Probationary Firefighter – Waterloo – 2026

The City of Waterloo is seeking applicants for the position of Probationary Firefighter. This role offers individuals the opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to public safety and emergency response. Candidates will begin their careers in a probationary capacity, participating in rigorous training and development.

• Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 
  • Perform fire suppression duties to extinguish and/or prevent fires to save life and property under emergency conditions
  • Aid and provide emergency medical response, including performing rescue/extrication operations to prevent loss of life or further injury
  • Support fire prevention efforts by conducting demonstrations, public education, inspections and investigations
  • Operate all equipment including pumps, hoses, manual ladders, mechanical ladders, generators, and automobile extrication equipment
  • Secure the emergency scene for the safety of the public and other firefighters
  • Drive and operate any WFR vehicles in accordance with policy and the Highway Traffic Act
  • Support the work team and allied agencies to maintain public safety
  • Perform station, equipment and vehicle maintenance
  • Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation
  • Comply with departmental policies, guidelines, and departmental rules and regulations
  • Provide excellent customer service as well as be a leader in public fire safety education
  • Participate in training exercises and courses to continuously increase knowledge and skills to remain current
  • Be psychologically and physically prepared to respond to emergencies of any kind
  • Other duties as may be required

To be a firefighter you must:

• Be able to work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Be able to swim to meet NFPA 1006 – Water Rescue requirements
• Speak, read and write English fluently, and communicate clearly and precisely under demanding, high-pressure situations
• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

All certifications and certificates must be valid and current.

Applicants must possess the following (please include in application):

• Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service (CTS) certificates:

  1. Stage One – Firefighter Aptitude and Character Test
  2. Stage Two – Hearing Assessment
  3. Stage Two – Vision Assessment
  4. Stage Two – Encapsulated Treadmill Test
  5. Stage Three – Firefighter Physical Aptitude Job – Related Tests (FPAT)
  6. Stage Three – Firefighter Technical Skills Assessment
  7. OFAI Swim Test

• • NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 & 2 certification, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the Pro Board
  • NFPA 1072 - Hazardous Materials Operations
  • Ontario DZ driver’s license or equivalent
  • Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder or equivalent (e.g. Nursing or Paramedic diploma)
  • Red Cross CPR-Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD –Grade 12) or equivalent

In addition to the above, the following are considered assets:

• Emergency Vehicle Technician certification
• NFPA1002 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator
• NFPA 1035 – Fire & Life Safety Educator – Level I
• NFPA 1006 – Technical Rescue Courses

What we will require:

• • A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City.
  • A minimum of three (3) employment references.
  • Completion of pre-employment psychological and medical examinations with results satisfactory to the City (organized by the City)
  • A copy of a valid MTO ‘DZ’ class driver’s licence in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions) is required to perform the job.
  • Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualifications