Firefighter

Introduction

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to offer careers in firefighting. Firefighting is a demanding profession with considerable responsibility to protect life, property and the environment from fire and other hazards. Firefighters respond to incidents involving fire suppression, hazardous materials, high-angle rescue, medical assistance, water and ice rescue, and auto extrication.

Firefighters also deliver key fire safety messages and public education duties. Excellent listening and communication skills are essential.

Satisfaction is derived from public service, working closely in a team environment, and working in a challenging profession. The firefighter’s role is not easy; it involves a high level of personal stress and requires dedication and resilience.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in employment with Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services. We wish you success in your endeavour to become a firefighter.

The City of Owen Sound is an equal-opportunity employer committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the City of Owen Sound, we’re committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged.

Firefighter

**Responsibilities**:
As a member of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services, you will respond to emergency calls requiring rescue operations, medical aid and firefighting tactics.

The profession can entail performance under conditions of physical and mental stress.

Owen Sound Firefighters provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our firefighters work on a five-shift schedule, rotating 10-hour day and 14-hour night shifts with five shifts on and five shifts off, including weekends and holidays. Additionally, Owen Sound Firefighters are required to be on-call and respond within a reasonable time to incidents while on-call. Teamwork is essential to the profession, whether on the scene, at the station, or while providing public service assistance.

Firefighters need the knowledge, strength, and skills to perform the essential duties required to protect the public.

Minimum Qualifications

A) All of the following Qualifications:

- Ontario Secondary School Grade 12 Diploma or academic equivalent; and
- Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” Ontario Driver’s License (or equivalent); and
- Pleasure Craft License
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR “C” Level Certificates

PLUS

B) One of the following Certifications:

- Firefighter Pre-Service Education & Training Program from a recognized institution; OR
- Successful completion of NFPA 1001, including Firefighter I & II (Certified or Qualified); OR
- Five years experience as a firefighter in a municipal fire department with supporting Ontario Fire Marshall (OFM) documentation demonstrating successful grandfathering to the NFPA 1001 Firefighter I & II Level.

How to Apply

Note:
Application Submission Details

Applicants wishing to be considered for the position of Probationary Firefighter must submit the Application Form, proof of the minimum qualifications, and their cover letter and resume as ONE document.
- Subject Title: 2024 Fire Recruitment - Applicant Name
- Only those applicants providing proof of all minimum requirements will be considered for an interview, and only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.

The procedure for selecting firefighters consists of the following steps:
1. Application

2. Interview & Selection Process

3. Conditional Offer

Only the most qualified applicants at each step will proceed to the next step in the selection process.

Interview & Selection Process

Additional Qualifications/ Competencies
- Previous experience in fire suppression, construction, trades, mechanical, other emergency services, fire prevention, Military, Coast Guard, large vehicle/heavy equipment operation, water rescue, SCUBA diving (an asset)
- Skilled Trade License or Certification (an asset)
- Community College diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technician/ Technology Program (an asset)
- University Degree or College Diploma (an asset)
- NFPA training or certifications
- Demonstrated Coaching, Teaching, Mentoring, and Leadership skills
- Volunteer and community involvement
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to handle intense and sustained physical effort necessary to perform firefighting duties safely
- Knowledge of the Ontario Fire Code and Ontario Building Code
- Be able to understand and communicate clearly (orally and written) in English.
- Ability to communicate in a 2nd Language is considered an asset
- Good Mechanical abilities
- Ability to act quickly and remain calm under duress and strain
- Thorough knowledge of the operation of all apparatus, equipment, and methods used in combating, ext