Probationary Firefighter

The Firefighter position works as a member of a crew to provide effective response to a variety of emergencies. The Firefighter also maintains and operates an assortment of equipment required to mitigate emergencies. The Firefighter operates under the supervision of a Fire Captain but must be able to operate with limited supervision depending on circumstances and will be assigned functions that require the Firefighter to exercise significant responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responds to fire emergencies and performs fire ground operations as part of an emergency response crew.
• Responds to emergency rescue incidents and performs rescue operations.
• May respond to hazardous materials incidents and performs operations to mitigate and control the incident.
• Responds to medical emergencies and performs emergency patient care.
• Operates and maintains fire apparatus, fire fighting and rescue equipment.
• Performs station duties to ensure that stations are clean and support the operation of the fire department.
• Performs public fire safety education and public education activities and participates in fire safety inspections.
• Performs administrative duties.
• Maintains professional competency.

Minimum Qualifications

• NFPA 1001-Firefighter I and II certified, education and training program from an accredited institution
• Valid Certificates from the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. - Candidate Testing Program for Stages One, Two, and Three at the time of application; Valid Swim Test Certificate if selected for an interview.
• Availability to work shifts that may vary (days, nights, weekends, statutory holidays); ability to work extended hours when required as a result of emergency responses; ability to work 24-hour shift schedule.
• Permitted hearing loss is no greater than 40 decibels, unaided, in either ear at 500 Hz/db, 1000 Hz/db, 2000 Hz/db and 3000 Hz/db.
• Must meet the vision requirements as outlined in Chapter Six of NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
• Must possess a current Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C, or higher, Certificate and be current throughout the duration of the recruitment process.
• Must possess a valid Ontario Drivers License Class “D” with “Z” endorsement if selected for an interview.
• Must not have a criminal record unless a pardon has been granted under the Criminal Record Act of Canada.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada (must be either a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant).
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to understand and communicate clearly in verbal and written English.
• Must have completed a minimum of grade 12 or equivalent as approved by the Ministry of Education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience
• Transferable skills (i.e. customer service, mechanical aptitude, working in a team environment, problem solving, communication)
• Other relevant training, qualifications or experience
• Demonstrated community service and/or volunteer involvement

Preparing for firefighter aptitude testing is an important step in the hiring process for Central York Fire Services applicants. Most candidates write a standardized cognitive test (FACT or CPS) before progressing to the interview stage.

Our practice tests mirror the format, timing, and difficulty of real firefighter aptitude exams. Build confidence with full-length FACT and CPS practice tests and detailed explanations.