Firefighter – Niagara Falls, Ontario – 2026

The Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls is dedicated to providing accountable and quality services that promote a safe, healthy, prosperous and attractive community in which to live, work, play and visit. The Niagara Falls Fire Department is committed to service excellence and upholding the highest professional standards, serving a proud and diverse community that welcomes millions of visitors each year.

The Fire Fighter position is a skilled role involving firefighting, rescue, and other related emergency services, with a focus on the prevention of fires and the saving of life and property. Fire Fighters must rapidly, efficiently, and safely perform duties under emergency conditions that may involve considerable hazard, while also completing routine maintenance of firefighting vehicles, equipment, and fire department facilities.

Work is performed under the direction of an officer during normal operations, but requires independent judgment and action in urgent circumstances where instructions from a superior may not be possible. Fire Fighters are required to have a thorough working knowledge of all emergency equipment, including emergency apparatus.

Emergency Response and Fire Suppression:

• As a member of a platoon, responds to emergency calls, lays and connects hose, holds nozzles and directs streams, raises and climbs ladders, uses extinguishers and other equipment.
• Ventilates buildings to release heat, smoke and gases and places salvage covers to prevent water damage.

Rescue, Medical, and Technical Response:

• Provides rescue in various forms and first responder actions to hazmat calls and other technical emergencies.
• Removes persons from danger and administers first aid to injured persons.

Communications and Dispatch (as assigned):

• Receives and records fire alarms and other emergency calls by telephone, electronic, or other means, and dispatches proper apparatus and equipment.

Apparatus Operations (as assigned):

• Drives and operates firefighting apparatus.

Maintenance and Readiness:

• Performs varied maintenance tasks on apparatus, equipment and facilities.

Fire Prevention (when assigned, under direction of an officer):

• Performs inspections and administrative duties as required.

Training and Other Related Duties:

• Assists with the preparation and delivery of training materials, drills, etc.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• A High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid Class “D” Ontario Driver’s Licence with “Z” Endorsement or equivalent
• Original Driver's Abstract required (Issued after January 1, 2026 will be accepted)
• Original Criminal Record Check required (Issued after January 1, 2026 will be accepted)
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR (HCP-Health Care Professional) Certificates
• NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualification Firefighter Level 1 & Firefighter Level 2 Certification
• Successfully complete, in one day, the Aptitude Test (CPS), Clinical Assessment, Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), Acrophobia Test and Fifteen (15) minute Tread Water Test, as provided by Firefighter Services of Ontario
• Complete the Emotional Stability and Resiliency Assessment by the deadline provided by Firefighter Services of Ontario
• Be willing to meet all employment conditions as required by the City of Niagara Falls

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary Fire Services and Medical education.
• Sound knowledge, gained through either formal training and/or practical experience, of firefighting principles, practices and equipment.
• Sound knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of, and materials used in, building construction.
• Familiarity with equipment and apparatus related to firefighting such as hydraulic equipment, pumps, self-contained breathing apparatus, communications equipment etc.
• Strong leadership and administrative skills, superior interpersonal skills, and the ability to work cooperatively as a member of an effective and professional team.

Inquiries:

• All inquiries regarding this process should be directed to Human Resources at (905) 356-7521, ext. 6518.

Promotional Process / Career Advancement:

• The City of Niagara Falls Fire Department offers opportunities for promotion and advancement.
• It takes four (4) years to advance from probationary firefighter to first class firefighter.
• Through the Collective Agreement between the City and the Niagara Falls Professional Firefighters Association, there are opportunities to attain a rank above first class firefighter and/or apply for positions in either the Fire Prevention Division or the Training Division.
• Professional firefighters applying to the City of Niagara Falls, if successful during the recruitment process, will be required to start at the probationary fire fighter level and salary.

Recruitment and Selection Process:

Applicants must pass through all stages of the recruitment process. Those who fail to meet the required standards at any phase will be automatically disqualified.

1. Stage 1: Application/Recruitment Guide
   The Application Form and Firefighter Recruitment Guide can be accessed on the City’s web site by clicking on the Careers link starting March 2, 2026.
2. Stage 2: Firefighter Services of Ontario Screening
   • Registration deadline: 11:59PM EST on March 27, 2026.
   • All test components must be completed in one day; test dates will be arranged by Firefighter Services of Ontario.
   • All testing shall be completed by April 26, 2026.
   • Candidates who successfully completed the core four tests in one day (Clinical, CPAT, Tread Water and Aptitude), on or after April 26, 2025, would be required to complete: Clinical Assessment (if expired, valid for 6 months) and Medical, Acrophobia, and/or Emotional Stability and Resiliency Assessment (if expired, valid for 1 year).
   • Applicants must bring all application materials to their testing appointment; documents will be collected from candidates who have successfully completed all tests in one day.
   • Transportation costs and the Firefighter Services of Ontario assessment fee will be the responsibility of the applicant.
3. Stage 3: Submit Application
   • The completed application and resume including proof of all the mandatory qualifications (except Criminal Check) are to be submitted to Firefighter Services of Ontario by 11:59 p.m. EST on April 26, 2026.
   • Successful applicants will be required to pay an application processing fee when submitting their application to Firefighter Services of Ontario.
4. Stage 4: First Interview and CritiCall Testing
   • Applicants will be selected based on the Firefighter Services of Ontario assessments, resume and qualifications.
   • Interviews will be conducted by the Hiring Panel consisting of Fire Department senior officers and a Human Resources representative or alternate.
   • Applicants are required to arrive 15 minutes earlier to take a picture and answer a written question (picture is optional; five (5) minutes to answer the question).
   • Criminal Record check or status of Criminal Record check will be required at the first interview.
   • Applicants moving to the first interview stage will complete a CritiCall Test conducted by the Niagara Falls Fire Department (scheduled on the same day as the first interview).
5. Stage 5: Second Interview
   • Applicants invited for a second interview will be determined by the Hiring Panel.
   • Two supervisory references will be required at this time.
6. Stage 6: Medical Examination
   • All qualified applicants will undertake a Medical Examination; transportation costs will be the responsibility of the applicant.
   • The medical will take approximately one hour and may include medical review and physical completion forms, Vision scanner, Urinalysis and Audiogram.
   • The medical will be based on NFPA 1582 standard.
   • A Hepatitis B vaccination will be required.
7. Stage 7: Offer of Employment
   If reference checks satisfactorily, a job offer will be made to the successful applicants.

Firefighter Services of Ontario Screening (Testing Day Preparation):

• Assessment will take at least 7 hours.
• Come dressed prepared to exercise (running shoes, socks, T-shirt, sweatpants, shorts, bathing suit).
• Advice to bring plenty of food, snacks, and drinks to fuel your body throughout the day.
• No eating or drinking (except water), within 4 hours of your appointment.
• Urinate within 12 hours of your appointment.
• No exercise within 12 hours of your appointment.
• No alcohol consumption within 48 hours of your appointment.
• No diuretic medications within 7 days of your appointment.
• No caffeine within 12 hours of your appointment.
• Candidates must be normally hydrated for the body fat composition measure.
• A medical and fitness information release form (PAR-Q+ & YOU) and an Informed Consent form outlining the battery of tests and associated risks must be filled out prior to the appointment (found in the confirmation email after booking the appointment).

Employment Expectations:

• Fire Fighters must perform their duties in an uncontrolled environment under emergency conditions.
• The job involves the rapid change from relative inactivity to sudden strenuous activity under physically and psychologically stressful conditions.
• Candidates must be in the required physical and mental health and have no conditions which could interfere with their ability to perform the required duties safely.
• The successful candidate will be expected to be a team player who understands the need to follow orders, procedures, guidelines, etc. in a cooperative and safe manner.
• During the course of employment, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a high degree of physical fitness and attendance.
• Candidates who are hired as Fire Fighters will be required to submit to various types of examinations during their employment.
• The successful candidates will present themselves in a professional manner at all times and be fully conscious of the public's expectations of a Fire Fighter at all times.