Probationary Firefighter – St. Thomas – 2025

The City of St. Thomas Fire Department is seeking Probationary Firefighters to join their team of 63 full-time staff. This position involves responding to a variety of emergencies, providing public safety education, and maintaining fire department equipment and facilities. Firefighters work under the supervision of a Captain and contribute to protecting life, property, and the environment.

Emergency Response & Firefighting:

• Responds to alarms and participates in all phases of firefighting, medical responses, rescues (hazardous materials, water/ice rescue, confined space), and other emergency operations.
• Completes all operations following STFD operational guidelines and maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Safely drives and operates departmental vehicles, apparatus, and equipment in compliance with legislation and procedures, including pumping and high-level operations.
• Fills 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 in line with applicable standards.
• Responds to motor vehicle emergencies for scene, vehicle, and patient stabilization, and extrication if necessary.

Maintenance & Inspection:

• Participates in the inspection and maintenance of all apparatus and equipment, including post-emergency and scheduled maintenance.
• Engages in all fire station maintenance activities.
• Ensures uniform, station wear, and firefighting clothing are properly maintained and worn according to policies.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of streets, roads, and occupancy locations throughout the City.

Training & Development:

• Participates in all training sessions, post-fire evaluations, and critical incident stress debriefings.
• Mentors and/or trains new recruit firefighters.
• Successfully completes examinations and performance evaluations as required.
• Maintains all required certifications.

Public Safety & Communication:

• Assists and provides public safety education and fire prevention programming, including special events and home education programming.
• Fulfils the role of Radio/Telephone Operator when required; receives and records emergency calls and assists in dispatching apparatus and equipment.
• Accurately completes all STFD reports in a timely manner.

Other Duties:

• Complies with all rules, regulations, responsibilities, codes of conduct, and legislative requirements.
• Promotes the City of St. Thomas Fire Department brand and maintains a positive public image.
• Responds to emergency callback requests when paged.
• Assists with program analysis and equipment evaluations upon request.
• Maintains a high level of physical fitness and participates in health/wellness programming.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• Age: 18 years of age or older
• Citizenship: Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Education: Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent

Certifications:

• 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)
• OFAI Candidate Testing Services: Valid Stage One, Stage Two, and Stage Three certificates at time of conditional offer
• First Aid/CPR: Valid Standard First Aid certificate and valid CPR for Health Care Providers (Level HCP) certificate at time of conditional job offer

Licensing:

• Driver’s License: Minimum valid Class "DZ" driver's license at time of application

Physical & Other Requirements:

• Excellent physical health and capable of performing demanding physical requirements
• Ability to work a 24-hour shift schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to understand and communicate clearly in English, both 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 a satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record search at time of conditional job offer

Assets & Preferred Experience:

• Professional and/or Volunteer Firefighting Experience
• Completion of related NFPA Courses
• Emergency Experience (e.g., Paramedic, Emergency Nursing)
• University Degree or College Diploma; College Certificate
• Trade Apprenticeship or Certification (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, Mechanic, Construction)
• Consistent community service and/or volunteer involvement
• Other relevant specialized training, qualifications, or experience

Compensation & Hours:

Starting rate: $68,126 per annum (2024 rate), plus benefits as per the Collective Agreement.
Work schedule: Twenty-four (24) hour shifts, averaging forty-two (42) hours per week over a four-week period.
A 24-hour shift comprises a 10-hour day shift (08:00 to 18:00) and a 14-hour night shift (18:00 to 08:00).

Assessment & Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants will participate in assessments including interviews, references, and potentially additional testing.
• Successful candidates must complete an audiology assessment, medical examination, criminal police check with vulnerable sector screening, and submit a satisfactory driver’s abstract.

Application Process:

1. Applications accepted online only via the City of St. Thomas Employment Opportunities page (www.stthomas.ca).
2. Search for "Probationary Firefighters" posting and apply using Dayforce Login/Register.
3. Upload resume, cover letter, NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2, Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), and any other relevant degrees/certificates.
4. Answer qualification questions as part of the online application.
5. Applications must be received no later than Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Equity & Accessibility:

• The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodations for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants should make accommodation needs known in advance.
• Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and used for candidate selection only.

Important Notes:

• Applicants may be required to present original documents during the selection/hiring process.
• Applicants are responsible for all associated costs (certificates, testing, travel, etc.) in the recruitment process.
• The City uses email and phone to communicate with applicants; ensure contact details are accurate and messages are checked regularly, including junk folders.
• Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• For inquiries, contact hr@stthomas.ca (no phone calls please).