Career Firefighter – Niagara Falls – 2024

This skilled role involves firefighting, rescue, and related emergency services. A firefighter plays an active role in fire prevention programs, life-saving actions, and property protection. The position requires rapid, effective, and safe execution of duties under emergency conditions, often involving significant risk. Responsibilities also include routine maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and fire department facilities. Firefighters typically receive specific orders during maintenance and firefighting tasks but are granted considerable independence in urgent situations where immediate decisions are necessary. In-depth knowledge of all emergency equipment, including apparatus, is essential.

• Responding to emergency calls as part of a platoon, laying and connecting hoses, holding nozzles, directing water streams, raising and climbing ladders, and using extinguishers and other equipment.
• Performing rescues and providing first response for hazardous materials and technical emergencies.
• Removing individuals from danger and administering first aid.
• Ventilating buildings to release smoke, heat, and gases, and deploying salvage covers to limit water damage.
• Receiving and recording fire alarms and emergency calls, dispatching appropriate apparatus and equipment.
• Driving and operating firefighting apparatus as assigned.
• Conducting maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
• Carrying out inspections and administrative duties in fire prevention, under officer direction.
• Assisting with training materials, drills, and related educational sessions as needed.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Class “D” Ontario Driver’s Licence with “Z” Endorsement (or equivalent)
• Original Driver’s Abstract (issued after June 1, 2024)
• Original Criminal Record Check (issued after June 1, 2024)
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR (Health Care Professional level) certification
• NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & Level 2 Certification
• Completion of the following, provided by Firefighter Services of Ontario, in a single day:
  • Aptitude Test (CPS)
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
  • Acrophobia Test
  • Fifteen-minute Tread Water Test
• Emotional Stability and Resiliency Assessment completion by the deadline set by Firefighter Services of Ontario
• Willingness to meet all employment conditions as required by the City of Niagara Falls

• Post-secondary education in Fire Services or Medical fields
• Sound knowledge of firefighting principles, practices, and equipment, gained through training and/or experience
• Understanding of building construction principles, techniques, and materials
• Familiarity with firefighting equipment, such as hydraulic tools, pumps, self-contained breathing apparatus, and communication devices
• Strong leadership and administrative skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and teamwork capabilities in a professional environment

Stage 1: Application/Recruitment Guide

Access the Application Form and Firefighter Recruitment Guide on the City’s website at www.niagarafalls.ca under the Careers and Employment menu by selecting Employment Opportunities, available starting October 30, 2024.

Stage 2: Firefighter Services of Ontario Screening

Register online for the Firefighter Services of Ontario screening at https://register.fireontario.com by 11:59 PM EST on December 31, 2024. Testing must be completed in one day by February 2, 2025, with dates arranged by Firefighter Services of Ontario.

If you completed the core four tests (Clinical, CPAT, Tread Water, and Aptitude) on or after February 2, 2024, you must:

• Complete Clinical Assessment (if expired, valid for 6 months)
• Complete Medical, Acrophobia, and/or Emotional Stability and Resiliency Assessment (if expired, valid for 1 year)
• Submit your application package to FSO by mail or in person.

For eligibility confirmation, contact info@fireontario.com.

Additional Notes:

• Applicants are responsible for transportation and assessment fees.
• Review the CPAT orientation video at www.fireontario.com or sign up for an orientation session for a fee. For a CPAT session or to purchase the CPS Aptitude Exam Prep Manual, email info@fireontario.com.
• Bring all application materials to the testing appointment; documents will be collected from those who successfully complete all tests.

Stage 3: Submit Application

Submit the completed application and resume, including proof of all mandatory qualifications (excluding Criminal Record Check), to Firefighter Services of Ontario by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 2, 2025. A processing fee will apply.

Stage 4: First Interview and CritiCall Testing

Applicants selected based on assessments, resume, and qualifications will be interviewed by a Hiring Panel of Fire Department senior officers and a Human Resources representative. Arrive 15 minutes early to have an optional photo taken and respond in writing to a question within five minutes. A Criminal Record Check or its status is required at this stage.

Additionally, applicants will take a CritiCall Test, evaluating multitasking abilities essential for firefighting and emergency communication. This test will be scheduled the same day as the interview.

Stage 5: Second Interview

The Hiring Panel will invite selected applicants for a second interview, during which two supervisory references are required.

Stage 6: Medical Examination

Qualified applicants will undergo a Medical Examination based on the NFPA 1582 standard, covering medical and physical forms, vision, urinalysis, and audiogram assessments. Transportation costs are the applicant's responsibility, and a Hepatitis B vaccination is required.

Stage 7: Offer of Employment

After satisfactory reference checks, successful applicants will receive a job offer.