Volunteer firefighter recruitment

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Volunteer firefighter 2022 recruitment

Applications are now closed for the Fall 2022 campaign.

Please note: Ottawa Fire Services accepts volunteer firefighter applications year-round. Successful candidates will be contacted for fall or spring sessions.

Eight volunteer firefighters wearing personnel protective equipment standing in front of a fire truck.

Volunteer firefighter duties

Volunteer firefighters are compensated for attending training, emergencies, and station duties.

Volunteer firefighters are responsible for a variety of duties including, but not limited to:

  • Responding to calls for rescue and fire emergencies which may include working within hazardous environments when fighting fires, taking part in several rescue scenarios, and administering medical aid
  • Participating in regular training and maintenance work of the fire station and equipment
  • Working within a chain of command management structure, making decisions as well as to adhering to orders and direction
  • Participating in public education opportunities and supporting local community events

Qualifications
  • All applicants must be 18 years or older at time of application
  • All applicants must have a valid G Ontario driver’s license at time of application
  • All applicants must live or work in an area served by a volunteer fire station

Volunteer firefighter application

Before you begin

As part of the application package, please include the following

  • Copy of your résumé/CV
  • Cover letter
  • Copy of any relevant certificates and/or diplomas

Apply

Applications are accepted year-round. Submit a volunteer firefighter application to be considered for the Spring 2023 session.

Volunteer firefighter application process

The application process consists of 3 stages:

  1. Prerequisites
  2. Interview
  3. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Successful candidates will receive a letter of offer once all 3 stages are completed and documentation is received.

Stage 1: Prerequisites

Security check

A current vulnerable sector criminal record check

Driver profile/abstract

A 5-year abstract, available at any Service Ontario Center

Stage 2: Interview

Interviews are scheduled as required.

Stage 3: Candidate physical ability test (CPAT)

All volunteer firefighter candidates are expected to complete the candidate physical ability test. A CPAT preparation guide is available to assist candidates to be physically prepared for the test.

CPAT process:

  1. Orientation for candidate physical ability test (orientation sessions are scheduled on weekends and evenings to accommodate the volunteer candidates)
  2. Medical clearance form completed by a physician