Recruitment Process and Qualifications
The competition is now closed. Shortlisted applicants have now been contacted.
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.
Next Recruitment Steps
- 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 2023 intake has concluded.
- 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 2023 intake will be scheduled and candidates will be notified of the dates.
- Reference Checks
- The City requires three references for each candidate.
- 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 have elapsed since you passed the CPAT, you will be required to complete another examination at your own expense before you are hired.
- Testing
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
- 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
- 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 rescue situations. Four fire halls in Prince George 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:
- Vehicle extraction
- Hazardous materials response
- Swift water and ice rescue
- High angle rope and confined space rescue
Questions and Answers
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.
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.