Description
The City of Owen Sound offers careers in firefighting—a demanding profession with significant responsibilities, including protecting life, property, and the environment from fire and other hazards. Firefighters respond to incidents involving fire suppression, hazardous materials, high-angle rescue, medical assistance, water and ice rescue, and auto extrication. They also deliver key fire safety messages and public education duties, requiring excellent listening and communication skills. Satisfaction in this role comes from public service, teamwork, and engaging in a challenging profession. The firefighter's role involves high personal stress and demands dedication and resilience.
The City of Owen Sound is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the City of Owen Sound, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged.
Duties and Responsibilities
As a member of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services, you will respond to emergency calls requiring rescue operations, medical aid, and firefighting tactics. The profession entails performance under conditions of physical and mental stress. Owen Sound Firefighters provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, working on a five-shift schedule that includes rotating 10-hour day and 14-hour night shifts, with five shifts on and five shifts off, including weekends and holidays. Additionally, firefighters must be on-call and respond within a reasonable time to incidents while on-call. Teamwork is essential, whether on the scene, at the station, or while providing public service assistance. Firefighters need the knowledge, strength, and skills to perform the essential duties required to protect the public.
Minimum Qualifications
A) All of the following Qualifications:
- Ontario Secondary School Grade 12 Diploma or academic equivalent; and
- Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” Ontario Driver’s License (or equivalent); and
- Pleasure Craft License; and
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” Level Certificates.
PLUS
B) One of the following Certifications:
- Firefighter Pre-Service Education & Training Program from a recognized institution; OR
- Successful completion of NFPA 1001, including Firefighter I & II (Certified or Qualified); OR
- Five years of experience as a firefighter in a municipal fire department with supporting Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) documentation demonstrating successful grandfathering to the NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II Level.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in fire suppression, construction, trades, mechanical, other emergency services, fire prevention, military, coast guard, large vehicle/heavy equipment operation, water rescue, SCUBA diving (an asset).
- Skilled Trade License or Certification (an asset).
- Community College diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technician/Technology Program (an asset).
- University Degree or College Diploma (an asset).
- NFPA training or certifications.
- Demonstrated coaching, teaching, mentoring, and leadership skills.
- Volunteer and community involvement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to handle intense and sustained physical effort necessary to perform firefighting duties safely.
- Knowledge of the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code.
- Ability to understand and communicate clearly (orally and written) in English.
- Ability to communicate in a second language is considered an asset.
Additional Information
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Note:
- Please fill out the Application Form at the bottom of the posting and include it as a Cover Page for your application.
Application Submission Details
Applicants wishing to be considered for the position of Probationary Firefighter must submit the Application Form, proof of the minimum qualifications, and their cover letter and resume as ONE document.
- Applications are to be submitted via e-mail to hrjobposting@owensound.ca.
- Subject Title: 2025 Fire Recruitment – Applicant Name.
- Applications delivered in person or by mail will not be accepted.
- Only those applicants providing proof of all minimum requirements will be considered for an interview, and only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.
- Ensure your application and all documents and certificates are attached before submission. Due to the volume of applications, if your documents are not received on time or cannot be validated, your application will not proceed.
Human Resources will contact you throughout the hiring period using the email address or phone number provided in your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their contact information is current.
The procedure for selecting firefighters consists of the following steps:
- Application
- Interview & Selection Process
- Conditional Offer
Only the most qualified applicants at each step will proceed to the next stage in the selection process.
Please note: Firefighter recruitments attract a high volume of applications. As a result, to efficiently respond to applicants, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.