Firefighter Recruitment

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The City of Prince George invites all qualified and exceptionally-trained firefighter candidates when the competition is open.

Recruitment Process and Qualifications

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process consists of a number steps that will be completed by the end of April so probationary firefighters can start working in spring 2022. Please note that the testing and interview dates have been updated, effective December 20, 2021.

Testing and interview dates are not flexible. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with the competition, including travel costs (if applicable) and testing fees.

Recruitment Steps

Application Review

Application packages are reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications and for application package completeness.
Candidates for the 2022 intake who are referred for testing can expect to be contacted by February 1, 2022.

Testing

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in written aptitude and psychometric testing, which will be administered online.
Testing for the 2022 intake is scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Physical Assessment

Candidates will be required to complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
CPAT certificates issued within 12 months of the interview will be considered valid.

Interview

Candidate’s qualifications and test scores will be used to establish a shortlist. These candidates will be invited to participate in an interview.
Interviews for the 2022 intake will be scheduled and candidates will be notified of the dates.

Reference Checks

The City requires three references for each candidate.

Proof of Vaccination

All City employees must be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 as a mandatory condition of employment.
Successful candidates are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

Medical Examination

At the time of employment offer, candidates will be required to visit an approved physician to complete a Firefighter Medical Examination as a condition of employment.

Eligibility List

An Eligibility List will be established to fill anticipated vacancies. The number of candidates placed on the list and the duration of the list are at the City’s discretion. Start dates will vary depending on our staffing needs.
Candidates placed on the Eligibility List will be required to ensure all certificates and licenses are kept current. If more than 12 months has elapsed since you passed the CPAT, you will be required to complete another examination at your own expense before you are hired.

Minimum Qualifications

The following list identifies the minimum qualifications applicants must possess in order to be considered for the Eligibility List of Probationary Firefighters with the City of Prince George. Please note all certificates and licenses must be current in order to be considered valid.

Legally entitled to work in Canada (e.g. Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, etc.).
High school graduation.
Completion of the NFPA 1001 Levels 1 and 2 (IFSAC accredited) standard.

Learn more about approved fire academies from the IFSAC

Physically fit and able to pass both the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the Firefighter Medical Examination (NFPA 1582 standard).
A proven history of satisfactory job performance.
Valid B.C. driver's license, Class 3 with air brake endorsement.

Candidates from outside of B.C. must be licensed to drive a truck with more than two axles. Applicants are required to provide proof of the B.C. equivalency along with their application package.

A driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. More than six points within the last three years may eliminate a candidate from further consideration.
No summary convictions for a criminal offense related to the job of Firefighter.
Current Occupational First Aid Level 3 or First Responder Level 3 certificate.
Demonstrated commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Resources

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate. Candidates with certification from outside B.C. must provide evidence of commencing the equivalency process with the EMA Licensing Board of British Columbia at the time of application.

Learn more about the EMA Licensing Board of British Columbia

Successful completion of a minimum of one year of post-secondary education (30 credits) or completion of two years in a recognized apprenticeship program.
Current technician-level certification in any of the following specialty areas:

Hazardous Materials
High Angle Rescue
Swift Water Rescue
Ice Rescue
Confined Space Entry

Other fire service-related training such as:

Fire Service Instructor
Fire and Safety Educator
Fire Inspector
NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue Awareness or equivalent
Incident Command System (ICS) courses
Wildland Firefighting S100, SPP-WFF Wildland Firefighter or equivalent

Previous firefighting experience (paid or volunteer)

Please note failure to include information related to B.C. equivalency of driver's license or certificates may eliminate candidates from consideration for this competition.

Work Environment

Prince George Fire Rescue Service attends to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, river and wilderness emergencies, and all types of rescue situations. There are four fire halls in the City of Prince George which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A career with the Service provides members with ongoing education in the latest firefighting, fire prevention, medical response, and search and rescue techniques. The Service is also active in the local community through fire and life safety education and fundraising.

Firefighters work an eight-day schedule and average 42 hours a week. The schedule includes two day shifts of 10 hours and two night shifts of 14 hours followed by four days off.

Firefighters serve on teams specializing in: