Firefighter Recruit – Richmond (BC) – 2025

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

This is skilled firefighting work involving fire suppression, rescue services, prevention and education services, and fire hall and equipment maintenance to achieve Richmond Fire-Rescue’s mission to act as an effective team to proactively protect and enhance the City’s livability by serving and educating our community, preventing harm and responding to emergencies.

• Respond to various calls including Fire/Alarm, Motor Vehicle Incident, Medical and Rescue.
• Responsible for various fire suppression duties.
• Responsible for using a variety of tools and equipment.
• Perform search and rescue of person(s) from dangerous situations/conditions; assess patient(s) and administer first aid as required.
• Provide general fire safety education (i.e. events, hall visits, school drills, etc.).
• Participate in training, drills and practice sessions.
• Routine service and maintenance of Fire Department equipment and property, including regular equipment checks.
• Responsible for driving and operating Fire trucks/vehicles.
• Perform various other related work duties as required.
• Work is closely reviewed by a supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to react quickly and perform duties calmly and efficiently under all conditions, including situations of strain and duress.
• Ability to understand, carry out and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with the public while fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Ability to frequently exercise independent action and judgment in circumstances of extreme urgency where referral to superior for directions may not possible.
• Ability and strength to perform prolonged and arduous duties under dangerous working conditions.
• Ability to work at height and within confined spaces.
• Ability to pass a medical examination compliant with standards set out in the National Fire Protection Association 1582 Chapter 6.
• Ability to successfully pass the City of Richmond physical test (Fitness York Test).
• Ability to successfully pass the City of Richmond Swim test (100-meter front crawl or freestyle – continuous forward stroke and 5 minutes treading water).
• Ability to maintain and upgrade skills on a regular basis (such as recertification of first aid and CPR skills).
• Ability to use a personal computer and software applications related to the work performed. Considerable mechanical aptitude is required.
• Ability to successfully clear a Police Information Check (PIC).

Qualifications and Experience:

• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of one year of work experience. (1,820 hours = 35 hour work week)
• Work experience in environments such as paramedic, medical, fire services, coast guard, military, search and rescue, etc.
• Completion of post-secondary education or apprenticeship program is preferred.
• Completion of fire-service related courses such as auto extrication, surface water rescue, swift water rescue, high angle/rope rescue, confined space, hazardous materials, incident command, shipboard firefighting, critical incident stress, wild land firefighting, aircraft rescue firefighting, BC Fire Code, sprinklers, etc.
• Successful completion of an approved firefighting training program (NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter 1 and II).
• Volunteer experience.
• Life Saving Society Certification of Bronze Star or higher.
• Proficiency in a second language and/or multiple languages (both oral and written).
• Understanding of Richmond’s diverse cultures and identities.
• Demonstrated commitment to a lifestyle of fitness, health and wellness.

Working Conditions:

• This position is scheduled according to the department shift work schedule, which may include a 24-hour shift pattern.
• This position is physical in nature and performs work in all weather conditions, onsite at various Fire Hall locations and at various scene(s) of fire and rescue including motor vehicle incidents.
• Physical effort is required involving lifting and lowering, moving, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects such as ladders, fire hose, ropes, extrication equipment, power tools, etc. which may weigh greater than 21 kgs.
• Frequent physical effort is required involving gripping equipment such as fire hose, extrication equipment and power tools which may weigh greater than 21 kgs.
• Duties are performed under emergency conditions which frequently involve considerable hazard.

Application Directions

Before proceeding with the online application process, please review the 2025 Richmond Fire-Rescue Application & Hiring Process Guide in full, available on the Richmond Fire-Rescue website.