Probationary Firefighter – Welland, ON – 2026

The City of Welland is recruiting for a Probationary Firefighter position within Welland Fire and Emergency Services. This recruitment is expected to attract a high volume of applicants, and only a select number of candidates will proceed through each stage.

Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment, must meet all conditions of employment (including medical screening), and will be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period with multiple performance evaluations and testing throughout the recruit program.

Probationary Period and Evaluation Requirements:

• Successfully complete a twelve (12) month probationary period.
• Participate in performance evaluations conducted a minimum of four times during the probationary period.
• Complete evaluations that may include oral, written and/or practical testing throughout the recruit program, as well as any further testing per the Collective Agreement.

• NFPA 1001-Firefighter I and II certification from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board®)
• Possess valid Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI) Candidate Testing Service Stage 1, 2 and 3 and swim test certificates. Swim test certificates are not required to apply, but must be valid as of April 24, 2026, and remain valid through July 6, 2026.
• Possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or academic equivalent.
• Possess valid and current Standard First Aid and CPR C certificates. Higher levels of certification will also be accepted.
• Possess a valid and unrestricted Ontario class “D” driver’s license with a “Z” air brake endorsement and a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Applicants with 6 or more demerit points are ineligible for consideration. A driver’s abstract will be required at the conditional offer stage and will be run by the City.
• Possess a satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Please note that successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory police record check dated within the last 30 days as a condition of employment.
• Valid Pleasure Craft Operator card.
• Be able to understand and communicate clearly in English under stressful conditions, both oral and written.
• The ability to work cooperatively as a member of an effective and professional team.
• Have a strong desire to serve the community and a strong work ethic.

Preference may be given to those who possess any of the following:

• Two years experience as a municipal full-time Firefighter in a municipal fire department; or
• Minimum 3 years continuous volunteer Firefighting experience in a municipal fire department.
• University degree or college diploma.
• NFPA 1072 or 1006 Certification and/or training at the Operations level or higher
• Fluency in languages other than English.
• Trade apprenticeship or certification.
• Medical training or experience (i.e., Paramedic, Nursing etc.).
• Emergency Medical Responder certification.
• Other relevant specialized training, qualifications, or experience.
• Demonstrated community service and/or volunteer involvement.

Important Notes:

• Only those applicants selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.
• Resumes and cover letters will only be accepted online. The City will not accept applications delivered in person or by mail.
• Applicants must possess all necessary certifications outlined in this posting at time of application. Applicants who are in the process of obtaining required certifications will not be considered. The only exception is the OFAI swim test certificate which must be valid as of April 24, 2026, and remain valid through July 6, 2026.
• Applicants are responsible for all costs (i.e.: certificates, testing, travel, medical etc.) throughout the recruitment process.
• Completion of the OFAI certificate does not guarantee applicants will move forward in the recruitment process.
• Successful candidates will be required to successfully complete a medical screening that is satisfactory to the City. The medical examination will include a medical review and physical completion forms, Vision Scanner, Urinalysis and Audiogram. The medical will be based on the latest edition of NFPA 1582 “Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments”.
• Prior to starting your application, please carefully read the job description above and the recruitment timeline outlined below.
• Firefighter recruitments attract a high volume of applicants. The City is unable to respond to individual inquiries during or after the recruitment process. Please do not call the City, Human Resources or the Fire department. If you do have an inquiry, please email your inquiry to recruitment@welland.ca.

If you are interested in a career as a Probationary Firefighter with the City of Welland, please submit your resume and cover letter online at no later than 16:00 on Friday, April 10, 2026 to https://city-of-welland.breezy.hr/p/8956f404bc9e.

The City of Welland is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. In addition, the City of Welland is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Should you require any accommodations, we will work to meet your needs.

All applications are held in strict confidence. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview.

No phone calls, please.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is for employment assessment purposes only.