We are looking for qualified candidates who are pursuing a demanding, exciting and rewarding career in firefighting to join our team.

Today’s Firefighter is a skilled professional able to face every kind of emergency. We will provide training on preferred methods for various job tasks. Through this training and experience you will learn the latest developments in firefighting, rescue techniques, medical emergency procedures and public education. We also cover such subjects as the control of hazardous materials, communication systems and fire prevention legislation.

If you are interested in becoming a North Shore Firefighter, you need to possess the following qualities:

• Teamwork and respect
• Effective communication
• Good judgement
• Motivation
• Desire and ability to learn
• Conscientiousness and personal accountability
• Honesty and integrity
• Confidence and resilience
• Problem solving ability

Working as a Firefighter you will be exposed to prolonged hours of physical and mental exertion. You will experience sleep deprivation and may be awake for up to 24 hours at a time. You will be exposed to stressful situations that will be mentally, physically and emotionally challenging.

You will work in situations that have a risk of injury or death. You will be expected to maintain a professional level of conduct both on and off the job. Your actions and behaviour may be captured and put on media and/or social media by news teams and the general public.

We have systems in place to support and help our members due to the numerous challenges we face in this profession. We come together to look out for and support each other on and off the job. We have Critical Incident Stress Management teams that debrief and support our crews after difficult calls. We also have Employee Assistance Programs that not only support our members but also their families because we recognize that issues at work can affect family members too. You can be sure that our members are well supported.

Applications will be screened to ensure the following qualifications have been met. If you do not meet ALL of these, please do not submit an application as it will be screened out:

• Successful completion of an approved Firefighter Training program resulting in a minimum of Firefighter Level 2 Certificate (NFPA1001). Certificates must have Pro Board or IFSAC seal.
• High School
• Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of at least one year of post-secondary education (i.e. 30 credits-academic/technical/trades) OR at least one year of accumulated work experience after high school (equivalent to full time hours), preferably in work related to the needs of the Fire Service (i.e. building construction, mechanical, driving trucks and/or large or emergency vehicles, first aid, nursing, paramedic, instructor/educator, full-time competitive athlete, etc.).
• Physically fit for the position of Firefighter and medically fit according to the standards set in NFPA It is the candidate’s responsibility to review and understand these standards. At the latter stage of the process, you will be required to pass an assessment with a certified medical physician demonstrating medical fitness to perform the job of Firefighter. The assessment uses NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments (referred to as “NFPA 1582”). It is the candidate’s responsibility to review and understand these standards. An on-line version of the standard can be viewed on the National Fire Protection Association website or you can purchase a complete copy from the National Fire Protection Association. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about your ability to meet this standard. The cost of the medical is assumed by the municipality.
• Passing of the Langara College Firefighter Fitness Testing OR University of Alberta Firefighter Applicant Physical Aptitude Evaluation OR University of Victoria Firefighter Physical Abilities Test.

This document must be included with your initial application materials OR completed and submitted before progressing to the pre-screening and station orientation phase, if you are chosen to advance. Each department will inform you if you will be moving forward in their process, at which point verification of the test document will be required. Results will only be considered valid if they are within 1 year of September 13, 2023. Ensure that a valid certificate issued by the testing facility is available upon request. No other physical abilities test will be accepted.

• Valid BC Class 3 Driver’s License or higher (Class 1 for example) with air brake endorsement for vehicles with more than two axles (Automatic transmission is accepted).

Similar licenses from other Canadian Provinces or territories are acceptable on initial application only*. Contact ICBC for more information at 1-800-950-1498.

* Applications without this qualification will be accepted only if you are able to obtain the qualification by the date of an official job offer.

• Current driver’s abstract (dated no more than 60 days prior to the application closing date). This abstract should demonstrate responsible and safe driving A current record with:
  • Not more than 6 points in the last 3 years prior to the date of the application closing
  • Ensure your abstract displays a status of NORMAL. If your abstract displays a status of HOLD, you may be required to provide details on the “hold” before advancing to further stages of

• Successful completion of and current certification in:
  • Occupational First Aid – Level 1, OR
  • Standard First Aid – Industry with CPR Level C, OR
  • Emergency First Aid –

• Computer literate (i.e. proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or common software applications).
• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of

No criminal convictions related to the job of Firefighter. Please see RCMP in British Columbia - Obtain a Criminal Records Check (Police Information Check) (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

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• Progress towards or completion of a post-secondary education program (i.e. academic, technical or trades training).
• Higher level first aid or first responder certification such as:
  • Occupational First Aid Level 3
  • First Responder License Level 3 (FR)
  • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
  • Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
  • Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)

• Additional Fire Service related certificates listed below:
  • Auto Extrication/Vehicle Rescue
  • Confined Space Rescue
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Technical Rope Rescue
  • Swift Water Rescue
  • Lifesaving Certificates (Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, NLS)

• Demonstration of community service, other than duties assigned as a paid on- call/volunteer firefighter (i.e. responding to calls, training ).

When submitting your application online, the application process comprises of various stages with instructions on each screen. You should expect the application process to take approximately 45 minutes as you navigate through the application portal. Do not wait until the final day of the competition to apply, should you encounter technical issues.

Before you apply, you will need to have the following three documents ready:

1. Resume (Get a your resume professionally done, here!)
   
2. Cover Letter
3. Supporting Documents (all supporting documents should be in .pdf file format and scanned into one document/electronic file)

Consider your medical condition in accordance with NFPA1582. It is the candidate’s responsibility to review and understand these standards.

The supporting documents should INCLUDE ONLY the following certificates in this ORDER:

• Certificate with Pro Board or IFSAC seal for your Firefighter 2 (NFPA1001). A temporary document from the fire school or academy confirming your completion is You will be required to provide your certificate once you receive it.
• High School Transcript (not High School Diploma).
• Driver’s Abstract (confirming a minimum of a BC Driver’s License, Class 3 with Air Brake Endorsement (or equivalent)) and issued no earlier than 60 days prior to the application closing
• Certificate(s) or Transcript(s) for any Post-Secondary Education (degree, diploma, trade, non- fire-related certificate programs). Documents must clearly show the credential(s) that you received and/or the number of credits that you Attainment of a Trade Qualification must be clearly indicated, ideally on an ITA transcript, or on a certificate of qualification. If you have indicated partial completion of a registered trades apprenticeship, you must include your ITA BC Official Program Transcript showing the number of Reported Workplace Hours you have attained. If you are from outside of BC, we require an official transcript demonstrating the same from the training authority in your province.
• Certificate(s) for First Aid/First Responder/Medical courses: (For example: Occupational First Aid Level 1, Standard First Aid – Industry with CPR Level C, Emergency First Aid – Industry, OFA 3, FMR 3, EMR, EMR Bridging, PCP, ACP, EMR License, PCP License, nurse or )
• Proof that you have passed one of the following on September 13, 2023 or later*:
  • Langara Firefighter Fitness Testing
  • University of Alberta Firefighter Fitness Testing
  • University of Victoria Firefighter Fitness Testing

No other physical abilities test will be accepted.

*This must be submitted at time of application OR before attending the pre-screening and station orientation with each department if you are chosen to move forward in the selection process.

• Completed Community Service Experience Verification Form, confirming your community service experience.
• Certificates or Transcripts for ONLY the following Fire Specific courses in the following order. Even if you are not certain that your credentials are equivalent to these standards, please submit your certificates and we will assess them:
  • Auto Extrication/Vehicle Rescue (NFPA 1006/FS160/FS161)
  • Confined Space Rescue* (NFPA 1006)
  • Hazardous Materials** (NFPA 472)
  • Technical Rope Rescue* (NFPA 1006)
  • Swift Water Rescue* (NFPA 1006)
  • Lifesaving (Bronze Cross and/or Bronze Medallion and/or Instructor and/or National Lifeguard Service Award)

*Operations and Technician level certifications are given equal consideration for Confined Space Rescue, Technical Rope Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue.

** The Technician level certification is regarded as a higher-level certificate for Hazardous Materials.

SELECTION PROCESS

You will be contacted by e-mail if you are shortlisted to participate in the next stage. All testing throughout the recruitment process takes place on the North Shore and all applicants must attend in person.

Only candidates with the minimum required qualifications and whose applications are regarded as complete will be considered for advancement to the following stages:

Psychometric Assessment

The assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that will assess soft skills, personality traits, risk tolerance, and driving behaviors. This assessment is conducted through a series of questions designed to gauge behaviors and attitudes in various scenarios. The primary goal of this assessment is to predict how well an individual will perform on the job, how well they will align with the values of the organization, and their overall impact on workplace and driver safety.

Written Test

The written test is a series of multiple-choice questions. We use a test provided by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). You may be tested on your ability to understand written information; perform basic math; understand mechanical principles, maps and diagrams; and your situational judgment. You will not be tested on firefighting specific knowledge. A study guide is available at the IPMA HR website to help you prepare for the written test.

Medical accommodations are available for the Written Test stage if you have a medical condition or disability (including a learning disability). Medical documentation will be required to evaluate such a request.

Pre-Screening and Station Orientation

Following the Written Test, each municipality will independently select candidates from the pool to move forward in their respective processes.

Individuals will be evaluated on their qualifications through individual and team assessments. It is possible for some candidates to progress in the process of more than one municipality.

Candidate Selection

Following the Station Orientation stage, each municipality will select candidates to advance in their respective process. It is possible that some candidates may advance in the process for more than one of the three municipalities.

While each municipality will announce details at a later date, it is anticipated that:

• Selected candidates will attend a panel interview comprised of Fire Chief’s and other

representatives.

• Following the interview and any further testing, some candidates may be given a conditional offer of employment or be placed in one or more eligibility The conditional offer is conditional on at least (but not limited to) the four elements below:
  • Passing an assessment with a certified medical physician demonstrating medical fitness to perform the job of Firefighter. The assessment uses the National Fire Protection Association – Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments (referred to as “NFPA 1582”). It is the candidate’s responsibility to review and understand these standards. An on-line version of the standard can be viewed at nfpa.org or a complete copy purchased from the National Fire Protection Association at www.catalog.nfpa.org. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns about your ability to meet this standard. The cost of the medical is assumed by the municipality.
  • Providing a Police Information Check with vulnerable sector
  • Submitting a new driver's abstract demonstrating safe and responsible driving behaviour as at the time of
  • Successful completion of work-related reference
• Candidates who are not selected for immediate employment may be placed on an eligibility pool with one or more of the municipalities for consideration for future employment opportunities. Each municipality will confirm separately the conditions for remaining in their eligibility pool.

LIVING BOUNDARIES

Should you be hired, each of the three fire departments has living boundary requirements as follows:

City of North Vancouver (Per Collective Agreement with IAFF 296)

Extended North Shore Boundaries – All Divisions

A minimum of 60% of the total number of IAFF members, including all Divisions and Floater Firefighters, (rounded to the whole number) must reside in the City of North Vancouver or in one of the following municipalities:

• District of West Vancouver
• District of North Vancouver
• Village of Lions Bay
• City of Vancouver
• Burnaby
• University Endowment Lands
• Port Moody
• Coquitlam
• Port Coquitlam
• New Westminster
• Squamish
• Pitt Meadows

Extended Boundaries – All Divisions

After submission of a written request and with subsequent written approval of the Fire Chief, a maximum of 34% of the total number of IAFF members, including all Divisions and Floater Firefighters, (rounded to the whole number) may reside in the extended areas defined as follows:

• Richmond
• Delta
• Surrey
• Maple Ridge
• Township of Langley
• City of Langley
• White Rock

Outside Extended Boundaries – All Divisions

After submission of a written request and with subsequent written approval of the Fire Chief, a maximum of 6% of the total number of IAFF members, including all Divisions and excluding Floater Firefighters, (rounded to the whole number) may reside in the outside extended areas defined as follows:

• Whistler
• Abbotsford
• Mission
• Chilliwack
• Sunshine Coast
• Bowen Island

Floater Firefighters – Suppression Division

Must reside in the areas Extended North Shore Boundaries or Extended Boundaries as outlined in category above.

District of North Vancouver (Per Collective Agreement with IAFF 1183)

The ten least senior Firefighters are in a relief pool and must be prepared to respond to a call to work, sometimes at short notice. All employees must reside in the District of North Vancouver or in one of the following adjoining municipalities and must continue to reside within one of these areas while in the District’s employ:

• District of West Vancouver
• City of North Vancouver
• City of Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Coquitlam
• Port Moody
• Port Coquitlam
• University Endowment Lands
• New Westminster
• Village of Lions Bay
• Squamish

After submission of a written request and only with subsequent approval by the Fire Chief, a maximum of thirty percent (30%) of the total number of the employees may reside in the extended boundaries defined as follows:

• Richmond
• Delta
• Surrey
• Maple Ridge
• Langley
• Pitt Meadows
• White Rock

At the discretion of the Fire Chief, a maximum of fifteen (15%) of the total number of the employees (rounded to the higher whole number) may reside outside of the extended boundaries.

District of West Vancouver (Per the Collective Agreement with IAFF 1525)

Not less than sixty percent (60%) of the Fire Department employees shall reside in the following areas:

• West Vancouver
• North Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Vancouver
• Lions Bay
• New Westminster
• Port Moody
• Coquitlam, west of the Coquitlam River
• Squamish (including Brackendale and Garibaldi Highlands)*
• Furry Creek*
• Brittania Beach*

Upon written approval of the Fire Chief, up to forty percent (40%) of Fire Department employees shall be allowed to live in the following areas:

• Richmond
• Coquitlam, east of the Coquitlam River
• Anmore/Belcarra
• Surrey
• Cloverdale
• Aldergrove
• White Rock
• Delta
• Ladner
• Maple Ridge
• Port Coquitlam
• Pitt Meadows
• Langley
• Sunshine Coast*
• Bowen Island*
• Abbotsford
• West of a north-south line drawn north from the Sumas Border Crossing to the Highway 1 Sumas Exit and on to Highway No. 11 to the Fraser River.