Description
The City of Cambridge Fire Department is seeking dedicated and qualified individuals for the role of Probationary Firefighter. This position plays a critical part in delivering emergency response, fire suppression, rescue, medical, marine, public education, and prevention services to the community. The successful candidate will be committed to teamwork, physical ability, sound judgment, and service excellence.
Working as a Probationary Firefighter means joining a team that strives to 'Save Lives, Prevent Injury, Protect Property.' The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and public engagement. Candidates must demonstrate integrity, respect, inclusiveness, and a passion for community service.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work within a team to deliver emergency response and public fire and life safety duties
- Combat, extinguish, and prevent fires; save lives and property
- Perform various duties under emergency conditions involving hazards and strenuous physical exertion
- Respond to fire alarms and other emergencies, lay and connect hoses, direct water streams, operate extinguishers and other equipment
- Maintain fire station and firefighting equipment
- Upgrade and maintain skills, knowledge, and physical requirements to current standards
- Drive and operate assigned vehicles or equipment
- Provide customer service and participate in public fire and life safety education (public relations projects, visits, displays, lectures, demonstrations, parades, etc.)
- Assist with on-the-job training of other firefighters
- Perform inspections and assessments related to fire prevention duties
- Adhere to all Federal, Provincial, and Municipal laws, regulations, bylaws, and departmental and corporate policies
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- 18 years of age or older and legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen or landed immigrant)
- High School Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
- Free of criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted; satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required
- Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English; able to communicate clearly under high pressure
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Possess a current First Responder Certificate or higher with BLS level CPR (Canadian Red Cross preferred)
- Valid Ontario Class "D" Driver's License with "Z" air brake endorsement; driver’s abstract with fewer than three CVOR demerit points/infractions in the last three years required
- Completion of OFAI Candidate Testing Services Stages as follows:
- Firefighter Aptitude and Character Assessment (Stage One)
- Hearing Assessment (Stage Two)
- Vision Assessment (Stage Two)
- Encapsulated Treadmill Test – NFPA 1582 or equivalent (Stage Two) (must be current and valid as of posting closing date: April 30, 2026)
- Swim Test (must be current and valid as of posting closing date: April 30, 2026)
- Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job-Related Test (FPAT) (Stage Three)
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II including Hazardous Materials Operations (mandatory; must meet O. Reg. 343/22)
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) (mandatory; valid certificate required)
Preferred Qualifications
- NFPA 1035 Level 1 – Public Educator Certification
- NFPA 1002 Pumper Operations Certification
- Previous firefighting or emergency service experience
- Certifications such as AEMCA or other NFPA standards
- Skilled trades certification
- Post-secondary education
- Coaching and volunteer work
- Demonstrated community service involvement
- Additional language proficiency
- Driving heavy vehicles and operating heavy equipment
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
- Ability to thrive in a team environment
- Firefighting experience (career or volunteer)
Additional Information
Salary: Annual salary of $65,797 (6 months) – 55% of 1st Class Firefighter (2026 Rate).
Hours of Work: Rotating 24-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Application Process: No cover letter required. Resumes must be formatted to include work experience, general education, fire-related education/courses, and community involvement/volunteer experience. Apply at the City of Cambridge's official website.
Posting Closing Date: Wednesday April 30, 2026 at 4:30 pm.
Note: Due to the high volume of applications, the City will not respond to individual inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodation: The City of Cambridge is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. Contact HRServices@Cambridge.ca with accommodation needs.
Privacy: Personal information collected is used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge.