Firefighter – Ottawa – 2025

The City of Ottawa is seeking dedicated and capable individuals to join Ottawa Fire Services as full-time permanent Firefighters. As essential members of the emergency response team, Firefighters are responsible for protecting the lives, property, and environment of Ottawa's citizens and visitors.

This position involves a broad range of emergency scene duties, teamwork under a command structure, and participation in public education and fire prevention activities. Firefighters are expected to operate in challenging and potentially hazardous environments, ensuring safety and readiness at all times.

• Emergency Response: Immediately respond to and perform all emergency scene duties, including firefighting, forcible entry, search and rescue, emergency medical aid and CPR, vehicle extrication, technical rescue operations, hazardous materials operations, and securing emergency scenes for public and team safety.
• Teamwork and Command Structure: Function and operate under a command structure as an effective and supportive team member at emergencies of all scales.
• Operational Duties: Operate at heights, in confined spaces, and in uncontrolled environments, including those that are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
• Equipment Operation: Drive and operate apparatus/vehicles in accordance with policy and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA); operate and use all Ottawa Fire Services equipment such as pumps, hoses, ladders, aerial platforms, generators, and tools for vehicle and equipment extrication.
• Station Duties: Complete in-station duties including cleaning, inspection, testing, documentation of all inventory and equipment, returning all equipment to a state of readiness, and regular maintenance of City property and grounds.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean, inspect, maintain, and perform safety checks on equipment and apparatus daily; maintain a clean and orderly fire station.
• Training: Complete all required training and retraining as assigned within allotted timeframes.
• Pre-Incident Planning: Participate in pre-incident planning to become familiar with immediate response area risks, new or unique building challenges, transportation routes, and obstacles.
• Public Education: Educate the public about fire prevention and safety practices by participating in public education activities and conducting community fire safety programs as required.
• Professionalism and Safety: Properly wear and use issued uniforms, personal protective equipment, and safety systems, including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus as necessary or directed.

Education:

• Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - Grade 12) or academic equivalent diploma.

Certifications and Licences:

• Successful completion of NFPA 1001 Level 1 & 2 and NFPA 1072 or 472 Operations level (proof of IFSAC or Pro Board seal, or Letter of Compliance from the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office).
• Successful completion of the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Stage One Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test (current Candidate Testing Services CTS Certificate), or aptitude test as required by Ottawa Fire Services (must indicate status in application).
• Possession of current and valid medical qualifications:
  • Minimum Standard First Aid certificate (current)
  • CPR Level C (dated not more than 12 months prior to application closing and maintained throughout recruitment)
  • OR current and valid First Responder (BLS), Emergency Medical Responder (BLS), A-EMCA, Certificate of Registration from College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), or License from College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO)
• Valid Ontario Class "D" license with "Z" air brake endorsement (no more than 3 demerit points), or provincial/territorial equivalent.

Knowledge, Competencies & Skills:

• Ability to follow Chain of Command at all times.
• Physical fitness and ability to handle sustained, intense physical, emotional, and mental effort.
• Willingness and ability to work in challenging, adverse, and dangerous conditions.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment.
• Customer service skills for interacting with the public, staff, and other City personnel.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and demands appropriately.
• Teamwork and positive interaction in a diverse environment.
• Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Computer and technology skills for reporting, training, and use during emergencies.
• Commitment to personal and professional development, ongoing learning, and training.
• Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity, reliability, and credibility.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation and worker rights/duties.
• Ability to work a 24-hour shift schedule averaging 42 hours/week, including weekends and holidays.

• Previous fire service or related sector work experience.
• Skills and abilities acquired through related work such as trades, other emergency services, relevant training, and educational programs.
• Training and experience operating heavy vehicles (e.g., trucks, tractor trailers, buses).
• Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism and community involvement (volunteering in social/civil/community events, non-profits, counselling, crisis intervention).

Salary Information: $71,583.37 - $119,305.61 annually (2025 rates of pay)

Work Hours: 42.00 hours per week, 24-hour shift schedule including weekends and holidays

Employment Type: Full-time Permanent

Location: Fire Services, 898 Industrial Avenue, Ottawa, ON

Application Close Date: 21/11/2025

Additional Details:

• Affiliation: OPFFA
• Police Record Check (Vulnerable Sector Check Level 3) is required for successful candidates; third-party checks are not accepted.
• The City of Ottawa promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from designated equity groups.
• Accommodation is available throughout the hiring process upon request.
• Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.
• Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please save a copy of the job poster, as it will not be available after the closing date.