Level 1 & 2 training must be secured from a post-secondary institution, in Ontario, (with either IFSAC or ProBoard seal) that is accredited to provide the above training to others as recognized by the Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM), Ontario, Canada or any institution outside of Ontario, Canada, officially accredited by either IFSAC or ProBoard. Candidates are strongly advised to confirm that the post-secondary institution they wish to attend, in Ontario, to secure the above NPFA 1001 training is recognized by the OFM and is accredited to provide such training. If the institution, in Ontario, you are attending is not recognized by the OFM to provide the above training to others, neither will it be recognized by Toronto Fire Services (TFS), in which case your application will not be considered for this posting.
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum level CPR BLS/HCP Certificate or higher (e.g., EMR) issued prior to the date of application submission
  • Possession of a current and valid minimum level Standard First Aid Certificate, issued by a WSIB approved First Aid Trainer prior to the date of application submission
  • Must work on a 24-hour shift schedule that involves working weekends and holidays, where you will work an assigned shift averaging 42 hours per week over a four-week period
  • Must provide a Criminal Record Check obtained from a Police Service in Ontario to the satisfaction of Toronto Fire Services
  • Must be fit and able to handle the sustained, intense physical and psychological effort required to perform duties of this position
  • Willingness and ability to work in extremely adverse and dangerous situations
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Must be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that apply to this work
  • Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Report writing ability
  • Problem solving/analytical skills
  • Interpersonal/Interaction skills when dealing with the public, Fire Services staff and all other levels of City personnel
  • Ability to effectively prioritize tasks/demands, as appropriate
  • Ability to work within a team environment
  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
  • Initiative
  • Ability to work and positively interact within a diverse work environment
  • Community service involvement
  • Customer service skills

Assets

  • Commitment to volunteerism and community involvement as demonstrated by experience volunteering in social/civil/community events and initiatives, non-profit organizations, counselling, crisis intervention
  • Commitment to personal and professional development and in continuing training and education through ongoing learning
  • Training and Experience operating heavy vehicles (for example: trucks, tractor trailers, buses)
  • Military and/or Health Care experience
  • Demonstrated experience dealing with diverse communities
  • Demonstrated commitment to a healthy lifestyle
  • Multilingual skills preferred

Following submission of applications, the selection process outlined below will be applied to determine selection and hire of successful applicants.

Stage 1: Screening of Applications

  • Applications are screened to determine which applicants are to be considered for an interview.
  • Given the high volume of applications that are typically received by Toronto Fire Services for its entry level positions, the screening of applications will based on the minimum and asset qualifications of the posted position.

Stage 2: Verification of Required Documents

  • Upon request, applicants must submit all required documents to confirm their eligibility to be considered further. Applicants will be required to submit e-copies of all original documents. We require PDF formats for the submission of documents.
  • If an applicant’s documents are not received on time or are not valid, they shall cease to be considered for the position to which they applied.

Stage 3: Panel Interview

  • Applicants who are selected for further consideration will be invited to participate in a panel interview to assess their skills, abilities, traits and competencies for the position that they are applying to.
  • Applicants will also be required to complete a declaration form advising as to whether they know any of the members of the interview panel, prior to the commencement of the panel interview.
  • (Note: Having a relative working for Toronto Fire Services does not disqualify an applicant from the recruitment process. However, in accordance with Toronto Fire Services policy, restrictions may exist with respect to where the applicant can be assigned or placed within Toronto Fire Services, should they be offered employment.)
  • Following completion of the panel interview process, the most qualified applicants will be selected for conditional job offer with Toronto Fire Services. Only those applicants who are selected for conditional job offer will proceed to Stage 5.
  • At the panel interview, applicants will be required to identify themselves using government issued photo identification (driver’s licence, passport, or military ID).

Stage 4: Post Interview Clearance

  • Applicants who are selected for a conditional job offer must receive clearance by Toronto Fire Services with respect to the following:
  • Medical Clearance:
    • To receive medical clearance applicants must participate in a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the Chief Medical Officer for Toronto Fire Services and receive medical clearance by same.
  • Criminal Record Check Clearance:
    • To receive criminal record check clearance, applicants must provide an original Criminal Record Check document, obtained from your local Police Service, and receive criminal record check clearance from Toronto Fire Services.
  • Employment Reference Check Clearance:
    • To receive employment reference check clearance, applicants must provide three (3) employment references from previous supervisors and receive employment reference clearance from Toronto Fire Services.
  • Ontario Driver’s Licence
    • Provide proof of a valid and current Ontario Driver’s Licence appropriate to the position, for which the applicant applied.
  • The City reserves the right to request additional documents and eligibility of an applicant at any time.
  • Applicants who successfully complete stage 4 will proceed to stage 5.

Stage 5: Firm Job Offer Extended

  • Applicants who have successfully completed stages 1 – 5 will be extended a firm written job offer.

Stage 6: Firm Job Offer Accepted

  • Successful applicants accept and return the signed job offer to the City.

Important Information for Applicants

The City of Toronto is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workplace culture with a workforce that is representative of the population it serves. Applications from women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minority group members are encouraged.

The City of Toronto strives to be a model of public service excellence and is looking for people who share our values. Find out more about the Toronto Public Service.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities is available upon request. If you encounter a problem registering or applying on line, please call 416-392-8665 (accessibility issues only) or email jobshelp@toronto.ca for assistance.

  • Stay informed of any planned hiring or application periods, by regularly checking this page.
  • Carefully review all the recruitment information as it contains all the steps and stages of the recruitment and selection process that applicants will be required to follow.
  • Applicants may be asked to provide the originals of any/all credentials referred to in their application at any time through the selection process, therefore it is advisable to ensure all certificates and required documents are readily available. If you cannot produce documents when required, you will not continue in the selection process.
  • All credentials must be valid and current as of the application deadline date. Failure to provide original proof of credentials when requested will result in disqualification from the selection process.
  • Should an applicant be successful in the selection process, they will be asked to submit a Criminal Records Check, which must be cleared by Toronto Fire Services before any firm offer of employment is extended to the applicant.
    • Getting a Criminal Records Check document from your local police department may take some time. You can start this process sooner but doing so is completely voluntary.
    • You may want to get a medical consult from your own physician beforehand but doing so is completely voluntary. Successful applicants will be required to participate in a comprehensive medical examination

Suggested Reading Material to Prepare for Fire Prevention Recruit Training

Hazardous Material NFPA 1072 (Formally NFPA 472)

Legislation 101

  • Ontario Human Rights Code – Part I and II
  • Occupational Health & Safety Act – Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, X
  • Highway Traffic Act – Parts I, VI, IX, X
  • Municipal Law – Part I
  • Provincial Offenses Act Part I, II and IV
  • Fire Services Associations & Corporate Agencies Guidance for improving Health and Safety in the Fire Services:
    • Enforcement of fire fighters guidance notes
    • Fire Fighters guidance notes 1-2, 2-1, 3-3, 4-6, 5-1, 6-13, 6-26, 7-4

All Acts listed above found here.

Court Room Procedures

  • Provincial Offenses Act Part I & III
  • The Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 (within the 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium)
  • OFM – TG 01 -2012

Part 2 and Part 6

  • 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium Division B Part 2 (pages 113 – 134) Division B part 6 (pages 247 – 269)
  • 2012 Ontario Building Code Compendium Division B Part 3 sections 3.2 to 3.4 (pages 39 -157)

Above information found here.

Part 9 Retrofit

  • 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium Division B Part 9
  • NFPA 1031 Level I
  • NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner, 2014 Edition Chapter 4 regarding Fire Inspector I pages 8 -10
  • IFSTA Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement 8th edition. Refer to sections within chapters covering Fire Inspector I material as outlined in the Table of Contents
  • The Fire Protection and Prevention Act 1997 (within the 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium) part VI Inspections pages 19 -25
  • 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium Division B Part 2 (pages 113 – 134) Division B part 6 (pages 247 – 269)
  • 2012 Ontario Building Code Compendium Division B Part 3 sections 3.2 to 3.4 (pages 39 -157)

Please note, above reading material will be provided prior to the start of Fire Prevention recruit training.

NFPA 1035 Level I

  • NFPA 1035, Standard for the Professional Qualifications for Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer and Juvenile Fire setter Intervention Specialist, 2010 edition
  • IFSTA Fire and Life Safety Educator 3rd edition. Refer to sections within chapters covering Fire and Life Safety Educator (FLSE) level I material as outlined in the Table of Contents

Please note, above reading material will be provided prior to the start of Fire Prevention recruit training.