Volunteer firefighter recruitment

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

• 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

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 2024 campaign.

We are committed to establishing a diverse workforce that is reflective of the city and to creating a work environment where everyone is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity. Completing the questionnaire will help create an accurate picture of our workforce. Your personal information is secured and protected in accordance with privacy legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and/or the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

The information collected will be considered confidential, but not anonymous, and will be accessible to hiring managers and designated staff on a need-to-know basis for one or more of the following purposes of:

1. Removing barriers to employment opportunities through implementing equitable and strategic hiring processes
2. Attracting, retaining and motivating a diverse and high-performing workforce
3. Enhancing public accountability and trust by being progressive leaders in the municipal sector
4. Supporting service excellence by building a workforce that reflects the public served
5. Compiling statistical reports in line with strategic directions
6. Verifying, monitoring, measuring and addressing gaps, trends, progress and perceptions
7. Improving the quality of evidence-based decision-making, service delivery and programming
8. Informing policies and programs to respond to employees’ needs
9. Identifying strategic outreach activities to attract the next generation of workers
10. Meeting best practices for workforce demographic analysis under one or more of the following legislation including: the Canada Employment Equity Act, 1995, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code as applicable.

The questionnaire includes six questions on identity. The responses are limited to single selection only, i.e., there is no ability to select multiple responses per question. The questionnaire cannot receive or process open-ended questions.

Definitions used in the questionnaire are based on language in the Employment Equity Act, as well as, the Ontario Human Rights Code, with additional descriptors for clarity.

The questionnaire is voluntary for those applying for all positions, however, a candidate who chooses not to self-identify by completing the questionnaire will not be eligible for employment equity designated position or other special programs as applicable. Though voluntary, we strongly encourage the completion of the questionnaire. 

If you have any questions regarding the identification questionnaire, please contact the HR Service Centre 613-580-2424 ext. 47411 or HRServiceCentre@ottawa.ca.

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