Index
2019 Recruitment Now Open
Firefighters - Competition #19/008
The City of Prince George is seeking exceptionally trained, highly motivated individuals to join its team of professional firefighters. The City's fire department serves a population of 75,000 citizens and responds to an average of 5,000 calls each year. Prince George Fire and Rescue Services is seeking to establish an eligibility list to fill a number of vacancies anticipated to occur over the next two years with a potential start date for the first group of recruits in the fall of 2019.
All submissions must be accompanied by the official application form and must include copies of all documents as indicated. Submissions that do not include the application form and required documents will not be considered.
How to Apply
The City of Prince George's Human Resources Department will accept applications until
February 22, 2019. Application packages may be submitted:
- By mail to OR in person at:
City of Prince George
Human Resources Division (Third Floor)
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
- By email to:
- By fax to:
Copies of numerous documents will be required as part of the application package. The application form will identify what must be attached and failure to include copies of required documents will eliminate a candidate from the competition.
Applications received after the closing date of active recruitment will not be considered.
Qualifications
All applicants must meet a minimum set of qualifications for consideration, which include certifications and fitness requirements. Candidates who satisfy the following criteria are encouraged to submit an application.
Minimum Qualifications
- Legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Secondary School graduate.
- Certified National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Levels 1 and 2 standard from an approved fire academy.
- Physically fit and able to pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the Firefighter Medical Examination (NFPA 1582 standard) .
- Have a proven history of satisfactory job performance.
- Proof of valid Class 3 BC driver's license with air brake endorsement or proof of the BC Driver's License Equivalency.
- Driving record demonstrating safe driving behaviour. Candidates with six or more demerit points received (within the last three years) will not be considered.
- No summary convictions for criminal offenses 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.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Resources
Preferred Qualifications
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate. Candidates certified from outside BC must provide evidence of commencing the equivalency process with the EMA Licensing Board of British Columbia at the time of application.
- Successful completion of one year of post-secondary education (30 credit minimum), 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
- Previous firefighting experience (paid or volunteer)
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What to Expect During the Hiring Process
Candidates must be available for testing and interviews in Prince George on specified dates and are responsible for all costs - including travel and testing fees - associated with the competition.
Recruitment Steps
The firefighter recruitment process takes place over seven steps:
-
Application Review
- Application packages are reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications and for application package completeness.
-
Testing
- Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to Prince George to participate in written aptitude and psychometric testing.
-
Physical Assessment
- Candidates will be required to travel to the Lower Mainland to complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
-
Interview
- Candidate’s qualifications and test scores will be used to establish a shortlist. These candidates will be invited to Prince George to participate in an interview.
-
Reference Checks
- The City requires three references for each candidate.
-
Medical Examination
- Candidates will be required to visit an approved physician to complete a Firefighter Medical Examination.
-
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 twelve months has elapsed since you passed the CPAT or Firefighter Medical Examination, you will be required to complete another examination at your own expense before you are hired.
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Work Environment
Prince George Fire Rescue Service attends to fires, medical emergencies, vehicle crashes, river and wilderness emergencies, and all types of rescue situations. The Department serves 75,000 citizens and responds to an average of 5,000 calls each year. 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 specialising in:
- Vehicle extraction
- Hazardous materials response
- Swift water and ice rescue
- High angle rope and confined space rescue
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Questions and Answers
What is the NFPA 1001 level 1 and 2?
The NFPA 1001 is the nationally recognized standard for training professional firefighters. It identifies the professional levels of competency required of fire department members and fire service entrance requirements.
Where can I obtain the NFPA 1001 certification?
Many academies across North America are certified to deliver the NFPA 1001 program. Candidates must ensure the academy they select is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the ProBoard. Confirm this by visiting the IFSAC and ProBoard websites.
Does it matter where I get my NFPA level 1 and 2 training?
The City does not favour one academy over another. However, all candidates must ensure that the academy they attend is IFSAC and/or ProBoard accredited.
IFSAC
International Fire Service Accreditation College (IFSAC) ensures standards set by the NFPA are maintained by the fire training academies that administer their programs.
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