Firefighter Recruitment

All submissions must include our official application form.  

As part of your application package, copies of numerous documents are required.  The application form clearly identifies what must be attached by using an asterisk (*) and bolded font.  For your convenience, please see the application checklist.  Take your time and ensure all copies are included in your application package and that they are in the order of the checklist before you submit it.  Submissions received after the closing date (November 17, 2023) may not be considered.

Our recruitment process is comprised of a number of different steps and will be completed by March 2024.  Testing and interview dates are not flexible. Candidates are advised that all costs associated with the competition, including travel costs, if applicable, and testing fees, will be their own responsibility.  Note: dates are subject to change.

Regular updates on the status of the competition will be posted on our website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to check this site for information rather than phoning the City.  The steps in our recruitment process include:

Next Recruitment Steps

1. Application Review
   • Applications will be reviewed for minimum and preferred qualifications, and for completeness of the application package. Candidates who are referred for testing can expect to be contacted by the week of December 12, 2023.
2. Testing
   • Candidates selected for testing will be invited to participate in the written aptitude and psychometric testing which will be administered online.
   • Testing is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2024.
3. Physical Assessment
   • Candidates will be required to complete the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) prior to the interview stage.
   • CPAT certificates issued within 12 months of the interview date will be considered valid. 
4. 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 will take place between February 5 and February 23, 2024.
5. Reference Checks
   • Each candidate is required to provide three references.
6. Medical Examination
   • At the time of offer, candidates will be required to visit an approved physician to complete a Firefighter Medical Examination, as a condition of employment.
7. 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 have elapsed since you passed the CPAT, you will be required to complete another examination at your own expense before you are hired.

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 that 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 BC driver’s license, Class 3 with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain prior to the interview stage.
  • 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

• Watch the CPAT Orientation Video

• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) BC License or Primary Care Paramedic (PCP).
  • 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 that failure to include information related to B.C. equivalency of driver's license or certificates may eliminate candidates from consideration for this competition.

The number varies based on the number of retirements and newly approved positions. The yearly budget will also determine the number of positions available.

The NFPA serves as the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. It establishes codes and standards for firefighters and fire safety.

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.

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.

• Visit the IFSAC website
• Visit the ProBoard website

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.

No.

Candidates must have completed all of the required qualifications to be eligible to apply for a position.

All applicants, regardless of previous training or experience, must apply to the City of Prince George as entry-level firefighters. There are no transfers between municipalities. If successful, all new firefighter employees begin a 12-month probationary period.