Probationary Firefighter – St. Thomas – 2025

The City of St. Thomas Fire Department is seeking applications for Probationary Firefighters. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career dedicated to serving the community by responding to emergencies, providing public safety education, and maintaining high standards of professionalism. Operating out of two stations, the department values teamwork, dedication, and the ability to perform under stressful situations.

• Responds to alarms and participates in all phases of firefighting, medical response, rescues (hazardous materials, water/ice rescue, confined space), and other emergency operations.
• Completes operations in accordance with STFD operational guidelines and standard operating policies, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Safely drives and operates departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment per provincial legislation and department guidelines (including pumping and elevated device operations).
• Fulfills firefighter task-level roles in the STFD Incident Command System and support roles such as accountability, entry control, safety officer, rehabilitation, and rapid intervention.
• Provides emergency patient care according to applicable standards and/or Base Hospital requirements.
• Participates in inspection and maintenance of apparatus and equipment, including post-emergency and scheduled maintenance.
• Participates in fire station maintenance activities.
• Takes part in all training sessions, post-fire evaluations, and critical incident stress debriefings.
• Maintains high physical fitness, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and participates in health/wellness programs.
• Complies with all department and corporate rules, regulations, policies, codes of conduct, and relevant legislation.
• Promotes the department's brand, maintains a positive public image, and upholds professionalism.
• Ensures proper maintenance and wearing of uniforms, station wear, and firefighting clothing as per departmental policy.
• Accurately completes all required STFD reports promptly.
• Acts as Radio/Telephone Operator as needed, receiving and recording emergency calls and assisting in dispatch.
• Participates in public safety education, fire prevention programming, and special events, including home education and commercial inspections.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of city streets, roads, and occupancy locations.
• Responds to emergency callback requests when paged.
• Assists with program analysis and equipment evaluations upon request.
• Mentors and/or trains new recruit firefighters.
• Successfully completes examinations and performance evaluations as required.
• Maintains all required certifications.
• Complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding worker duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• 18 years of age or older
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
• NFPA 1001; Firefighter Level 1 and 2 Certification (IFSAC or Pro Board seal, grandfathering)
• NFPA 472 or NFPA 1072; Awareness and Operations (IFSAC or Pro Board seal)
• Valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. Candidate Testing Services certificates (Stage One, Stage Two, Stage Three), completed and valid at time of conditional offer
• Valid Standard First Aid certificate and valid CPR for Health Care Providers (Level HCP) certificate, completed and valid at time of conditional job offer
• Minimum valid Class "DZ" driver's license at time of application
• Available and able to work a 24-hour shift schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Excellent physical health and ability to perform demanding physical requirements
• Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English (oral and written) in stressful situations
• Ability to cope in high stress situations
• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to obtain and provide satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record search at time of conditional job offer

• Professional and/or volunteer firefighting experience
• Completion of related NFPA courses
• Emergency experience (e.g., Paramedic, Emergency Nursing, etc.)
• University degree or college diploma; college certificate
• Trade apprenticeship or certification (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, Mechanic, Construction)
• Demonstrated consistent community service and/or volunteer involvement
• Other relevant specialized training, qualifications, or experience

Hours of Work: Twenty-four (24) hour shifts, averaging forty-two (42) hours per week over a four-week period. Shift consists of a 10-hour day shift (08:00 to 18:00) and a 14-hour night shift (18:00 to 08:00).

Compensation: Starting rate of $68,126 per annum (2024 rate), plus benefits as per the Collective Agreement.

Assessments: Selected applicants will undergo an assessment process including interviews, references, and potentially additional testing.

Conditions of Employment: Must successfully complete/pass an audiology assessment and medical examination arranged by the City, provide a satisfactory criminal police check with vulnerable position screening, and a satisfactory driver’s abstract.

• Original documents may be required during the selection/hiring process.
• Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with certificates, testing, travel, etc., during recruitment.
• The City uses email and phone for communication. Applicants must provide accurate contact information and regularly check their email and voicemail, including junk folders.
• Due to high application volume, only those selected for interview will be contacted; do not call the City, HR, or Fire Department. Inquiries can be sent by email to hr@stthomas.ca.
• By applying, you authorize the City to contact OFAI to verify qualifications.
• Personal information is collected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation for candidate selection purposes only.
• Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants must make needs known in advance. The City is an equal opportunity employer.
• Applications are accepted online only through the City of St. Thomas employment portal. Applications delivered in person, by mail, or fax will not be accepted.
• To apply, go to the City of St. Thomas website – Employment Opportunities, select "Probationary Firefighters," create/login to Dayforce, upload resume, cover letter, and required documentation (NFPA 1001, Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, university/college credentials), and ensure all documents are uploaded before submitting. Qualification questions must be answered during the application.
• Application deadline is Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• For accommodation needs or questions, contact Human Resources at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.