Index
Recruitment
The City of Prince George's fire department serves a population of 75,000 citizens and responds to an average of 5,000 calls each year. During open recruitment, Prince George Fire and Rescue Services accepts applications from exceptionally trained, highly motivated individuals to join its team and to establish an eligibility list to fill future vacancies.
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The 2020 firefighter recruitment deadline is April 6, 2020 at 5:00pm.
Please forward completed application packages, in confidence, to:
Bev Mix - Human Resources Department
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Fax: 250-561-7719
Email: bev.mix@princegeorge.ca
Recruitment Process and Qualifications
All submissions must include the official application form. Submissions that do not include the form will not be considered.
Copies of numerous documents are required as part of the application package. The application form clearly identifies what must be attached by using an asterisk (*) or
bolded font. Failure to include copies of all required documentation will eliminate candidates from consideration for the competition.
A document checklist is attached with the application form. Take time to ensure all copies are included in the application package before submission. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
All applicants must meet a minimum set of qualifications, which include certifications and fitness requirements, in order to be considered for the Eligibility List of Probationary Firefighters with the City of Prince George. A list of strongly preferred qualifications is also included.
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Please note all certificates and licenses must be current in order to be considered valid.
The recruitment process is comprised of a number of different steps and will be completed by the end of July so the first class of Probationary Firefighters can begin employment in Fall 2020.
Candidates must be available for testing on May 23 and interviews in Prince George between June 23 and July 6.
Candidates are advised that all costs associated with the competition, including travel costs and testing fees, will be their own responsibility. Testing dates are not flexible.
Regular updates on the status of the competition will be posted on this page. Candidates are strongly encouraged to check this page for information rather than phoning the City.
Recruitment Steps
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Application Review
- Application packages are reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications and for application package completeness.
- Candidates who are referred for testing can expect to be contacted by the last week of April.
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Testing
- Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to Prince George to participate in written aptitude and psychometric testing.
- The testing is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Prince George.
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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.
- Candidates are required to submit a copy of their CPAT certificate prior to the interview stage.
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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.
- Interviews will take place between June 23 and July 6, 2020.
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Reference Checks
- The City requires three references for each candidate.
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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.
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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.
- 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.
- 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
- Incident Command System (ICS) courses
- Rescuer basic skills
- 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 will eliminate candidates from consideration for this competition.
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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. 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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