Description
The City of Kitchener’s Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of 5th Class Probationary Firefighter. This is a regular full-time position based at Fire Headquarters, with the goal of establishing a pool for current and future vacancies. Kitchener Firefighters are dedicated professionals committed to serving the community through education, prevention, and emergency response.
A career as a firefighter is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in public safety. The department is looking for compassionate, customer-focused individuals who are motivated to join a respected and demanding profession. Successful candidates will participate in a recruit class beginning September 21st, with mandatory attendance throughout the duration.
Duties and Responsibilities
Firefighting and Emergency Response:
- Respond to fire alarms and emergency calls as required.
- Perform fire suppression, rescue, and first aid operations.
- Operate firefighting and emergency equipment safely and effectively.
Public Education and Prevention:
- Participate in fire prevention activities and public education initiatives.
- Conduct fire safety inspections and deliver fire and life safety education.
Teamwork and Departmental Support:
- Work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Maintain equipment, apparatus, and fire stations in operational condition.
- Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
Professional Development and Training:
- Participate in ongoing training and skill development.
- Attend mandatory recruit class and departmental training sessions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid MTO DZ class driver's license in good standing (Driver's Abstract required at interview and as a condition of employment; costs are applicant's responsibility).
- NFPA 1001-Firefighter I & II certification from a recognized pre-service Firefighter Education and Training Program or accredited institution.
- Successful completion of Stages 1 & 2 of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Service (certification must be valid as of April 2026).
- Valid and current First Aid training equivalent to Emergency First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder and Health Care Provider CPR.
- Ability to swim.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to deal with difficult individuals in a courteous and effective manner.
- Commitment to teamwork and reliability with a good attitude and employment record.
- Employment is conditional upon provision of a satisfactory and current Police Vulnerable Sector Check dated no earlier than two weeks before start date (costs are applicant's responsibility).
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous Firefighter experience.
- NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator certification.
- NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector certification.
- OFAI Swim Test completion.
- Valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or other proof of competency.
- Knowledge of firefighting equipment, terminology, and practice.
- Previous related work experience.
- Demonstrated community service involvement.
- Certified trade training or experience.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Other relevant specialized training or qualifications.
Additional Information
- Employment Type: Regular Full Time
- Hours of Work: 42.12 per week
- Location: Fire Headquarters
- Pay: $65,798 to $71,779 annually
- Grade/Band: 6110
- Department: CSD-Community Services Department, Fire Division
- Union: Kitchener Fire Fighters Association
- Number of Openings: 9
- Job Posting Dates: Start: 4/21/26, End: 5/3/26
- Interviews: Will take place from June 1-12, 2026
- Recruit Class: Begins September 21st with mandatory attendance and no scheduled absences.
- Application Instructions: Must apply online. Cover letter and resume combined should not exceed three pages and must be in the required format (Work Experience, General Education, Community Involvement/Volunteer Experience, Fire Related Education and Courses with certification dates).