Career Firefighter – Penticton – 2026

The City of Penticton is seeking motivated individuals to join their team as Career Firefighters. Located in the scenic Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Penticton offers a vibrant, community-oriented work culture and an opportunity to serve a diverse and growing population. This position is open to candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada and who wish to be part of a progressive organization recognized for its commitment to inclusivity and professional development.

• Serve as a Career Firefighter, working an average of 42 hours per week in accordance with IAFF standards.
• Respond to emergency situations, including fires, medical incidents, and other urgent calls for assistance.
• Participate in fire prevention, public education, and community outreach initiatives.
• Conduct regular equipment inspections, maintenance, and readiness activities.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development to maintain readiness and skills.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment, supporting department goals and initiatives.
• Uphold safety standards and adhere to departmental protocols at all times.

• Secondary School Graduation.
• Completion of the NFPA 1001 Levels 1 and 2 IFSAC or PROBOARD accreditation (including hazmat certificates).
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a variety of circumstances.
• Thorough knowledge of various computer applications, as well as satisfactory keyboarding skills.
• Must pass medical, hearing, and vision standards of NFPA 1582: Standard on Firefighter Comprehensive Occupational Medical, directed by the City's choice of practitioner.
• A valid BC Class 3 Driver's License with Air Brake Endorsement; Automatic transmission is accepted.
  • Candidates from outside of B.C. must be licensed to drive a truck with more than two axles. Applicants are required to provide proof of the B.C. equivalency with their application package.
  • Similar licenses from other Canadian Provinces or territory are acceptable on initial application only but you must obtain the equivalent BC License by the date of an official job offer. Contact ICBC for more information 1-800-950-1498.
• Current Driver's Abstract that exhibits safe and responsible driving habits, within the last 15 days, minimum 5 year.
• A current BC EMA Licensing Board First Responder license or higher level of EMA License (EMR, PCP, ACP). We do not accept OFA licensing.
• Criminal Record Check that displays no convictions for criminal offences related to the job of a Firefighter.
• Exceptional swimming ability.
• Canadian Citizen or permanent resident, Legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Committed to maintaining personal fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
• Ability to work 24 hour shifts, day shifts, night shifts, weekends and holidays including extra shifts as required.
• Ability to be available for short term emergency call out to meet business and operational needs, employees must live within the Fire Protection Area or within a municipality adjacent to the City of Penticton Boundary.

• Post-secondary education (i.e. academic, technical, trades) or an acceptable combination of related technical or trades training.
• Minimum two-year work experience following Secondary School completion, preferably in work related to the needs of the fire service.
• Bronze Medallion.
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
• Completion of Fire Service related courses or programs.
• Actively involved in community and volunteer organizations.
• Significant focus on physical health and avoidance of substances counter to optimum health.
• Work well under high-pressure situations.

Below is a list of "required" and "asset" documents to be included in your application package. Failure to include copies of any of these documents, as applicable, may eliminate you from consideration for the competition. You may include any additional information that you feel may assist us in assessing your suitability for the Firefighter position. Please include copies of the following in one attachment and avoid uploading every document separately.

• Required
  • Birth certificate, proof of permanent resident status, or any other document outlining that you are legally entitled to work in Canada
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • NFPA 1001 Levels 1 and 2 (including IFSAC seals) or PROBOARD accreditation including Hazmat certificates
  • A current and valid BC EMA Licensing Board First Responder license or higher level of EMA License (EMR, PCP, ACP).
  • Drivers Abstract Current within last 15 days, minimum 5 year
  • Valid BC Class 3 Driver's License with Air Brake Endorsement
  • Resume and cover letter
  • A list of at least three supervisory references with current contact information
  • Police Information Check form submitted to RCMP. Upon receipt of completed form back, please forward it to: hr@penticton.ca
• Asset
  • Post-Secondary transcripts, certificate, diploma or degree
  • Proof of Apprenticeship
  • Bronze Medallion Certification Card
  • Proof of any other specialty courses or related training
  • Pleasure craft operator card

Compensation: Hourly rate of $39.51 (average 42 hours per week, IAFF).

Benefits Include:

• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance
• Municipal pension plan
• $5,000 in annual mental health benefits
• $200 annual fitness rebate
• Free community recreation pass (swimming, fitness, etc.)
• Support for professional development, including yearly conference budget
• Free on-site parking
• Tickets to local concerts, hockey games, and employee appreciation events
• Annual golf tournament, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities
• Picturesque waterfront location with access to world-class outdoor recreation

Application Process: Submit your cover letter and resume by 4:00pm on February 22, 2026. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Equity Statement: The City of Penticton welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, all genders and expressions, 2SLGBT2QIA+, persons living with disabilities, and others who reflect the community's diversity. Accommodations are available during the recruitment process upon request.

Location Details: Penticton is nestled between two lakes in the southern Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, offering long summers, mild winters, and over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. The city is renowned for its beaches, wineries, orchards, and outdoor recreational opportunities, and is situated on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.